Only 15% of Americans accept evolution.

[Farnhamia]

Of course. The numbers are badly presented.

We may be "dumb" compared to those uppity Europeans, but we're not that dumb.

We're better looking, too. And bigger.

[Individuality-ness]

Quite a bit, actually. We have breeders, teachers, scientists, doctors, parents, politicians (who have to deal with what is to be taught in our nation's schools)... and then we have the voting population. Oh right...

I would, since they vote for politicians who choose what our kids learn in schools.

Freedom from religion is a part of freedom of religion.

Separation of church and state, the US is a secular nation, Treaty of Tripoli, blah blah blah.

Yes, but because the neo-conservatives insist that we must have prayer in schools, that we must teach creationism - I'm sorry, intelligent design in schools, that gays should not have the right to get married, etc. Not because we're trying to teach science in a science classroom, where it belongs.

In order:
1) I'm assuming the people who make it though medical school and science programs do in fact believe in evolution
2) I guess you have a point there, but remember: 46% is not a majority and if some town decides to teach intelligent design in it's schools then what skin is it off your back and what would you do about it? Get the Federal government involved in it?
3) Freedom of religion means the government isn't going to adopt an official religion, force a religion on you, or persecute you for your religion/atheism. It doesn't mean that people can only worship in their homes and churches or that any expression of faith in public place or by a public official must be stopped, which I honestly believe many of the more radical atheist groups support and have been somewhat successful in doing.
4) Sure, there are politicians advocating that. But how much support do they have, on a national level? Are the acts they put in place, like Clinton's DOMA, gaining or losing support?

1) There's some people who don't believe in evolution and yet are scientists and doctors and whatnot. :/ I don't know why.
2) Uh yes? Separation of church and state for one. First Amendment anyone?
3) Of course freedom of religion means that. But I would rather not have football games opened by prayers and have my local DMV have a huge Nativity scene on the front lawn.
4) Not sure, but it's enough so that they'll keep proposing them to get votes.

[Northern Dominus]

I think that more than 15% of Americans accept evolution...

Or at least the results of the random sample tests tend to be skewed due to the fact that by and large people who think that evolution is the most logical answer don't have time to answer because they have better things to do. This is because they're probably not ideology zealots and fit into society IE having a job and occupations outside of a very narrow set of values, than the staunch creationists that took the time to answer the poll and stump for their "values" because they didn't have anything better to do then answer a random sampling.

[Geilinor]

In 2010, 54% of Americans accepted evolution in some shape or form. It's the conservative politicians making it go the other way.

[TomKirk]

I think that more than 15% of Americans accept evolution...

Yes. 47% accept evolution, but only 15% disbelieve in God.

[Conscentia]

I think that more than 15% of Americans accept evolution...

Yes. 47% accept evolution, but only 15% disbelieve in God.

No.
15% accept the scientific Theory of Evolution.
46% believe in the unscientific concept of theistic evolution.
The rest are creationists & unsure people.

[United States of Peace]

I believe in evolution, yet I also believe in a higher being, what is that called?

[Individuality-ness]

I believe in evolution, yet I also believe in a higher being, what is that called?

Theistic evolution.

[Laerod]

We may be "dumb" compared to those uppity Europeans, but we're not that dumb. :p

We're better looking, too. And bigger.

Not the good kind of bigger, though.

[United States of Peace]

I believe in evolution, yet I also believe in a higher being, what is that called?

Theistic evolution.

Ahh, thank you for telling me, what about Intelligent design? How does that work in relation to evolution?

[Mavorpen]

Theistic evolution.

Ahh, thank you for telling me, what about Intelligent design? How does that work in relation to evolution?

It doesn't.

[Individuality-ness]

Theistic evolution.

Ahh, thank you for telling me, what about Intelligent design? How does that work in relation to evolution?

Intelligent design is creationism with another name. In other words, bullshit.

[Enadail]

4) Sure, there are politicians advocating that. But how much support do they have, on a national level? Are the acts they put in place, like Clinton's DOMA, gaining or losing support?

When members of the House Science Committee, eg, the people who advice and usually put forth laws on science, people who think some of the most accepted scientific theories around are wrong, you have a problem at the highest level. Ralph Hall, the head, doesn't believe in climate change (accepted by the vast majority of the climatology community), Paul Broun rejects pretty much anything that doesn't match with the bible, we all remember Todd Akin (I'm pretty sure he was on the science committee), Sandy Adams doesn't believe in evolution, and that's just a few.

The very people in charge of putting forth laws based on or relating to science don't believe in science. So ah, its a pretty much problem. And while they may not have been able to put forth anything yet, they also prevent action from happening by not allowing a science related bill to leave committee (if you're unaware of how it works, each committee puts out bills relating to its field... the committee on education can't put out a bill about supporting the construction of nuclear power plants).

[United States of Peace]

Ahh, thank you for telling me, what about Intelligent design? How does that work in relation to evolution?

Intelligent design is creationism with another name. In other words, bullshit.

Okay then. If I could ask, what are the arguments that people use to refute the existence of God?

[Individuality-ness]

Intelligent design is creationism with another name. In other words, bullshit.

Okay then. If I could ask, what are the arguments that people use to refute the existence of God?

That there is no evidence to suggest that God exists.

[Ceannairceach]

Intelligent design is creationism with another name. In other words, bullshit.

Okay then. If I could ask, what are the arguments that people use to refute the existence of God?

Lack of evidence in regards to his alleged interventions is a good one, depending on the god in question, also the impossibility of omnipotence and omniscience, and the functioning of the universe without a creator being not only possible, but likely.

[Enadail]

Intelligent design is creationism with another name. In other words, bullshit.

Okay then. If I could ask, what are the arguments that people use to refute the existence of God?

You don't refute the existence of God, because that's trying to prove a negative claim. You support a positive claim. Its up to those who believe in God to provide evidence of his existence. But as God exists outside the bounds of the natural world, science doesn't care. However, when religious people start claiming natural occurrences are acts of God, that's when science gets involved and pretty much shows its not necessary to add God into the equation.

[Laerod]

Intelligent design is creationism with another name. In other words, bullshit.

Okay then. If I could ask, what are the arguments that people use to refute the existence of God?

That you need to show God exists.

[North Stradia]

Intelligent design is creationism with another name. In other words, bullshit.

Okay then. If I could ask, what are the arguments that people use to refute the existence of God?

You are the one making an assertion (that "god" exists). The burden of proof is on you.

Arguments that consist of "Goddidit" and logical fallacies will not be accepted. Creationism is about as scientific as Time Cube.

[Xsyne]

I think that more than 15% of Americans accept evolution...

Yes. 47% accept evolution, but only 15% disbelieve in God.

15% do not believe God had a role in human evolution. That does not mean they do not believe in God. (If I'm remembering it correctly, the official position of the Roman Catholic Church would fall under that umbrella.)

[The New Confederation of Free States]

In order:
1) I'm assuming the people who make it though medical school and science programs do in fact believe in evolution
2) I guess you have a point there, but remember: 46% is not a majority and if some town decides to teach intelligent design in it's schools then what skin is it off your back and what would you do about it? Get the Federal government involved in it?
3) Freedom of religion means the government isn't going to adopt an official religion, force a religion on you, or persecute you for your religion/atheism. It doesn't mean that people can only worship in their homes and churches or that any expression of faith in public place or by a public official must be stopped, which I honestly believe many of the more radical atheist groups support and have been somewhat successful in doing.
4) Sure, there are politicians advocating that. But how much support do they have, on a national level? Are the acts they put in place, like Clinton's DOMA, gaining or losing support?

1) There's some people who don't believe in evolution and yet are scientists and doctors and whatnot. :/ I don't know why.
2) Uh yes? Separation of church and state for one. First Amendment anyone?
3) Of course freedom of religion means that. But I would rather not have football games opened by prayers and have my local DMV have a huge Nativity scene on the front lawn.
4) Not sure, but it's enough so that they'll keep proposing them to get votes.

1) Huh, really??? Like in evolution related fields? I mean, like maybe an astronomer could get away with, but those who work with biological research? (not sarcasm, honestly a little surprised)
2) Ok, so if you're that confident in it then why worry about these numbers or that politicians would propose to teach it in schools? Wouldn't the courts be there so step in and stop it?
3) Really? Is it that much of a personal insult to you when people worship or pray openly?
4) In the "Solid South" maybe... But for the mainstream Republicans these positions usually hurt them in general elections. I mean, these social positions are generally attributed as part of the reason that they preformed so poorly in the 2012 elections.

[Enadail]

Yes. 47% accept evolution, but only 15% disbelieve in God.

15% do not believe God had a role in human evolution. That does not mean they do not believe in God. (If I'm remembering it correctly, the official position of the Roman Catholic Church would fall under that umbrella.)

Nah, the Roman Catholic Church believes that evolution happens, but under God's guidance. Which means its not really evolution at all. Just change.

[United States of Peace]

Ahh, okay then. My own personal opinion is that evolution is true, and that it should be fully taught in schools. Yet, for some reason I cannot reconcile myself that there is some sort of higher being in the universe, even through there is a complete lack of evidence. I'm American by the way. Not too sure how that influences my outlook. How is Europe compared to America in terms of evolution acceptance?

[Mavorpen]

3) Really? Is it that much of a personal insult to you when people worship or pray openly?

That's not what she meant.

[Dyakovo]

I believe in evolution, yet I also believe in a higher being, what is that called?

It depends.
Do you think that your deity has a hand in the operation?