Other Views on Darwin on His Big Day

The number of fawning pieces about Charles Darwin of late have been overwhelming, to say the least. Likewise the celebrations at biology departments across the country are in full swing today with cake eating contests, Darwin carols, game shows, honorary operas, and even the minting of new money with his likeness in the UK. But there are some over takes on Darwin and his legacy, including a number of articles we’re happy to highlight for your Darwin Day reading pleasure. Enjoy.

Happy Atheist Day

Dr. Steven Novella recently took issue with an essay I wrote for Forbes.com. Forbes has a fair survey of differing opinions on Darwin’s theory, which, of course, has angered Darwinists, who realize that the continued viability of Darwin’s theory depends on its insulation from criticism. They censor criticism of Darwinism in schools, and they aren’t happy to see the weaknesses of Darwinism discussed in the public forum, along with its strengths. In my essay, I reviewed some of the scientific problems with Darwin’s theory, and I pointed out that Darwinism is itself a religious ideology. Darwin’s theory is the creation myth of atheism. Dr. Novella begins:

Darwin Day Poll Shatters Stereotypes: Democrats Favor Freedom to Discuss Evolution’s Strengths and Weaknesses More than Republicans

From the new Zogby poll this week: QUESTION: Would you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree that teachers and students should have the academic freedom to discuss both the strengths and weaknesses of evolution as a scientific theory?Strongly agree 54%Somewhat agree 26%Total Agree 80%Somewhat disagree 6%Strongly disagree 11%Total Disagree 16%Not sure 4% A large majority of respondents (80%) agree that teachers and students should have academic freedom to discuss both the strengths and weaknesses of evolution as a scientific theory, with more than half (54%) saying they strongly agree. Only 16% disagree. Although the media consistently portray support for the freedom to discuss both sides of the evolution debate as coming primarily from conservative Christians, these poll Read More ›

Reviewing Jerry Coyne, Part 3: The National Academy of Sciences Statement on Religion and Science.

Darwinist Dr. Jerry Coyne, in his New Republic article “Seeing and Believing; The never-ending attempt to reconcile science and religion, and why it is doomed to fail,” quotes the National Academy of Sciences on the reconciliation of religion and science. The NAS statement is worth a post on its own. Dr. Coyne notes: The National Academy of Sciences, America’s most prestigious scientific body, issued a pamphlet assuring us that we can have our faith and Darwin, too: “Science and religion address separate aspects of human experience. Many scientists have written eloquently about how their scientific studies of biological evolution have enhanced rather than lessened their religious faith. And many religious people and denominations accept the scientific evidence for evolution.” Science Read More ›

Dramatic Increase in Support for Teaching Scientific Evidence Both For and Against Darwinian Evolution

From the new Zogby poll this week: QUESTION: I am going to read you two statements about Biology teachers teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution. Please tell me which statement comes closest to your own point of view–Statement A or Statement B? Statement A: Biology teachers should teach only Darwin’s theory of evolution and the scientific evidence that supports it.Statement B: Biology teachers should teach Darwin’s theory of evolution, but also the scientific evidence against it.Statement A 14%Statement B 78%Neither 5%Other/Not sure 2% A large majority (78%) say Statement B, “Biology teachers should teach Darwin’s theory of evolution, but also the scientific evidence against it,” comes closest to their point of view, while 14% say Statement A, “Biology teachers should teach Read More ›