Science vs. Religion Theme Analysis

In Lessons in Chemistry, Elizabeth Zott is a chemist whose life and career are guided by the principles of science—rationality, evidence, and experimentation. Her approach to life is deeply empirical, relying on observable and provable facts, which often puts her at odds with the more faith-based aspects of society. Elizabeth's character represents the scientific perspective, emphasizing logic, reason, and the pursuit of knowledge. In contrast, various characters in Lessons in Chemistry embody the religious and traditional viewpoints prevalent in that era. These characters often clash with Elizabeth, demonstrating the societal tensions between science and religion. At the mild end of the spectrum, there are the people that make up the audience of Elizabeth’s show, most of whom are housewives. These people disagree with Elizabeth’s views but respect her enough to continue watching her. On the more extreme end, there are people like the religious extremist who brings a bomb to a taping of Supper at Six.

Although the novel does not dismiss the potentially positive moral considerations of religion altogether, it largely argues for the value of a scientific worldview over a religious one. Many of the religious figures in the novel are either corrupt (such as the deacon who ran Calvin’s boys’ home) or narrowminded (like the people who write to Elizabeth’s show). The only seemingly religious figure who the novel portrays sympathetically is Wakely, who eventually admits that he does not believe in God. Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Calvin’s atheistic views are presented as sound, rational, and without flaw. As such, the novel rather unambiguously argues for the value of science over religion.