ABSTRACT
The chapters in this edited collection reiterate the growing need to approach the study of science and belief with greater nuance, recognizing them as interconnected aspects of people’s everyday experiences worldwide and to explore the dynamic interplay between science and belief across diverse historical, cultural, and global contexts. The chapters reflect the wider development of the field over the past 25 years, from historical controversies and material culture to present-day country-specific studies and quantitative research comparing global perspectives. Themes such as the persistence of conflict narratives, the role of social identity in shaping these perceptions, and the projection of conflict onto ‘others, are prominent. Moving beyond traditional Westerncentric frameworks – and the Abrahamic faiths – the final chapters highlight new directions in studying science and belief, examining underexplored regions, traditions, and movements.
