About NSSSR

The Network for the Sociological Study of Science and Religion (NSSSR) was established in 2011 to promote empirical research on the relationship between science and religion. While historians, theologians, and philosophers have done impressive work on this topic, we believe that sociology, with its distinctive theoretical frameworks and methodological tools, has much to add to this important area of inquiry. 

We do not begin with any transcendent epistemological assumptions—as in theology, for example—but rely on empirical observation and reasoned induction and deduction when making claims about the social world. Using sociological tools, we explore the conditions under which science and religion are in varying degrees of concord or conflict.

Inasmuch as religion and science remain two of the most dominant lenses through which people view the world, our topic is vital. Given the importance of this domain of inquiry, the objectives of the NSSSR are as follows:

To further these goals, the co-facilitators recently obtained a $2.9 million grant from the Templeton Religion Trust to build up research in this area. The funds are being distributed to scholars to conduct research in this area.