The Debate Over Evolution
Feb. 4, 2009
| Overview: The Conflict Between Religion and Evolution | ||
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Two hundred years after Charles Darwin's birth and nearly 150 years after Darwin published his groundbreaking work On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, Americans are still fighting over evolution. If anything, the controversy has recently grown in both size and intensity. |
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The Social and Legal Dimensions of the Evolution Debate in the U.S. A history of landmark evolution cases in the U.S. |
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Darwin and His Theory of Evolution Darwin's achievement was to offer a compelling scientific explanation for how species evolve. |
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Religious Groups' Views on Evolution A breakdown of 13 major religious groups' views on the issue. |
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Evolution: A Timeline Important events in the history of the evolution debate. |
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Graphic: Religious Differences on Evolution Views on evolution differ widely across religious groups. |
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Fighting Over Darwin, State by State A sampling of recent action in 14 states in which the teaching of evolution has stirred controversy. |
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More resources
Analysis
An Overview of Religion and Science in the United States
Nov. 5, 2009
The relationship between faith and science in the United States seems,
at least on the surface, to be paradoxical. Surveys repeatedly show
that most Americans respect science and the benefits it brings to
society. But strong religious convictions can affect some Americans'
willingness to accept certain scientific theories and discoveries.
Report
Public Opinion on Religion and Science in the United States
Nov. 5, 2009
Views on science, scientists, evolution and related issues.
Report
Scientists and Belief
Nov. 5, 2009
In general, scientists are much less religious than the general public.
Timeline
Religion and Science: A Timeline
Nov. 5, 2009
A history of the relationship between religion and science in the West.
Q&A
The Evidence for Belief: An Interview With Francis Collins
April 17, 2008
For Francis Collins, head of the Human Genome Project and an
evangelical Christian, scientific knowledge complements rather than
contradicts belief in God.
Report
Science in America: Religious Beliefs and Public Attitudes
Dec. 18, 2007
Survey data shows that while large majorities of Americans respect
science and scientists, they are not always willing to accept
scientific findings that squarely contradict their religious beliefs.
Report
How the Public Resolves Conflicts Between Faith and Science
Aug. 27, 2007
An analysis by Pew Forum Senior Research Fellow David Masci finds that religious convictions limit many Americans' willingness to accept
controversial scientific theories as well as certain types of
scientific research, such as the potential use of embryonic stem cells
for medical treatments.
Q&A
Federal Court Sends Back Georgia Evolution Sticker Case
May 26, 2006
A short Q&A with Pew Forum Senior Research Fellow David Masci examines a federal appeals court decision to send back a lower court's ruling on an evolution disclaimer in Cobb County, Ga.
Survey
Many Americans Uneasy With Mix of Religion and Politics
Aug. 24, 2006
An August 2006 survey by the Pew Forum found that the issue of evolution and the origins of life remains highly divisive. The views of white evangelical Protestants are very different from those of other groups, with a majority of this group (65%) rejecting the notion that humans and other living things have evolved over time and espousing the view that life has existed in its present form since the beginning of time.
Event
The Biology Wars: The Religion, Science and Education Controversy
Dec. 5, 2005
At a conference held by the Pew Forum in December 2005, Edward J. Larson, Talmadge Chair of Law and Russell Professor of American History at the University of Georgia, discussed the history of the controversy over teaching evolution in American public schools, from the watershed Scopes trial to the recent legal battle over intelligent design in Dover, Pa.
Event
Courts, Schools and Intelligent Design
Sept. 22, 2005
In September 2005, the Pew Forum, together with the Federalist Society and the Constitution Project, held an event to discuss the current state of the law under the Establishment Clause and panelists' predictions for a ruling in the case Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District.
Legal Backgrounder
From Darwin to Dover
Sept. 22, 2005
A Pew Forum backgrounder traces the legal history of the evolution debate and outlines key cases, including a challenge to the teaching of intelligent design in Dover, Pa.
Survey
Public Divided on Origins of Life
Aug. 30, 2005
This August 2005 survey finds that even though nearly half of Americans believe that humans evolved over time, substantial majorities of the public favor adding creationism to the public school curriculum.
Event
Teaching About Religion in Public Schools
May 20, 2003
In May 2003 the Pew Forum brought together experts on religion and public schools to discuss topics including the history and background of the U.S. Constitution, religion in public schools post-9/11, teaching about religion in history, the Bible controversy, and religion and science.
Report
Teaching About Religion in Public Schools
May 20, 2003
A report from the May 2003 conference co-sponsored by the Pew Forum and The Freedom Forum First Amendment Center discusses the issue of how educators teach about religion in public schools.
Other Resources
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Feb. 5, 2009 Feb. 14, 2008 Sept. 28, 2005 |
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Jan. 26, 2009 Jan. 26, 2009 Jan. 19, 2009 |
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Darwin and Religion The Center for Science and Culture The National Center for Science Education Evolution and Wonder Science and Religion |
Pew Research Center
News
Other WebsitesPhoto Credits: Skeletal evolution: Getty Images; Darrow and Bryan: Corbis; Charles Darwin: Julia Margaret Cameron; Religious Symbols: Corbis; Supreme Court: AP
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