Science and faith, the British way

Some of the most prominent researchers in England enjoy a vibrant religious life that coexists with their immersion in the scientific world. Indeed, these evangelicals might give American believers, and scientists, something to think about.

CAMBRIDGE, England — From Charles Darwin to Richard Dawkins, science has been seen as an ally of atheism, religion's aggressive adversary.

(Keith Simmons

"Historically, religious faith — and its denial — have played a major part in science," says Keith Ward, author of The Big Questions in Science and Religion. The pioneering work of Copernicus, Galileo and Kepler all came into conflict with church authorities and doctrines, although these astronomers and cosmologists insisted they were sincere believers. In fact, theology was once considered the "queen of the sciences."