On Darwin Day, 5 facts about the evolution debate

Pew Research Center ^ | February 12, 2015 | David Masci

[EveningStar]

Today is the 206th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth, a day now celebrated by some as Darwin Day. Darwin, of course, is best known for his theory of evolution through natural selection. When Darwin's work was first made public in 1859, it shocked Britain's religious establishment. And while today it is accepted by virtually all scientists, evolutionary theory is still rejected by many Americans, often because it conflicts with their religious beliefs about divine creation.

[EveningStar]

On Darwin Day, embracing the marvel of our existence

Happy Darwin Day! Here are our favorite stories about evolution

Thread: Happy Darwin Day?

Incidentally, Charles Darwin was born on the same day as Abraham Lincoln -- February 12, 1809.

[Berlin_Freeper]

Shouldn’t Darwin Day evolve into Darwin Week or will the observance stand as testament against itself?

[Lake Living]

If Abraham Lincoln were alive I’d send him a sympathy card.

[lurk]

In time, the Darwinian suggestion of change over time will evaporate. Not that God will re-enter as the preferred option; some other secular explanation will be posited. There are just too many holes in the Darwin model.

[ConservativeInPA]

And while today it is accepted by virtually all scientists, evolutionary theory is still rejected by many Americans

The beginning of this statement is incorrect, at least when it comes to Darwin. There are a number of scientific based theories dealing with evolution, including:

- Modern evolutionary synthesis
- Punctuated equilibrium
- Third way of evolution
- Lamarckianism
- Symbiogenesis
- Neutral theory of molecular evolution
- Nearly neutral theory of molecular evolution

Then there are theories not in vogue (for a lack of better word):

- Quantum evolution
- Goldschmidt's theory
- Zoogenesis
- Emication
- Orthogenesis
- Pangenesis
- Darwin's theory of evolution

[Lake Living]

Hey, just give it time. Who knows what a million years can do?

[colorado tanker]

Why is the left so obsessed with the Americans (and others) who do not accept the theory of evolution because of their religious beliefs? All college science departments and nearly all secondary schools teach it. So, how does whether everyone agrees affect them in any way? And why are they only obsessed with Christians who reject evolution? None of them ask why large numbers of Muslims reject Darwinism.

[sasportas]

Darwinism has always been a central plank in the socialists platform. For the Nazi’s and Communists, a day to honor Darwin, “Darwin’s Day,” what a wonderful idea!

[Berlin_Freeper]

Happy Darwin 32 hours 25 Minutes and 16.5 Seconds!

[WayneS]

That’s funny. It made me laugh.

[Elsiejay]

” . . .their religious beliefs about divine creation.”

From whence did originate the “spark of life?”

[Elsiejay]

The marvel of our existence, indeed!!

What had Darwin to do with our existence?

[Born to Conserve]

First thing you do when you want to settle something, is chase all the idiots from the room.

[Lake Living]

Hopefully, someday you’ll see the light!

[FreedomOfExpression]

First thing you do when you want to settle something, is chase all the idiots from the room.

In this instance, to whom are you referring?

[publius911]

And while today it is accepted by virtually all scientists, evolutionary theory is still rejected by many Americans, often because it conflicts with their religious beliefs about divine creation.

Ummm. No.
First of all, it is NOT by virtually ALL scientists. Perhaps by all "scientists" allowed to teach; not the same thing.

Asise from that, Chuck was the first Darwin skeptic, because he was truly a scientist, and the foundation of science is to follow every possible alternate to a theory, which he proposed himself.
His modern truly ignorant and intellectual acolytes? Not so much.

[publius911]

evolutionary theory is still rejected by many Americans, often because it conflicts with their religious beliefs about divine creation.

Sometimes, perhaps, but the vast majority embrace honest science, and the role of skepticism in the honest variety of science.

[publius911]

There are just too many holes in the Darwin model.And those holes have turned into a giant sieve.
A scientific sieve composed of what used to be referred to as "Junk DNA," by the absolutist hucksters.

[schaef21]

Christian Trinity = Father, Son & Holy Ghost
Darwinian Trinity = Father Time, Mother Nature & Lady Luck

I’m sticking with scripture on this one.

[GunRunner]

A friend of mine who was brought up in a home schooled, hyper-religious environment (who since became a non-believer) finally shed some light on the anti-Darwin nature of Evangelicals.

I didn't know until he explained it to me, but basically he said that the opposition to evolution has nothing to do with reason or science.

It has to do with four little words; four little words that, when questioned, lead to hands clapping over ears, shouting, wailing, and gnashing of teeth.

They are the four little words that are the only reason Genesis is defended by anyone - whether old or young earth.

The Image of God.

If Genesis hadn't told people they were made "in the image of god", it would have been as forgotten as any other creation myth.

People with a cartoon level understanding of Genesis set it against their cartoon level understanding of evolution, and they pick the cartoon that tells them they are the Center of All Things.