Communicating for Conservation:
Perspectives on the Science-Religion Dialogue
Alisse Garner, 2006 SCB Meetings. alisse@conservationdialogue.org

Summary

Scientists need to understand that there are many worldviews concerning the relationship between science and religion, not just NOMA (“Non-Overlapping Magisteria”). The relationship is better formulated by defining science and respecting its limits, both from within and from without; the domain of religion is more problematic to define.

Scientists need to understand what science is and what it is not. We need to communicate accurately, distinguishing between our science and our values.

Discourse with religion cannot be dismissed on the basis of NOMA, and our students should be trained to think and converse across the boundary of science without violating it. This is particularly true of a field like conservation biology, which by definition spans that boundary. Scientists must be careful not to perpetuate conflict when conversing with people of diverse worldviews. No matter one’s worldview concerning religion, there remains a boundary around science, and respecting this boundary will mitigate conflict.

When scientists violate the boundary of science, they essentially invite religious groups do the same, and conflict results. Case in point: evolution versus intelligent design.

Expecting religions to convert or adapt to a science-dictated worldview is inappropriate and unrealistic. First, science is not equipped to referee in religious matters, and second, people are not readily willing to change their strongly-held religious beliefs. However, allowing diversity of opinion need not jeopardize the success of conservation.

Conservation can be a topic of agreement despite our diverse worldviews, if we will communicate science accurately and work with religions to find common ground in our values. Religions contain many messages that compliment and encourage conservation. Many religions have voiced willingness to listen to, learn from, and cooperate with science; scientists must reciprocate with civility and tolerance if we truly hope to rally the support we need for conservation.