Any thoughts re: this 2009 poll: over half of scientists (51%) believe in some form of deity or higher power?

Question

"A survey of scientists who are members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, conducted by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press in May and June 2009, finds that members of this group are, on the whole, much less religious than the general public. Indeed, the survey shows that scientists are roughly half as likely as the general public to believe in God or a higher power. According to the poll, just over half of scientists (51%) believe in some form of deity or higher power; specifically, 33% of scientists say they believe in God, while 18% believe in a universal spirit or higher power."
http://www.pewforum.org/Science-and-Bioethics/Scientists-and-Belief.aspx

Gomakawitnessofjesus · Accepted Answer

wow, that sounds cool. 
the only problem is,  its not the half of them that will stand up for the sake of the gospel, or they lose their jobs and even tenure 
remember the movie by ben stein.?  Expelled.  people want a paycheck more than the kingdom of god

strpenta · Answer

1. that is ONE poll
2. they're scientists...they don't devote a lot of thought into theology or philosophy
3. You'll find that between the thousands of Xian sects (alone...that's not including Jewish or Islamic groups), the OPINION of what God is differs A LOT
4. that argument is called 'appealing to a higher authority'. It does nothing to change the fact that the basic premise is unnatural and there is no proof to back that claim up.

Brigalow Bloke · Answer

The results of these surveys depend on the exact wording of the questions, which that article does not give, as far as I can see. 

There is no form of science that disproves the existence of gods. The existence or non-existence of gods continues to be a matter of opinion, for which no evidence either way has been found  But all science disproves the material in various holy books.

? · Answer

According to the article, that data came from a Christian organization called Pew Research Center, and their sample size was very small. This data is not very reliable and likely skewed. So this poll is not worth paying attention to.

darwinsfriend3 AM · Answer

How many of the respondents answered yes to both questions?
How many scientists were asked these questions?
Polls are a waste of time

? · Answer

i might think of Deist. concept in a extra physically powerful power or deity is especially a lot for all intents and purposes "god". Deist have faith that a extra physically powerful power created each thing yet would not contain himself in our familiar lives.

? · Answer

I've heard that that number is closer to 90% (from multiple sources) who don't believe, and those who do close to deism or a mix of science and religion. 

My thoughts? Bs

? · Answer

Pretty much irrelevant.  Do they live creative and heart-filled lives...and contribute to their communities and the human race?  Einstein, e.g., is one of my great heroes...and he was not a deist, by any stretch of the imagination.

Anonymous · Answer

Honestly, I think its sad that 49% of scientists do not believe.

Wayward Sun · Answer

The scientific method gives you healthy skepticism.

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Any thoughts re: this 2009 poll: over half of scientists (51%) believe in some form of deity or higher power?

11 Answers