Why do so many people dispute evolution in favour of the absurd creationist fairytale?

Answer 1

I'd have to chalk this one up to fear of change and the persuasiveness of authority. There's a great old saying... Nobody likes change except for babies with wet diapers. So we (society) teach little kids using mythology when they ask questions that make us uncomfortable. Mythology isn't a lot different from saying, "because I said so," except that you're attributing the information not to yourself (who the child might see as flawed or potentially flawed), but to an omnipotent omnicient being that's invisible and can't be detected. So there's no chance that this being could ever be *wrong* in the eyes of children.

As we age, we grow out of the misperception that our parents are always right, of course. But when you go to religious services (typical ones anyway), you reinforce (read: indoctrinate) this idea that there's a supernatural power that's always right. More importantly, (most) religions have set-up a hierarchy of religious knowledge that keeps most people on the bottom rung of the ladder. We are dependent upon these other castes for knowledge (some religions) and certainly understanding and insight into "Devine" writings and so on. In other words, they keep people in a perpetual state of childhood ignorance.

Religion generally, and Christianity in particular, were threatened by the advent of science in general (not just evolution). Recall, for example, Galileo... The threat comes from the fact that scientific research has the potential to undermine religion where religion has elected to address (or retain the myths relevant to) things pertaining to nature. Religious doctrine as it pertains to things like social behavior isn't really subject to falsification (at least in the minds of most folks), but any time religions make specific statements about nature, they open themselves up to being proven wrong. To be proven wrong on one issue, of course, draws into question one's authority on any other issue that you're expected to have authority over.

So, from the perspective of some religions, this is a very serious situation. Now what's interesting to me isn't that organized religions might dispute evolution, but the vehemence with which the indoctrinated masses embrace the fight. It's no different really than the idea that one should be willing to give their life for one's country or particularly for a religious war (The Crusades for example). I mean after all... if you can convince some one to kill or fight to the death in the name of religion, then of course you can convince them that scientists are all evil-doers working hand in hand with Satan (or whomever you like here) to undermine their religion and drive humanity into Hell! What *is* interesting is the recent neurological research on predispositions toward religious beliefs and related things. As it turns out, our brains were selected (that would be natural selection...) for their ability to "fill in" missing information, essentially what we do when we construct myths. So to some degree, it's ironic that selection pressures have led to great difficulty in understanding natural selection, if you know what I mean.

Interesting question!

Answer 2

I'm not a creationist, but I'm not an evolutionist either, because BOTH are built on "Faith". There is no evidence to support the theory of evolution, only (disputable) evidence that, they say, proves that evolution is taking place right now. Evolutionist's explanation of, "goo to you", with absolutely no fossil evidence to back it up, is not only "absurd", it's pathetic. The 'proper' (convincing), hold in your hands, "missing links" are STILL missing. Ask any evolutionist what, without doubt, is the name and species of the supposed common ancestor of us humans and the chimp, which, in their belief are our kith and kin.
That's why people are disputing evolution. They're not so gullible any more. They want to see the proof that fanatical evolutionists are willing to overlook, while they believe, faithfully the flannel they're being fed.
Now, just watch all the 'thumbs down' I get, and they'll all be from evolutionists. They're worse than any cultist!!!!

Answer 3

Most people see the Bible as a representation of the evolution of humanity. When you look at it that way, it does make sense, the order in which it appears in the Bible. Not many people believe absolutely in the theory of evolution, nor do they believe absolutely in the creation. Most people combine the two, and see both as correct. The theory of evolution explains the Bible in my opinion. That's what most Christians around here believe anyway. For reference, we're Methodists, if it matters.

Answer 4

because it's easier to sell fairy tales to the ignorant and uneducated. By definition, that's at least half the population, and about 90 percent of the population when you throw in 2 standard deviations off the mean to get up to the point where you can understand it's a fairy tale.

Jeanine - you can fault ignorance and superstition, because you can leave both behind with education.

Answer 5

Because it makes them feel better about themselves; am I descended from apes and is my life essentially without meaning beyond that which I find for myself, or did some all powerful being create me in his own awesome image, so my life is intrinsically important? The logical, intellectually honest individual would go with the former, whereas the weak-minded, deluded fantasist would pick the latter.

Answer 6

And just why is creation absurd?
Believing that everything came from nothing seems pretty absurd to some people.

And the idea that genetic information has increased (from goo to you) in spite of no known mechanism is an interesting fairly tale.
All observed mutations are information neutral or lossy.

Let's stick to evidence and see why evolution seems so rational to you ?

Answer 7

Well ... far be it for me to defend creationism. People 'round these parts know I'm firmly entrenched in the evolution camp.

But it doesn't help the dialog to simply refer to their point of view as a "fairy tale." We can do better.

Answer 8

Because they believe evolution and the existence of God are mutually incompatible. Then the argument is that because God exists, then evolution cannot be true. I think these people underestimate God...

Answer 9

Faith is a very powerful thing. Some people choose to have only faith and not open their minds to the power of God as a creator beyond what Genesis says. That's their choice as far as I'm concerned.

As a scientist, I cannot put all of my faith in a book written by men. I believe in a God because I study creation not because of a book. But some people need the book to reconcile what they believe.

You can't change them. It doesn't help to ridicule them, either. Just as you don't like to be ridiculed for your beliefs.

Answer 10

I have asked myself that same question endless times. I cannot fathom why, not in the 21st century.