What is Scientism?

In the modern world, people will believe almost anything if it is dressed up in the name of science. — C.S. Lewis

In his documentary, The Magician’s Twin: CS Lewis and the case against Scientism, John West takes the position that science training does not give someone the right to dictate moral decisions to the rest of society. Yet we see politicians, educators and administrators dictating right and wrong based on Scientism. And people take it.

According to Lewis:

1. Both science and magic can function as a religion.
2. Both science and magic encourage gullibility, or a lack of skepticism.
3. Both science and magic are about the quest for power.

Modern science is much more dangerous than magic. -CS Lewis

Science - knowledge possessed or attained through study or practice. [Websters 1913].

Scientism - The belief that the investigative methods of the physical sciences are applicable or justifiable in all fields of inquiry. [Amer. Herit.]

What do you think? Has Scientism displaced Christianity as the new religion of the USA?

The Magician’s Twin: C.S. Lewis and the Case against Scientism

Thanks to Scott Pruitt for pointing out this video..

Websters 1913 Dictionary ↩

American Heritage Dictionary ↩