By Kathleen Gilbert
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 10, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A Zogby poll conducted on the eve of Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday shows an overwhelming number of Americans prefer a non-dogmatic approach to teaching evolutionary theory in public schools, and show significantly less support for pure Darwinism than data collected three years ago.
78% of respondents said they agreed more with the statement, “Biology teachers should teach Darwin’s theory of evolution, but also the scientific evidence against it,” than the statement that teachers “should teach only Darwin’s theory of evolution and the scientific evidence that supports it.” The majority opinion gained 9 points since an identical 2006 survey showing 69% support for non-dogmatic Darwinism.
At the same time, the number of those who support teaching only the evidence that favors evolution dropped 7 points from 21% in 2006 to 14.4% in this year’s poll. 7% agreed with neither option or was unsure. The national telephone poll surveyed over 1,000 likely voters and had a +/-3.1% margin of error.
“We need to change Darwin Day to Academic Freedom Day,” said Dr. John West of the Discovery Institute in a press release, “because just when Darwinists are celebrating evolution’s triumph, this poll shows that they have been losing the public debate over whether students need to hear both sides.”
“There appears to be a public backlash against the strong-arm tactics being employed by many Darwinists to intimidate scientists, teachers, and students who want to raise criticisms of Darwin’s theory,” he said.
Surprisingly, Democrats support teaching Darwinism’s “strengths and weaknesses” even more overwhelmingly than Republicans, at 82% and 73%, respectively, and 86% of self-identified liberals advocated a balanced approach. In addition, 0% of respondents in the 18-24 year-old age bracket agreed that only the evidence supporting Darwinism should be taught.
“Media reports insinuate that a right-wing conspiracy of know nothings and religious extremists is afoot,” said West. “But the Zogby poll reflects a very broad-based and well-informed constituency for academic freedom that includes liberals, moderates, independents, and people from every race and age group. The Darwin Lobby has really isolated itself from public opinion.”
See related LifeSiteNews.com articles:
Darwin’s Kool-Aid
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/apr/08040705.html
Darwin, Hitler, and the Culture of Death
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/may/08050602.html
Over 400 Eminent Scientists Sign “A Scientific Dissent From Darwinism”
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/jul/05072204.html