The heliocentic model surely did not succeed on the basis of common people's observations. As we know, church "authorities" opposed it. Nonetheless, it is accepted today in almost all human religious societies.
Similarly with the Germ Theory of Disease. The vehement "christian opposition" in favor of demon possession/god's punishment quickly lost traction.
Why, then, is evolution such a lightning rod?
There must be something that the evolution deniers fear. I do not understand what they are afraid of.
Evolution implies an awesome God that is so far beyond the ken of human thinking that He becomes unrecognizable.
The God that creates Man and animals and stuff in a few days is recognizable and comfortable -- Gandalf writ large.
A God that can create a Universe (and perhaps more) that has such things as DNA markers, quantum strings, variable gravitons, puppies, flowers, love, Jesus, an ever-expanding Universe, the big bang, mosquito bites, variable time effects and ants is too massive for their poor minds.
Better to have the personal God that makes everything happen immediately than one that creates rules that Mankind may NEVER be able to discern (and we should thank Him for giving us the brains to TRY to discern them).
"Why, then, is evolution such a lightning rod?
There must be something that the evolution deniers fear. I do not understand what they are afraid of."