Texas votes on Evolution
In an 8-7 vote, the Texas Board of Education voted against the proposed mandatory insertion of “strengths and weaknesses” into textbooks. That was close! Has anyone wondered why our representatives are split 50/50 regarding an issue as fundamental to our science (and faith) as evolution? 48% of the US population agree that evolution is the best explanation for life on earth, the rest split between a belief in creation and no opinion.
Pew survey
Scientists often avoid discussing the issue out of fear of political pressure. Further dialogue would allow the public to understand the arguments (and scope) of evolutionary theory, which is so fundamental to biology. From developing drug treatment strategies to understanding human origins, aspects of evolution and genetics are the most successful theoretical frameworks to date. Therefore, the passion of the scientist must encounter the furvor of the zealot if both are to maintain their worldviews.
