Will technological research and development grind to a halt if religious extremists have their way?

Question

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/15/science/sciencespecial2/15essa.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&ref=science&adxnnlx=1155684706-vCdgOb9GA8+pPWA/cCa2bA

Answer 1

In some fields, the answer is unequivocally yes. Religious fundamentalists do see anything that can run against their vision of religion as the work of the devil, and would withhold any public funding, could boycott private source of funds, and might even seek to make research is some fields illegal.

Answer 2

How many new technologies come out of Iran?

The answer is yes.

Religious societies, as opposed to moral societies, place far greater limits on investigation into areas outside the status quo.

Answer 3

If history is a good indicator - nothing, but NOTHING - try as they might - not religeous fanatics, simple minded tyrants, the dark ages, or anything else - can or will stop technological progress. Man just simply has to expand his horizons with knowledge.

Answer 4

Most of it, yes. Stem cell research is one such example.