Looking at both historical and contemporary contexts, the author argues that religion has played a major role in suppressing scientific pursuit.

Introduction -- The earliest skirmishes -- The rebirth and triumph of science -- Darwin, design, and deity -- Toward the new physics -- Particles and waves -- Cosmos and creator -- Purpose -- Transcendence -- Beyond evolution -- Matter and mind -- Metaphor, atheist spirituality, and immanence -- From conflict to incompatibility -- Why does it matter?.