Physicist Ian Hutchinson describes “scientism” as the view that only scientific methods produce valid knowledge. He argues that this perspective has become widespread, particularly in Western societies, where other ways of knowing are increasingly marginalized. He considers this a fundamental intellectual error and notes that science relies on reproducibility, measurability, and mathematical description, whereas many areas of human knowledge do not meet these criteria. As an example, he points to history, which deals with unique, non-reproducible events and therefore cannot be investigated using scientific methods.
Hutchinson emphasizes that there are many other ways of acquiring knowledge, including history, philosophy, art, and literature, each with its own methods and standards of understanding. Atheism is not necessarily linked to scientism, as many non-religious individuals recognize multiple forms of knowledge. However, he criticizes proponents of so-called New Atheism for often basing their arguments on scientistic assumptions by evaluating religious beliefs solely in terms of scientific proof and concluding that there is no evidence for religion.
With regard to Christianity, Hutchinson distinguishes between scientific and historical evidence and considers the historical case for the resurrection of Jesus Christ to be compelling, even though it does not constitute scientific proof. He understands Christian faith not primarily as a moral doctrine but as a personal relationship with God made possible through the life and work of Jesus. This relationship is expressed, among other ways, through prayer as a form of two-way connection that believers experience as real and interpret as communication with God, although this experience is not accessible through measurable or experimentally verifiable means.