Although there are limitations, folks brought up in one of the many religions still can be fairly good scientists. To do scientific work, one must adhere faithfully to one of the most important assumptions of science: causality, the belief that there are material causes for effects. There are two main branches of this belief: 1) specific causality and 2) general causality. Specific causality is used in everyday scientific work. It need be applied only to the observation or experiment at hand. One can seek material causes in one part of life, and ignore them in another part. Specific causality is logically compatible with specific acausality, the belief that material causes may not be involved (e.g., “god,” “spirit,” “chance,” etc.). There is, however, a problem that inevitably threatens a scientific career based solely on specific causality: experience. The more successful one becomes and the more experiments one does, especially in marginally related fields, the more one tends to generalize causality. In due time, through laziness, perhaps, as much as through experience, one begins to use “all effects,” where “effects” would do. Almost all the really great scientists end up doing this, damaging their religious belief in the process. For instance, about 93% of the members of the National Academy of Sciences do not believe in a personal god.
The belief in specific causality, like the belief in a specific religion, can be maintained only by restricting experience. Religious scientists need to confine themselves to a narrow specialty; religious non-scientists need to confine their activities to the desired religion. Outside influences must be avoided. The Internet seems unlikely to be helpful in this regard. The current rush to globalization is sure to intensify the contradictions between the various religions, causing millions to question traditional beliefs. Fortunately, the result of all this outside influence will be the development of a new international philosophy free from the contradictions that appear to overwhelm us at present (see www.thescientificworldview.com).