Half of Britons do not believe in evolution, survey finds

[letmein]

Half of Britons do not believe in evolution, survey finds

More than one-fifth prefer creationism or intelligent design, while many others are confused about Darwin's theory

Riazat Butt, religious affairs correspondent

guardian.co.uk, Sunday 1 February 2009 13.52 GMT

Half of British adults do not believe in evolution, with at least 22% preferring the theories of creationism or intelligent design to explain how the world came about, according to a survey.

The poll found that 25% of Britons believe Charles Darwin's theory of evolution is "definitely true", with another quarter saying it is "probably true". Half of the 2,060 people questioned were either strongly opposed to the theory or confused about it.

The Rescuing Darwin survey, published to coincide with the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of *Species, found that around 10% of people chose young Earth creationism – the belief that God created the world some time in the last 10,000 years – over evolution.

About 12% preferred intelligent design, the idea that evolution alone is not enough to explain the structures of living organisms. The remainder were unsure, often mixing evolution, intelligent design and creationism together. The survey was conducted by the polling agency ComRes on behalf of the Theos thinktank.

A spokesman for Sense about Science, an independent charitable trust, said it was important for scientists and educators to disentangle religious belief from evidence.

James Williams, a lecturer at Sussex University, said: "Creationists ask if *people believe in evolution. Evolution is a theory and a fact. You accept it because of the evidence. What the creationists have done is put a cloak of pseudo-science to wrap up their religious belief."

Later this month scientists and academics from across Europe will meet in Dortmund, Germany, to discuss evolution and creationism. It will be the first European conference of its kind to deal with different aspects of attitudes and knowledge related to evolution. They will discuss specific difficulties regarding the acceptance of evolution theory in their home countries.

Williams, who will give a paper presenting a British perspective on evolution and creationism in school science, said: "Evolution is very badly taught in schools so the results of the survey don't surprise me. On the other hand, creationism has traditionally been an issue in North America and there is a big problem in Australia and Turkey. It matters if people don't understand how science works."

The Rescuing Darwin project includes the launch of Darwin and God, a new book on the naturalist's religious beliefs, at Westminster Abbey, where he is buried, and a debate about evolution and religion. Participants will include Dr Denis Alexander, Lord Robert Winston, Professor Steve Jones and Professor Nancy Rothwell.

Events celebrating Darwin's achievements are taking place throughout the year. Cambridge University is hosting a festival to unravel themes of science, society, literature, philosophy, theology and music arising from his writings, life and times.

The Natural History Museum, in London, is exhibiting previously unseen specimens and artefacts, while Darwin's home in Kent, Down House, opens to the public from 13 February.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2009/feb/01/evolution-darwin-survey-creationism

[TheMac]

Good good, I don't believe in evolution.

[Wildcat!]

It makes sense that it would be that proprtion.
I imagine 1/2 of the people in the world who have heard about Darwin's theory, dont believe its true. I dont!

[andyman]

But many believe god! Lol..

[arista]

Originally posted by andyman
But many believe god! Lol..



http://images.play.com/bc/3313666m.jpg



I trust Richard Dawkins.


God is a old fable to me.

[Mark]

Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life
Highlight

Sunday 01 February
9:00pm - 10:00pm
BBC1


ON NOW!

[Jen]

I believe in Darwin's theory.

[SiaSiaSia]

Darwin's theory was copied off many other sources... I still believe the "Theory of evolution" though

[Wildcat!]

Can you be religious, and believe in the theory of evolution at the same time?

[andyman]

I'm just thinking of the car.. Bright white with green undercar neon's.

[andyman]

Originally posted by Aint_mad_atcha
Can you be religious, and believe in the theory of evolution at the same time? Yes, they just say it's part of god's plan.. And part of that is free will n stuff.




I'm still thinking of the car.

[Princess]

Originally posted by Aint_mad_atcha
Can you be religious, and believe in the theory of evolution at the same time?

Yeah because you can believe God created all the sciencey stuff.

I don't believe in God,I do believe in evolution though,I thought most people did!

[Tom]

Some things just aren't supposed to be known

But I agree with evolution

I think a lot of adults are religious so won't believe in evolution, but a lot of younger people aren't and do. Do the same survey in 50 years and hugely different results

[Fom]

Thats surprised me actually... I believe in it.

[Tom4784]

I believe that there is a higher force but I believe in evolution too.

[Wildcat!]

Originally posted by Tom
Some things just aren't supposed to be known

But I agree with evolution

I think a lot of adults are religious so won't believe in evolution, but a lot of younger people aren't and do. Do the same survey in 50 years and hugely different results

Thats a strange theory! Are you saying people become less LESS religious as time goes? I dont believe that for a second. In fact I think its the opposite.

[Dom:D]

Originally posted by JDIZZEL
I believe in Darwin's theory.

[ange7]

12% creationism is the scary part.

Like the guy in the article said, the theory of evolution is something that needs to be taught properly to be understood. I had a great biology teacher who not only loved his job but also showed how the idea of natural selection is something that is happening everywhere. From the way products evolve to the way businesses grow and change, from philosophies evolving through the ages to the way technology mutates and changes but only those changes that find an application stick while the rest has to be re discovered later on. Sorry to sound geeky but it's pretty cool stuff. If on the other hand a teacher just tells students to memorise the facts then no doubt it will be in one ear and (after the exam) out the other.

[letmein]

Originally posted by Aint_mad_atcha
Originally posted by Tom
Some things just aren't supposed to be known

But I agree with evolution

I think a lot of adults are religious so won't believe in evolution, but a lot of younger people aren't and do. Do the same survey in 50 years and hugely different results

Thats a strange theory! Are you saying people become less LESS religious as time goes? I dont believe that for a second. In fact I think its the opposite. Uh, no babe. More and more people do not believe in superstitious garbage. :pat:

[Fom]

Originally posted by letmein
Originally posted by Aint_mad_atcha
Originally posted by Tom
Some things just aren't supposed to be known

But I agree with evolution

I think a lot of adults are religious so won't believe in evolution, but a lot of younger people aren't and do. Do the same survey in 50 years and hugely different results

Thats a strange theory! Are you saying people become less LESS religious as time goes? I dont believe that for a second. In fact I think its the opposite. Uh, no babe. More and more people do not believe in superstitious garbage. :pat:

Agreed, as time goes on there is less people believing in religion. I get surprised when I meet a teenager that believes in God, give it 50 years and Atheist's will be the majority.

[Shaun]

Of those mentioned in the article, I'd have to say I'm more inclined to believe in the "intelligent design" idea.

Normally I am an agnostic, and don't particularly listen to organised religions (though I grew up in a Church of England school and am therefore only really familiar with the Christianity (CofE anyway) viewpoint).

But I cannot scientifically explain something as complex as life as we know it. Sentience, structure, emotion...it can't all be down to something as simple as evolution.

[Z]

Originally posted by Aint_mad_atcha
Can you be religious, and believe in the theory of evolution at the same time?

I'd say so. Personally I don't think God is real per se, but I have nothing but respect for dedicated Christians (and other denominations) for the time and effort they put into practicing their faith. You can believe in the theory of evolution and still live a religious life, by abstaining from morally evil things as dictated by the Bible, without necessarily believing it - if you get me?

[ange7]

Originally posted by Shaun
Of those mentioned in the article, I'd have to say I'm more inclined to believe in the "intelligent design" idea.

Normally I am an agnostic, and don't particularly listen to organised religions (though I grew up in a Church of England school and am therefore only really familiar with the Christianity (CofE anyway) viewpoint).

But I cannot scientifically explain something as complex as life as we know it. Sentience, structure, emotion...it can't all be down to something as simple as evolution.
ummm....yeah you can... read a book mate. How can you say " I cannot scientifically explain something as complex as life"... surely that's a failing on your part and not the science. Unless your claiming you've read all the science...understand it all and yet still thinks it's rubbish. But then you "believe" in creationism .... which bring no science at all to back it up.

"it can't all be down to something as simple as evolution." It isn't simple. Explain it to us if it's so simple.

[andyman]

What does the Greek Orthodox church say about this?

[hannah.]

I don't believe in dinosaurs

[andyman]

Originally posted by hannah.
I don't believe in dinosaurs Really? Or you just joking coz your hannah?

[hannah.]

why do you feel it necessary to take the piss out of me at all times?
no, i'm not joking.

[andyman]

Are fossil's real then?

Did the cambrian period, devonian period, carboniferous period, jurassic period and the tertiary period happen or just made up mumbo jumbo?

Is the earth over 4.6billion years old?

[hannah.]

plurals don't need apostrophes :bored:

[andyman]

Lol that another hannahism?:bigsmile:

[ange7]

Originally posted by hannah.
why do you feel it necessary to take the p**s out of me at all times?
no, i'm not joking.
so what are all those bones that they carbon date to a million years ago about? yeah you must be joking.

[ange7]

Originally posted by andyman
What does the Greek Orthodox church say about this?
Greek orthodox church believes in dinosaurs hehe ie evolution as do most progressive religions... including the catholic church and the anglicans. Idiots on this thread who think these 2 ideas are mutually exclusive are talking out of they're @rse.

[hannah.]

chill out.
i'm religious but I do believe in evolution, just not that it all just happened on its own

[andyman]

The roman empire (latin west/greek east) is always open to new ideas... Ahhhhh.

The church are more clever these days, of course its easy just to say its all part of gods plan..

Why does god allow murder etc.. God gave us the power of free will on earth... The church has evolved.

[ange7]

Originally posted by andyman
The roman empire (latin west/greek east) is always open to new ideas... Ahhhhh.

The church are more clever these days, of course its easy just to say its all part of gods plan..

Why does god allow murder etc.. God gave us the power of free will on earth... The church has evolved.
"of course its easy just to say its all part of gods plan." you said that not me.

I'm not online to try and prostelitize and convert you so why not ask you local rabbie/ priest/ Immam or mental health professional. ( kidding dude). Religion can be a mess of doctrines and laws about who to like and who to hate ... or it can just be about accepting, not judging and giving. Wired sermon mode... off

[andyman]

Maybe in 10,000 years all religions will become one... Jedi! Lol..

[Mark]

Religion easily pushes off Carbon Dating as complete nonsense, and a non credible source. Just as well really as it does pretty much debunk one of their main texts in Genesis, in that God created the world 6000 years ago.

The church ARE clever yes, and it's ridiculous how much power and freedom they are allowed in today’s society. Don't get me started on their tax exemptions, the fuss they are causing over the Atheism ads on busses in London, or even the uproar after Obama rightly mentioned 'non believers' in his speech.

I don't understand how you can believe in evolution but also be religious. They are a complete contradiction of each other, and to try and piece them together seems a cop-out from what more than likely probably happened. None of us will know in our lifetime what REALLY happened, but every day science is coming up with more explanations, and trying to piece together the evidence to back up its findings. Religion has stuck to the same old story for thousands of years, and will continue to brainwash kids at the age where they aren't old enough to think for themselves. At the end of the day they are a profit making organisation, and if you have to tell a small white lie to make billions of pounds, why not! :wink:

[ange7]

Originally posted by Mark
Religion easily pushes off Carbon Dating as complete nonsense, and a non credible source. Just as well really as it does pretty much debunk one of their main texts in Genesis, in that God created the world 6000 years ago.

The church ARE clever yes, and it's ridiculous how much power and freedom they are allowed in today’s society. Don't get me started on their tax exemptions, the fuss they are causing over the Atheism ads on busses in London, or even the uproar after Obama rightly mentioned 'non believers' in his speech.

I don't understand how you can believe in evolution but also be religious. They are a complete contradiction of each other, and to try and piece them together seems a cop-out from what more than likely probably happened. None of us will know in our lifetime what REALLY happened, but every day science is coming up with more explanations, and trying to piece together the evidence to back up its findings. Religion has stuck to the same old story for thousands of years, and will continue to brainwash kids at the age where they aren't old enough to think for themselves. At the end of the day they are a profit making organisation, and if you have to tell a small white lie to make billions of pounds, why not! :wink:
ok it's not a cope out I'm just not that preachy...and this feels like I'm preaching so I don't bring it up much..anyway...
the bible isn't a history book so the fact it says the earth is 5700 years old but fossil evidence says 4.5 billion isn't a contradiction. Religion and spirituality is about how you operate in society, about how to understand morality and ethics ...it's NOT about having a book proscribe it to you. So I can believe that evolution is real, happened and continues to happen but I don't have to then say “ yeah but it's all part of Gods plan so I win!!” it's not a contest, if you want to hate that's you business. I've heard lots of people on this forum say they hate racism and islamophopia but then will say people that believe in a god are stupid …. and honestly see no contradiction. It's a respect thing mate. I'm not an idiot consumer that the church profits from ....


Yeah I get that organised religion has had terrible press and indeed a lot of horrible things have been done and continue to be done in the name of it. But those who use religion as an excuse for hate clearly had their heart set on hate to begin with.

[ange7]

.. ps you sounded like you needed proof that religion and theory of evolution can coexist.... sorry but this is the best I can do for you hehe
http://img.yawoot.com/c17306a724eee6d713da1d7589d4fbf7.jpg

[andyman]

Can science and religion coexist?

[Tom]

The Bible isn't the literal word of God. Thats what a lot of people don't understand- and thats from an atheist.

[arista]

Originally posted by andyman
Can science and religion coexist?



In the UK - yes.



In America - maybe not
as they Kill over it.

[arista]

Originally posted by Tom
The Bible isn't the literal word of God. Thats what a lot of people don't understand- and thats from an atheist.



But so many use it in a Wrong way.
You are right the Bible is a Weapon for many.



There is No God.
by the way.

[Tom]

Originally posted by andyman
Can science and religion coexist?

Apparently, but religion is false on the grounds that the God in the Bible does not exist. The God of classical theism is all loving, all knowing, all powerful and everywhere. Realistically God can only be 3 of the 4. If God is all knowing then he would know about suffering, so would put an end to it if he is all loving. So either he isn't all loving or he isn't all knowing. Therefore the God in the Bible does not exist, but it doesn't mean no God exists.

Also, the all knowing thing adds another debate- can God see into the future? If so, does that mean we are already determined to do something? Who determined it and why can't we change if we have free will?

Finally, if God can do anything, can he make a stone heavy enough that he can't lift?

[Fom]

religion are bending around the rules of science because they know they are wrong. It bugs me when people believe in both... its like they want to beieve in religion but they know they are wrong.

[Shaun]

Originally posted by ange7
Originally posted by Shaun
Of those mentioned in the article, I'd have to say I'm more inclined to believe in the "intelligent design" idea.

Normally I am an agnostic, and don't particularly listen to organised religions (though I grew up in a Church of England school and am therefore only really familiar with the Christianity (CofE anyway) viewpoint).

But I cannot scientifically explain something as complex as life as we know it. Sentience, structure, emotion...it can't all be down to something as simple as evolution.
ummm....yeah you can... read a book mate. How can you say " I cannot scientifically explain something as complex as life"... surely that's a failing on your part and not the science. Unless your claiming you've read all the science...understand it all and yet still thinks it's rubbish. But then you "believe" in creationism .... which bring no science at all to back it up.

"it can't all be down to something as simple as evolution." It isn't simple. Explain it to us if it's so simple.

It's attitudes like this that put a lot of people off of posting in the Serious Debates section. Comments like "read a book mate" are just unnecessary.

I know I don't know a lot about science OR religion, and that what I believe may be wrong, but it's what I believe and I'm sticking to it.

Nobody can ever know how we came to be, and I think it might just be the hopeless romantic in me that chooses faith over cold rationality.

[arista]

Yes I agree with your points
Shaun.

[James]

If you accept the Earth is billions of years old it is pretty obvious that evolution is happening. I'd have thought it was common sense. Nothing stays the same over a long period.

The processes that astronomers observe prove we are talking about long-timescales here.

[andyman]

^True.. Of course evolution is not a blueprint... Religion like to think of a blueprint.

[ange7]

Originally posted by Shaun
Originally posted by ange7
Originally posted by Shaun
Of those mentioned in the article, I'd have to say I'm more inclined to believe in the "intelligent design" idea.

Normally I am an agnostic, and don't particularly listen to organised religions (though I grew up in a Church of England school and am therefore only really familiar with the Christianity (CofE anyway) viewpoint).

But I cannot scientifically explain something as complex as life as we know it. Sentience, structure, emotion...it can't all be down to something as simple as evolution.
ummm....yeah you can... read a book mate. How can you say " I cannot scientifically explain something as complex as life"... surely that's a failing on your part and not the science. Unless your claiming you've read all the science...understand it all and yet still thinks it's rubbish. But then you "believe" in creationism .... which bring no science at all to back it up.

"it can't all be down to something as simple as evolution." It isn't simple. Explain it to us if it's so simple.

It's attitudes like this that put a lot of people off of posting in the Serious Debates section. Comments like "read a book mate" are just unnecessary.

I know I don't know a lot about science OR religion, and that what I believe may be wrong, but it's what I believe and I'm sticking to it.

Nobody can ever know how we came to be, and I think it might just be the hopeless romantic in me that chooses faith over cold rationality. What "attitude" is that ? . You said
"But I cannot scientifically explain something as complex as life as we know it. Sentience, structure, emotion...it can't all be down to something as simple as evolution".
This implies you know all there is to know about evolution ... and after considering it all you've decided it's BS and creationism isn't. Next you type "I know I don't know a lot about science OR religion". dude wtf ... you totally discount evolution because YOU don't get it?. Surly this means that you need to read up and inform yourself.... that's your job ... instead of proclaiming evolution can't "scientifically explain something as complex as life" And here's the kicker...you said "what I believe may be wrong, but it's what I believe and I'm sticking to it" lol WTF???? so why even come to a forum. It's that "attitude" that will mean you'll never move forward ... it's like your proclaim your ignorance as some kind of undeniably right. You can't imagine how amazing that line is... it's TIBB in a single sentence .. hehe then shock of shocks...arista comes in with "Yes I agree with your points Shaun." You agree with a person's right to ignore reasoned debate and stick his head in the sand.? Shaun your the one who attacked my position... which is fine .. but if you disregard evolution in favour of creationism because evolution just scientifically doesn't cut it then you need to back that up with something other than "it's what I believe and I'm sticking to it". Sorry if I hurt your feelings but I really didn't go in that hard considering.

[Tom]

About the world being complex, maybe its all just chance. There are planets out there with noone living on them because they physically can't, but because of our environment we can adapt to the environment (the environment does not adapt to us) and over years we can change ever so slightly so within a few million years we have changed again to fit out surroundings.

If we were a cm closer or further away from the sun then the world wouldn't be how it is as animals wouldn't be able to cope. Maybe that is just down to chance, it doesn't mean that there would be no life, there could be another form of life that can adapt to the new surroundings.

Also scientists only theorise the big bang and (Darwin's) evolution anyway, it doesn't mean it actually happened. Although the human mind can't process the thought there is nothing to suggest the world hasn't just always been here.

[NettoSuperstar!]

If we want to understand the world then we have to start from a rational perspective, collecting and critically analysing all knowledge. And thats where religions broke down in my view. Im not sure Jesus would ever have intended whats happened in his name, he was an advocate of seeking knowledge and asking questions! If you believe in Creationism over Evolution then your ignoring an overwhelming body of evidence and being irrational. Being irrational can be dangerous.

The theory of evolution has come about from evidence and critical examination of facts. We're not there yet, and probably will never know the ultimate "truth" but we've come along way since the days of Jesus, shame some religious thinkers havent.

In answer to the question- Can religion and science co-exist? Yes of course they can when organised religions and the people who practice them are prepared to "evolve" and look rationally at the important messages and purpose which people like Jesus intended and not get stuck in outdated dogma and highly probable misinterpretations(which many religious people are able to do- I'll add).

[bananarama]

Originally posted by Mark
Religion easily pushes off Carbon Dating as complete nonsense, and a non credible source. Just as well really as it does pretty much debunk one of their main texts in Genesis, in that God created the world 6000 years ago.

The church ARE clever yes, and it's ridiculous how much power and freedom they are allowed in today’s society. Don't get me started on their tax exemptions, the fuss they are causing over the Atheism ads on busses in London, or even the uproar after Obama rightly mentioned 'non believers' in his speech.

I don't understand how you can believe in evolution but also be religious. They are a complete contradiction of each other, and to try and piece them together seems a cop-out from what more than likely probably happened. None of us will know in our lifetime what REALLY happened, but every day science is coming up with more explanations, and trying to piece together the evidence to back up its findings. Religion has stuck to the same old story for thousands of years, and will continue to brainwash kids at the age where they aren't old enough to think for themselves. At the end of the day they are a profit making organisation, and if you have to tell a small white lie to make billions of pounds, why not! :wink:

Of all the replies thus far this is the one I aree with the most......A huge touch of realty.....

Considering the argument evolution or religion in theory they can both be compatible..(Not that I believe either) Compatible in the sense that evolution could be an aspect of creation. In other words created to evolve but evolution not in itself responsible for creation......If that makes sense...:laugh:

From my perspective Religion is something from the dark ages and should have remained there and evolution is just an attempt to answer what will probably never be answered.