[curiosity]

I wish the writer, an intelligent comentator, would not adopt such sloppy terminology as referring to those Conservatives who take intemperate positions on certain philosophical issues as "social conservatives."

I think you're absolutely right. It really, really bothers me that "social conservative" has become equated with biblical fundamentalist.

It is true, unfortunatley, that in the US, right now, most social conservatives are probably into creationism or ID. But it is not true historically, and even now, it is not true internationally.

Poland, for example, is a far more socially conservative country than the US. Far more religious, I'd venture to say. And yet, no one there has any problem with evolution.

[JohnnyZ]

It is true, unfortunatley, that in the US, right now, most social conservatives are probably into creationism or ID. But it is not true historically

Every social conservative believes that God is our Creator, and that's been true for ages. Likewise, that the universe is the product of intelligent design.

A lot of bad conclusions are drawn from the failure to appreciate the distinctions on the spectrum between literalist fundie Darwin-damning young earth creationists and atheist humanist social evolutionist barbarians.

[rootkidslim]

As a teenager in High School, I volunteered for Barry Goldwater's Presidential campaign. (1964) I was a conservative young atheist, much to the chagrin of my religious mother. I don't remember any fundamentalist, or even devout Christians in the campaign then. Most of the young volunteers were would-be, and future policy wonks and political junkies.

[Ohioan]

Poland, for example, is a far more socially conservative country than the US. Far more religious, I'd venture to say. And yet, no one there has any problem with evolution.

The sad thing about those theological conservatives, who feel that their Faith requires them to deny Evolution, as testament to their belief in Creation, is that they have completely ignored the most powerful scientific argument for a deliberate, well planned (designed) and ongoing Creational dynamic. About 30 years ago, the Naturalists in the Kruger National Park in South Africa, reported a finding that suggested a predetermined pattern to the development of mutations in some species. I wish I could offer a specific reference, but that was a report which the religious community should have embraced.

In denying Evolution, on the other hand, people deny what has been carefully recorded even in the last few Centuries, with respect to Domesticated animals. That denial is foolish, and simply turns off other people.

[ml1954]

It really, really bothers me that "social conservative" has become equated with biblical fundamentalist.

Which is going to scare the cr*p out of many independents.

It is true, unfortunatley, that in the US, right now, most social conservatives are probably into creationism or ID.

Not the smarter ones if Will and Krauthammer are any barometer. That's why there is still hope. There are many smart ones who haven't taken a position yet.

Poland, for example, is a far more socially conservative country than the US. Far more religious, I'd venture to say. And yet, no one there has any problem with evolution.

Poland is predominately Catholic. And after living under dictators for 50 years, they probably have higher priorities these days.