63% - Reject Darwin's Theory of Evolution

[malkin767]

In the 150 years since he published his groundbreaking On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, and the 200 years since the date of his birth celebrated this week, Charles Darwin has failed to convince the majority of Americans of the validity of his theories; an August 2006 survey by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion &

Comments

[impe]

Holy shit, that's crazy. Poor Darwin. :-(

[neoreulwonhae]

Sometimes I really hate being an American.

[kenosis]

Why? Do you hate it when people have different beliefs than you do?

[fango]

Evolution is not a belief. It is not correct to say that these people "don't believe" in evolution, it's more correct to say they "don't acknowledge" evolution. This isn't a political standpoint, this isn't a supernatural belief, this isn't something unverifiable.

[kenosis]

Even the discipline of traditional Mathematics begins with a series of unverifiable a priori assumptions. 1+1 <> 2 if the Peano axioms aren't used. If the assumptions aren't accepted Math is considered to be objectively false.

Considering that 63% said that "guidance under a supreme being" might be more to their tastes I think it's absolutely possible that one could believe in both evolution and believe a supreme being may or may not have had a hand in it, even in merely setting the clock. Couldn't "adjusting to one's environment over a long, long period of time" be considered to be guidance, and a belief, as much as accepting the Peano principles is a belief?

[aki_no_kaze]

good god, really?

[kenosis]

How much time would you like to devote to 15th century French history in schools?

[aki_no_kaze]

I have to wonder if they equally support the teaching of creation myths of Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Pagan, Norse, Native American etc...

*snort*

[jjblue]

yeah, right. Although that could make for an interesting class (probably would have to be in college, tho, because high school parent's would FREAK!).

Creation Stories from the World's Religions (I use "stories" because "myths" is a loaded word for many people of faith). A survey of how flora and fauna came to be, from religious texts and oral traditions from world religions (and pick maybe 12-15 representative religions, current and past.

Re: *snort*

[aki_no_kaze]

my husband and I go to a local spiritual discussion group every week... last year we had a day on our fav creation myths... I was having a hard time picking one from the faiths I knew... so I did the one from World of Warcraft :) It was a hit.

Re: *snort*

[onthetide]

:D!

[adabsolutely]

This is a really sad commentary on the state of education in the US. Explains a lot of things though.