Who popularized the concept of Nonoverlapping Magisteria (NOMA)?

The concept of Nonoverlapping Magisteria (NOMA) was popularized by Stephen Jay Gould, a prominent paleontologist, evolutionary biologist, and historian of science. NOMA refers to the idea that science and religion occupy separate domains of teaching authority—science covers the empirical realm of fact and theory, while religion consists of questions of moral meaning and ethical value. By framing these areas as nonoverlapping, Gould argued that conflicts between science and faith arise from misunderstandings about their respective scopes and purposes.

This idea was instrumental in contributing to discussions about the relationship between scientific inquiry and religious belief, allowing for a more harmonious coexistence between the two. Gould's perspective fostered a dialogue aimed at reducing hostility between scientific and religious communities, highlighting the value each domain provides without encroaching on the other's territory.