Evolution vs Creationism - Why does it divide Americans more than any other country?

Answer 1

Because the education system in America has been dumbing down what it teaches its population for so long now they cant tell the difference between theology and science.

My mum switched in the early 70;s and was horrified by how easy it was - she went from writing essay questions about 3/4 sides of A4 with arguments and evidence laid out with a conclusion at the end (we still do this when we are 13/14). To picking an answer out of multiple choice.

Basically most other country's know the difference in including the practitioners of religion and are quite happy to learn facts and theology together as they do not fear either.

By the way to people talking about America as if it is the only developed country on this earth with freedom of religion. Well ironically the UK may only have put this on the statute book in 1998 but it has been a reality for much longer than that. The Church of Enland does not have any more power an any other religious organisation. It appears that because our freedom of religion grew rather than was set out we have more respect for it and less conflict. Personally I believe our last step (but not the first) was to repeal the acts pf law that made witchcraft illigal in 1951. In that respect we are very new to this however we seem to manage it much better. It is the same in Europe - tolerance was put on the statute books after it became common in the population.

Answer 2

Most rational thinking people understand that evolution is not plausible, is a theory that is full of lies and half truths, and that there exist other theories that are much more plausible, such as intelligent design.

The problem stems from the fact that the evolutionists view their theory as fact, and squash all honest debate on the subject by name calling, insulting the intelligence of dissenters, or otherwise smearing people. Educational institutions should offer all theories, and allow the students to debate the facts, rather than forcing everyone to accept a theory that can never be proven through scientific methods.

Add to that the federal intrusion in education- the community should be able to have more control over education, and not be forced by the federal government to teach things offensive to the parents of the community. That is way outside of the scope of the responsibility of the federal government. That power should be returned to the state and city, where the people can vote out those that do not follow the standards of the community.

Answer 3

America has the highest percentage of evangelical Christians. Other countries tend to have smaller levels of born again Christians, so the debate isn't as loud. Evangelicals don't like evolution, because it flies in the face of a literal interpretation of the bible and if the story of genesis isn't literal then other doctrins may not be literal. Therefore Baptism by imersion might not be literal, the second coming of Christ might not be literal etc....

Other western countries just don't have the evangelical population to cause a stink. Third world countries on the other hand are very religious, but don't have access to education. So they typically don't even know much about evolution, so there is nothing to fight about. That is why large Christian and Muslim denominations are focusing on Africa and South America for new converts. Its easier to convert someone when they don't have a scientific frame of reference.

Answer 4

Well as best I can gather there is a degree of prosperity in America that allows time for these debates to be considered. In the greater part of the planet the daily task of surviving is so consuming that most Folk just don't care, nor do they have the education facilities or access to information that is so readily available in the States. They are more concerned with eating and not being killed by each other or the elements. America is truly a blessed place, regardless of belief or affiliation.

Answer 5

The debate exists only in the minds of the religious extremists who congregate here. No one else doubts the reality that is evolution. Only the scientifically illiterate and the mentally redolent. Even then, they are so dense they don't believe their OWN teachings, which (if they bothered to look) would advise them to consider the glory of ALL of God's work. Which INCLUDES the fossil evidence that demonstrates evolution. So nobody in their right mind takes the hard-core creationist seriously. But it's a fair question given appearances.

Answer 6

Because of the nature of religion in the US. The United States has the highest level of fundamentalist religions or religions that stress a high level of literal belief in the writings of the Bible and that one must accept them as the completely correct word of God. The US by the nature of its freedom of religion and separation of church and state has allowed new sects of Christianity to flourish in ways where countries with one dominate state sponsored religion could never. I couple this with an uneven and sometimes downright poor education experience and indoctrination from one generation to the next.

I think this is true if you compare us with other developed countries. If you compare us with Islamic countries or undeveloped countries you may find evolution doesn't fair any better in those places.

Answer 7

i cant speak for Americans Jim
but i do see a great difference in attitude to both from Americans
in fact before i came to these boards i was blissfully unaware of this divide
it is not like this where i am in Scotland

Answer 8

Very good question and very hard to answer The Bible, ones belief in Christ comes from the heart, through faith. I personally don't relish in the thought of one of my ancestors having a tale and furry all over. I don't believe the Bible teaches this and if a person is a believer in the Bible then that perso will believe what it says about man being made from the dust and GOD BREATHED air into him Why would I WANT to believe I came from an ape? We are made in the image of God, are we to believe he looks like an ape????

Answer 9

Because we have Freedom of Religion. Anyone can worship whatever religion they so choose. An unfortunate byproduct of this is that clashing religious views often meet with unfriendly terms.

Answer 10

Because we are a country that is somehow, simultaneously, very secular and very religious, and there will be tensions. Because we are a nation of arguers, persuaders, and voters who all demand to be heard.