Religion and Evolution

With today being the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, it seemed fitting to look at some aspect of the intersection of science - specifically evolution - and religious belief. The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life released poll data in January showing the % of the adherents of a particular faith group who accept evolution as the best explanation of the origins of human life on earth.

There were several things that caught my eye. First, less than half (48%) of the general population agree with the statement. I wonder whether that is a reaction to the wording "origin of human life on earth." If the researchers had worded the statement differently, would the results be different? Then, this may just show a continuing rejection of evolutionary thought as characterized in the 20th Century Scopes Trial and in the recent attempts by school boards to mandate the teaching of "Intelligent Design."

Second, I was struck by the the overwhelming acceptance of the statement by the Buddhists, the Hindus, and the Jews as compared to everyone else. Isn't it interesting that these three groups evidently do not see any threat to their religious teachings or contradiction with them and evolution.

Third, I was not surprised by the low % accepting the statement from the Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, and Evangelical Protestants. Having come from an Evangelical Protestant group, I was quite surprised that even 24% of them said they agreed.

Since it seems that evolution will continue to be a controversial topic in America, I wonder: Which group are you in - accepting or rejecting evolution? Do you find that your position fits the majority of your faith group or are you in the minority? Do you think that public opinion should dictate what is taught in science classes in public schools? How would you feel, as one who accepts evolutionary thought, being in a school that teaches "Intelligent Design?" Or, how would you feel as one accepts "Intelligent Design" in a school that teaches evolutionary thought?