Christian / Islam divide.

[bobclean]

John McCain's 'running mate' in the American presidential election campaign, SarahPalin, wants creationism taught in Science classes in the USA. Does anybody else feel this backwards step increases divisions between religions? Surely the way forward is to accept other faiths, rather than to polarise people, as this inevitably will.

[WaldoMcFroog]

Just as well that the theory of evolution isn't about how life began then, isn't it?

[WaldoMcFroog]

But thanks for an excellent example of creationists arguing against points that only exist in their own imaginations.

[The Sherman]

Okay thrn Waldo. I put it to you then.....
if the argument is as watertight as you say it is then why don't more people go with it? I do think its right and gives us the most complete answer but why are there so many that won't agree with you?


Is there any statistics to say how many people believe that evolution is right over creation?

[WaldoMcFroog]

A good question, Sherman.

Sheer ignorance has to be the major factor, and sadly, that's often ignorance that is rooted in religious belief.

As demonstrated above, some people simply refuse to actually get even a basic understanding of what evolution actually says preferring to believe lies and misrepresentations because they apparently fear the consequences on their religious faith of accepting evolution. This is, you will note, despite the fact that there are plenty of theistic evolutionists who seem to have no problem with the concept.

The fact is, until people actually understand the actual theory rather than strawmen, it's going to be difficult to get people to change their minds. It's one of the reasons I'm such an annoying git about correcting lies about evolution on this site.

As for stats, here you go: http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/upload/2006 /08/public_acceptance_of_evolut.gif

[The Sherman]

Thanks Waldo. I'm the first to admit that i haven't yet read the books on evolution but it seems to be the most logical answer towards how we came to be. I do find it amazing how much limited knowledge there is out there on the subject and how people really do not have the slightest idea about what it is and how it shows what has happened before. and the steps that have taken place.

I suppose it comes down to its a lot easier to read the first page of the bible and say "oh god did it" and the think you know it all! I mean how long is the chapter of genesis? no one can possibly believe that that is how this rock and all its life came together can they?

[naomi24]

Sherman, They can, and, sadly, they do - with eyes, ears and minds clamped firmly shut to anything outside their own philosophy.