There are a number of links to the author's related writings: http://silas.psfc.mit.edu/monopolizingknowledge.net/links.ht...
The one on Maxwell is particularly interesting, as his religion lead to strong political positions as he was influenced by a Christian Socialist:
"Maxwell did not adopt Maurice's theological positions as a whole, but he did become convinced of one of Maurice's key tenets, that the dehumanization of the working class in an industrializing society was to be prevented by a cooperative approach in which workers were given greater influence though education. Maurice and his friends set up Working Men's Colleges, and Maxwell, seeing this as a vital Christian service, taught Working Men's classes weekly till at least 1866. "
I do like to see the historic use of non-conformist.
Non-conformists and free thinkers/ non-theists teaming up has produced some great outcomes. Think of the popular non-conformist support for Jefferson & Madison in VA in 1786.
The idea of baptists handing out copies of common sense has always had a certain beauty to it.
"Faraday Life and Letters" is a good read (long out of copyright) and includes a description of his scientific tour of Europe with Sir Humphry Davy during the Napoleonic wars.
Google Books: https://books.googleusercontent.com/books/content?req=AKW5Qa...