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PhotographyA new study has been published by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, an independent institute seeking to promote a deeper understanding of issues at the intersection of religion and public affairs.
As far as my research goes, the results of the study can be trusted.
- Nearly 50% of the population of the US believe in creationism – that the earth was actually and literally created around 6.000 years ago by god, within 6 days. That is surprising, since there is no empirical evidence whatsoever for creationism (nothing at all) on the one hand, on the other hand though there is enough scientific evidence to prove the theory of evolution (and this evidence has been around for over 150 years by now). Prove in the sense of “it is by far the most convincing explanation today, but we keep looking for alternative explanations and try to disprove our current theory constantly”.
- 20% are convinced that there is some kind of evolution working, but that this evolution is somehow driven, controlled or regulated by a divine being. Those people are able to grasp the facts, but intertwine it with their beliefs. (see: FAQ on Intelligent Design)
- Only around 25% of the population understands that evolution isn’t something to believe in, it is a scientific fact such as gravity. Which doesn’t say that there is no god, but that has never been the idea of the theory of evolution.
There are things we cannot prove, explain or even understand – and others we can. Evolution is one of the latter. Sometimes I have to wonder whether it is good for a modern society that religion still has such a heavy influence in our world.
— See also: God exists
February 19th, 2009
February 19th, 2009 at 16:16
Now it would be interesting to correlate these findings with IQ, literacy and socio-economic status. A man can dream…
February 23rd, 2009 at 12:34
Perhaps that was done before, but not published.
Imagine what the church (read: religious fanatics) would do to you if you actually published a study showing that religious people are – in general – less intelligent and less educated.
October 4th, 2010 at 14:20
[...] The Pew Research Center has published yet another survey, this time about US citizens’ knowledge of religions. In February 2009, I quoted the Center before regarding a study about evolution, creationism and intelligent design. [...]