Becker and Religion

The degree to which Becker was successful in his endeavor to bridge science and religion, to rigorously develop a new “science of man,” can be seen in the diversity of belief systems that can be found in those drawn to his work. People across the spectrum of religiosity find support for their existing belief systems in the words of Becker. For others, Becker breaks down those beliefs and reshapes their cultural understandings.

Experts within the Ernest Becker Foundation community who come from different religious perspectives have shared their thoughts with us on how Becker helps people understand their religion, and how their religion helps us understand Becker. Namely, how is their religion compatible with Becker’s synthesis and how does it provide its adherents “victorious, yet non-destructive” paths through life? We start with the following four essays, covering Protestantism, Judaism, Catholicism and Buddhism.

We would like to expand this feature to include other religions (e.g. Islam, Humanism, Hinduism, Taoism and Sikhism) or additional perspectives on those covered here. Please let us know if you would like to contribute an essay or response, or want to suggest someone who knows both their religion and Becker well enough to write on the subject. Please contact Christa Masson at with your ideas.

dharma wheel


David Loy



Charles Nolan

star of david


David Wolpe



Daniel Liechty & Kyle Roberts