Chapter 1: The Misunderstanding of Evolution

Evolution remains a contentious topic in scientific discourse, often misunderstood by many, particularly within deeply religious communities. Some individuals reject the concept outright, opting instead to adhere to older creation narratives they consider to be the ultimate truth.

Insight: Relying on supernatural explanations has historically failed to provide satisfactory answers.

The term "Theory," especially in the phrase "The Theory of Evolution," often leads people to dismiss it as mere conjecture. However, in scientific terminology, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation supported by substantial evidence, akin to Germ Theory or Gravitational Theory.

Currently, we find ourselves in an era where vaccine skepticism is prevalent, and those who dismiss Germ Theory may also reject the principles of evolution, which is a troubling trend that has real-world consequences.

This discussion is prompted by a recent study that examines how the public perceives evolution, and it invites us to explore the findings.

How Many Americans Accept Evolution?

The foundational ideas of evolutionary biology have been part of our understanding for many years, initially popularized by Charles Darwin in his 1859 work "On the Origin of Species." By the 1870s, the concept gained substantial traction, not as a new doctrine but as a compelling explanation for life's diversity. Our comprehension of evolution has significantly advanced since that time, with numerous independent lines of evidence solidifying its validity.

For those unfamiliar with the topic, an excellent resource is the Evolution 101 page from Berkeley University.

Historically, acceptance of evolution in the United States has been quite low, largely due to the strong influence of certain religious groups that advocate for a "God did it" perspective. Polls often reveal disheartening statistics; for instance, a 2019 Gallup Poll indicated that only 22% of Americans recognized that humans evolved over millions of years without divine intervention, while another 33% acknowledged evolution but believed that God played a part. This left a significant portion of the population adhering to various forms of mythological creationism.

Recent research offers new insights.

The journal Public Understanding of Science recently published a study titled "Public Acceptance of Evolution in the United States, 1985–2020," which analyzes national surveys spanning the last 35 years. The results show an increase in public acceptance of evolution over the past decade, following two decades of near-equal division on the issue.

“From 1985 to 2010, acceptance and rejection of evolution were statistically equal,” stated lead researcher Jon D. Miller from the University of Michigan. “However, acceptance surged to become the majority view by 2016.”

What Led to This Change?

The answer is simple: education.

“By 2018, nearly twice as many Americans held a college degree compared to 1988,” remarked co-author Mark Ackerman from Michigan Engineering. “Acquiring a college degree often fosters a respect for scientific accomplishments.”

Additional findings from the study are noteworthy: even among those with strong religious beliefs, acceptance of evolution increased from 8% in 1988 to 32% in 2019. By 2019, 34% of conservative Republicans accepted evolution, compared to 83% of liberal Democrats.

Skeptical Responses

Naturally, these statistics may prompt some deeply religious individuals to assert that external forces have clouded my judgment. However, it is essential to recognize that the scientific community supports these findings.

The Evidence for Evolution

Creationists often frame the discussion as a battle between differing beliefs, yet the reality is that the debate centers on myth versus fact. During a debate, Bill Nye famously challenged creationist Ken Ham by pointing out that some trees predate Ham's estimate of the earth's age.

Intelligent Design vs. Science

Proponents of "Intelligent Design" claim to present scientific evidence for their assertions, but upon examination, these claims often lack substance. If genuine evidence for Intelligent Design existed, it would be published in respected peer-reviewed journals.

Michael Behe, a prominent advocate for Intelligent Design and a biochemistry professor at Lehigh University, has published various works that have faced significant critique. While he is free to maintain his beliefs, the lack of credible evidence has not led to any substantial breakthroughs in the field.

Note: Behe’s institution has long displayed a statement affirming their commitment to evolutionary theory, asserting that Intelligent Design lacks scientific credibility and experimental validation.

Testing Intelligent Design

A valid scientific hypothesis must be both testable and falsifiable. If a theory cannot be tested, it cannot be regarded as scientific.

Evolution in Real-Time

Evolution is observable in real time; for instance, the COVID-19 virus has evolved, with variants like the delta variant rising to prominence due to natural selection.

To clarify the concept: parents have children who are not identical clones; this variation leads to differing levels of success in survival and reproduction. Over generations, these small variations accumulate, resulting in the vast diversity of life we observe today.

A Non-Binary Perspective

Many individuals who hold strong religious identities may perceive evolution as a threat. However, it is possible to reconcile faith and scientific understanding. Numerous religious individuals have embraced the scientific reality of evolution, viewing it as a method through which the divine operates.

To clarify, this perspective aligns with the official Catholic doctrine, representing the largest Christian denomination globally.

Conclusion

The positive shift in public acceptance of evolution suggests that we are gradually becoming more science-friendly, largely due to improved education.

Now might be a good time to celebrate this progress!

Questions for Discussion:

1. If you view creationism as the best explanation for our origins, what factors lead you to this belief?
2. If you previously accepted a form of creationism but have changed your perspective, what influenced your shift in thinking?

This video explores the significance of the Theory of Evolution and its implications.

This video presents evidence supporting the theory of evolution and examines its validity.