Dr. Snobelen's research and teaching interests include history of science (early modern and nineteenth century), science and religion, science in popular culture, the popularization of science, radical theology in the early modern period, and millenarianism. His primary research efforts are currently devoted to interpreting Isaac Newton’s theological manuscripts and understanding the relationships between Newton’s science and his religion.
Dr. Snobelen has consulted for and appeared in television documentaries on Isaac Newton, including Newton: The Dark Heretic. His most popular course is on science fiction film, which he uses to introduce historical, philosophical, and ethical themes about science and technology to undergraduates in the humanities, sciences, and engineering. He and his wife Julia have four children who help keep them grounded in the more important things of life.
New Atheism provides an opportunity to bring clarity, to do soul-searching before casting the first stone, and to rise to higher standards. In this way, New Atheism is not a curse, bu... Read More >
How some New Atheists aren’t necessarily atheistic Read More >
How the New Atheists imperialistically devalue other ways of finding truth. Read More >
The formula “science = atheism” is widely accepted by New Atheists and their readers, even though virtually all historians understand that science does necessitate any par... Read More >
Reductionism often involves not just simplification, but oversimplification; and, it carries a powerful emotional impact, especially when it pertains to human bein... Read More >
How the New Atheists abuse the limits of science with intolerant attacks on religion. Read More >
Well-known New Atheist writers exhibit intolerance of religious beliefs, including the religious beliefs of Christians in the sciences, such as BioLogos Founder Francis Collins. Read More >
What New Atheist authors won’t admit about the Middle Ages. Read More >
By drawing attention to the Myth of the Medieval Gap and other fantasies, Carl Sagan probably did more (unintentionally) to advance historical fiction than anyone since Andrew Dickson... Read More >
On reasons to reject God-of-the-gaps arguments and the “Conflict” view of science and religion. Read More >
What the New Atheists want you to believe about the historical relationship between science and religion, and why it's entirely false. Read More >
Stephen Snobelen discusses and critiques the New Atheists and the Conflict Thesis, or the view “that there is an essential conflict between science and religion.” Read More >
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