Integrate Faith Into Your Work
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GCE Editorial Team
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Approved and verified accurate by the Faculty Chair of the College of Theology on Dec. 4, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
The question of whether science and religion can coexist peacefully is a complex one. Yes, it’s possible for a person to be both religious and a science-minded individual — and it’s entirely possible for a religious person to be a scientist or a medical science professional. However, it’s also important to acknowledge that different people may share different perspectives, and that these perspectives can vary from one religion to the next.
Can science and religion coexist? Some people would say no, while others would agree that these two spheres are not incompatible. A Pew Research Center survey from 2025 discovered that out of all U.S. adults surveyed, 50% felt that science and religion are “mostly in conflict,” while 47% felt that science and religion are “mostly compatible.” The survey also found that the more religious a respondent was, the more likely they were to say that science and religion are compatible.(See disclaimer 1)
Just as many devoted Christians believe that there is no real science and religion conflict, plenty of people of other faiths also feel that the two worlds can coexist peacefully.(See disclaimer 2)
After interviewing people of non-Christian faiths one-on-one, the Pew Research Center determined that many Muslims generally believe that science and religion can coexist, although there may be some friction. Hindu interviewees generally believe that science and religion are overlapping areas, while Buddhist interviewees typically believe that science and religion, while completely separate areas, are not in conflict with each other.(See disclaimer 2)
At GCU, we generally believe that science and religion can indeed be compatible. This is evidenced in our integration of the Christian faith directly into all of our degree programs’ curricula — from humanities and social sciences to medical science and technology.
Are science and religion incompatible or compatible for you? As you reflect on this question, you may wish to consider the historical perspectives over time, common misconceptions and how your faith and Bible studies might shape your own career in medical science or another STEM field.
Different people may have different perspectives on the compatibility of science and religion. This makes sense, as the intersection between religion and science has evolved over time. It’s expressed in different ways throughout time and across geographic regions and cultures.
One of the most notable scientific thinkers of the 15th and 16th centuries was Galileo Galilei, who served as a professor of mathematics at the University of Padua. He invented the experimental method and a telescope with an 18-20 fold magnification. This allowed Galileo to determine that the Milky Way was made up of untold numbers of stars. Galileo is most known, however, for confirming a theory previously developed by Nicolaus Copernicus: that the sun is the center of the solar system and the Earth and other planets revolve around it.(See disclaimer 3 )As a result, Galileo, who was a devout Catholic and also stood by the heliocentric model, was accused of heresy and sentenced to house arrest for the rest of his life.(See disclaimer 3)
Conflicts between science and religion continued over time. Today, Egyptologists know how to decipher ancient hieroglyphs, but that wasn’t always the case. A scientist, Thomas Young, and a linguist, Jean-Francois Champollion, were working on cracking the mystery of the Rosetta Stone in order to read hieroglyphs. Champollion's approach using the Coptic language was successful, bringing pride to his native France, but consternation from the Church.(See disclaimer 4)
Christian church leaders of this time held high political power and opposed Champollion’s work because they feared it might appear as anti-Christian. Specifically, they believed the mysteries of ancient Egypt might call the biblical timeline into question. Champollion discovered and deciphered artifacts from the time of Egyptian King Djedkare. Rather than publicizing this knowledge, Champollion decided to take it to his grave, rather than risk offending the Church.(See disclaimer 4)
Today, religion and science continue to intersect, and there are many areas in which faith strives to influence scientific advances, particularly in the field of human health and medical bioethics. Some examples of areas in which faith and medical science may intersect include:
Despite the historical science and religion conflicts over time, today many people see these two spheres as compatible. If you intend on entering a STEM career, consider taking some time to pray about your aspirations and explore how you might integrate your beliefs into your work.
Consider how your faith might both influence and support a scientific career, and ask God for His guidance as you seek to develop a stronger understanding of the world around you. For some people, faith may give them a call to serve others and may shape the direction of their career. For example, you might decide to study health science or biological sciences with the goal of helping others in your community.
Faith can express itself in other ways, of course, and for inspiration, you might look to notable STEM professionals who successfully merge their faith with their work. One example is Rev. George V. Coyne, a Jesuit astrophysicist who directed the Vatican Observatory. Along with his work in astronomy, Rev. Coyne made it his life's mission to reconcile the two spheres of science and religion.(See disclaimer 5)
Rev. Coyne defended the work of both Darwin and Galileo, acknowledged the role of humans in driving climate change, while challenging theories like intelligent design and creationism. According to another Vatican Observatory director, Brother Consolmagno, Rev. Coyne also sought to defend religion from those “who wished to use science as a tool against religion.”(See disclaimer 5)
In an article Rev. Coyne wrote in which he “sought to reconcile religion with evolution,” the late astrophysicist wrote, “God in his infinite freedom continuously creates a world that reflects that freedom at all levels of the evolutionary process to greater and greater complexity. He is not continually intervening, but rather allows, participates, loves.”(See disclaimer 5)
There are many common misconceptions about the intersection of science and religion. One of the most common misconceptions is that science and religion are mutually exclusive, in that science disproves faith and religion rejects scientific advances. In fact, there are many individuals in the STEM community who integrate faith with science, Rev. Coyne being one notable example.
Another misconception is that science and religion are destined to always be in conflict with each other, but this isn’t necessarily the case. For example, during Rev. Coyne’s time as the director of the Vatican Observatory, the Vatican acknowledged that he believed Galileo and Darwin were correct and that scientific teachings and religion could coexist.(See disclaimer 5)
Similarly, in medicine, healthcare providers are encouraged to deliver culturally competent care that acknowledges and respects the needs of a religiously diverse patient population. For example, in Christian Science (a religion separate from Christianity), members often prefer minimal healthcare intervention, but the church encourages members to receive vaccinations when needed. This is a practical example of how science and religion can reconcile; the Christian Science faithful may prefer spiritual healing, but do not, on principle, oppose modern scientific advancements.(See disclaimer 6)
Grand Canyon University nurtures a vibrant Christian learning community online and on campus in the heart of Phoenix, AZ. Here, students hold prayer circles and study the Bible together, and professors integrate biblical quotes into their classes. Through faith-integrated courses and plenty of worship activities on campus, GCU provides opportunities for students to merge their faith with their purpose for the future.
Explore our wide range of degree programs in fields ranging from medical science and other STEM pursuits to theology and ministry. Consider earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Medicine degree or a Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree. Students who wish to devote their professional lives to God’s Word might consider earning a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Biblical Studies degree, perhaps paired with a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Biblical Languages program.
Learn more about how GCU can empower you to shape your future in STEM or in ministry and theology. Fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor and get more information about becoming a member of our Christian learning community online or on campus.
Science and religion can indeed coexist peacefully. While perspectives vary across time periods, geographical locations, cultures and individuals, there are many instances of harmony between science and religion.
