Scientific advances in the fields of medicine and biology are perceived in diverse ways, depending on culture, values, and religion, etc. The Recôncavo, Bahia, Brazil, a territory that during the colonial period was the province's most important commercial center, and the largest producer of sugar cane and cotton, is emblematic of this condition. In this region, demographic groups, made up of descendents of rural producers and their associates, with a Caucasian ethnicity, and by descendents of slaves, with African ethnicity, have, across the centuries, consolidated and transformed their beliefs. A great diversity of beliefs have resulted from these processes; of a Christian origin: (Catholicism, Protestantism); of an African origin: (Ilê, Axé, Ogunjá, and Candomblé) with a Nagô and Malé essence including an Islamic influence. These also included beliefs systems a of mixed origin, involving Catholicism and African religious denominations, such as "Boa Morte" and Umbanda. This ample spectrum of religions that coexist without conflict, manifest different reactions to the practices and conduct of contemporary science. Questions such as genetic modification, the use of stem-cells and cloning etc. are viewed differently, with tolerance or resistance, by these belief systems. This work proposes the systematization of the reactions of religious leaders to some of symbols of modern science.
Science and religion; Religions of Recôncavo, Bahia, Brazil; Perception of science by religious leaders
