Most astrophysicists reject religious doctrine. Did they start off that way?

Question

If not, what do they know that we don't? (Or think they know)?

Answer 1

Having taken graduate physics including general relativity and cosmology courses and having worked at NASA I can tell you most physicists are indeed atheists as I am. I can think of many things most theists don't understand, many more than I can mention here.

A few:

Algorithmic Information Theory and Kolmogorov Complexity and mechanisms of how complexity actually occurs in complex systems.

Anthropic Principle and Selection effects.

Just how vast reality truly is: ( Most likely infinite ).

The amazing degree of isomorphism between mathematics and nature, and the real possibility that nature IS mathematics.

How interpretation of reality as space/time rather than space changing with time implies reality is fundamentally eternal and timeless and leaves no need for a creator.

I could go on and on but lack the time and inclination.

Answer 2

A real astrophysicist knows a lot about the phenomena in the universe. His knowledge is the result of many years of study and research. We actually know nothing about astrophysics. Nothing.To ask what they know that we don't is like asking what does a heart surgeon know that I don't, even if I never got close to a medical school.
They went throuh a rigorous process of studying and became convinced that their knowledge brings them close to reality.
Their work is what they really believe in. To them, religion pretty much ignores the importance of all that scientific knowledge and promotes the idea
that God controls everything, so don't bother. All you are doing is waste!
That religious idea is based on beliefs, not facts.
If you reflect a little bit, everything about religion is based only on belief. There are absolutely no facts.
Astrophysicists don't like that.

Answer 3

That is a good question; I tend to think they do, because many people persue career fields that connect with them on a personal level, i.e. the person who is interested in science, and is also adament that God does or does not exist would become some sort of scientist and try to prove it.

Then consider how that has worked out for many of them. Often, the scientist who sets out to prove evolution or string theory (etc...) often ends up quitting in frustration or at the very least admitting that scientists don't know nearly as much as they claim. (Tell me I am lying, I can use Darwin as an example of this.)

However, Christian scientists are still Christians; is it becuase they are stupid scientists? I think not...

Answer 4

Sorry I don't want to be mean but most thinking people do reject religious doctrine.

It doesn't necessarily mean that they don't believe in God or some creative force. It just means that they don't believe the nonsense about God being a big judgmental punishing white guy that lives on a far off cloud called heaven.

The whole idea is absurd and an insult to the real unconditionally loving God.

Love and blessings Don

Answer 5

No,most scientists do not reject religion--astrophysicists or otherwise. That is a lie perpretrated by religious fanatics like Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson.

Answer 6

It all depends on the individual but the fact is that MOST scientist are agnostic, atheist etc..

It is most likely the fact that religion relies on faith meaning you don't need an explanation for anything but with science you need facts.

Answer 7

No they clearly did not start that way.

What they know is that there are other answers for how the universe came from. And they know the universe is far older than the claims of any religion.

Answer 8

Doctrine is for the dogmatic. Science is about investigation.