Dogma, Doctrine, and Data: Science as a Religious Construct in Climate Discourse

In the fluid landscape of our digitally-driven society, climate change discourse intersects with empirical rigor and moral imperative, often blending the secular with the sacred in unexpected ways. Drawing on Bauman’s concept of liquid modernity, this contribution explores how scientific authority—traditionally anchored in objectivity—is conferred with quasi-religious significance on social media platforms in the Netherlands and throughout Europe during 2023. Through a close examination of Twitter/X and Facebook discussions, three provocative framings of science emerge: (1) science as a “false religion,” critiqued for dogmatic rigidity, fear-driven rhetoric, and political or economic biases; (2) science as a substitute for religion, celebrated as a source of moral authority and communal identity; and (3) science versus religion, reflecting both conflict and coexistence between scientific and religious worldviews in climate advocacy. Using a mixed-methods design—incorporating thematic, sentiment, and rhetorical analyses—this study illustrates how the liquidity of our modern era reshapes the boundaries of what we deem “sacred.” Far from being relegated to a purely secular realm, science emerges as a flexible entity that evokes devotion, skepticism, and ritual-like adherence. In doing so, it functions as both compass and catalyst for collective engagement in pressing global concerns. Ultimately, this research underscores how the mutable nature of liquid modernity allows scientific discourse to oscillate between revered doctrine and contested ideology—reminding us that what appears most solid and certain can, in fact, flow and transform under the weight of digital networks and global crises.