Tastes like 
Posted on 08/31/2006 7:42:01 PM PDT by PatrickHenry
More adults in the United States believe the theory of evolution is correct, according to a poll by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. 51 per cent of respondents think that humans and other living things evolved over time, while 42 per cent say they existed in their present form since the beginning of time.
Charles Darwin’s "The Origin of Species" was first published in 1859. The book details the British naturalist’s theory that all organisms gradually evolve through the process of natural selection. Darwin’s views were antagonistic to creationism, the belief that a more powerful being or a deity created life.
In the United States, the debate on the topic accelerated after the 1925 Scopes trial, which tested a law that banned the teaching of evolution in Tennessee public schools. In 2004, Georgia’s Cobb County was at the centre of a controversy on whether science textbooks that explain evolutionary theory should include disclaimer stickers.
The theory of intelligent design suggests certain biological mechanisms are too complex to have developed without the involvement of a powerful force or intelligent being.
Last month, Austrian cardinal Christoph Schoenborn said the two views are not necessarily incompatible, declaring, "There is no conflict between science and religion, but a debate between a materialist interpretation of the results of science and a metaphysical philosophical interpretation. (...) The possibility that the Creator used evolution as a tool is completely acceptable for the Catholic faith."
Polling Data
Some people think that humans and other living things evolved over time. Others think that humans and other living things existed in their present form since the beginning of time. Which of these comes closest to your view?
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Jul. 2006 |
Jul. 2005 |
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Evolved over time |
51% |
48% |
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Existed in their present form |
42% |
42% |
|
Don’t know / Refused |
7% |
10% |
Source: Pew Research Center for the People and the Press Methodology: Telephone interviews with 2,003 American adults, conducted from Jul. 6 to Jul. 19, 2006. Margin of error is 3 per cent.
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I didn't evolve from apes.
However, I work with some folks that did.
Probably one of the better or best opening remarks we have had (LOL).
51% represents "most Americans"? Reads like something from the drive-by media.
I don't believe this. Is that still nice?
OK, define "most."
This survey doesn't ruin my day. I know many deeply religious people who believe that evolution is compatible with religion. Personally, I just don't know. Then again, looking at Slo Joe Biden and you kinda get the feeling that maybe this 51% is onto something.
Funny, other polls reverse the numbers and make it more like 60% don't believe in evolution. Guess it depends on which "authority" you want to quote!
Same poll that had Kerry winning by 17%?
Pray for W and Our Freedom Fighters
I'm really surprised it's not higher than 51. :~)
Most folks who believe that there is a Creator choose not to spend the time getting up to speed on the ins and outs of the debate on this issue, as to the science. Thus, it tends all too often among many citizens to become a issue of which side to take in the culture wars. That is my take on this matter.
| July '06 | July '05 | |
| Agree to be nice | 42% | 47% |
| Refuse to be nice | 43% | 34% |
| Undecided | 15% | 19% |
The polarification of evolution related polls continues...
That's a tagline, free for the takin'.....
Tastes like
You think niceness is on the wane eh? :)
Hi Hair...I kind of look at the polls, and usually figure they all even out to be about 50-50...one poll has it one way, another poll has it another way...I just figure they even each other out...
The Dish satellite guy finally arrived...at 5:10pm...took him over an hour to fix the problems...but at least its done...sat around for five hours waiting and waiting and waiting...but the wait was worthwhile, my TV reception is now better than ever...
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