In the perenially prickly debate over the origin of human beings, close to two-thirds of Alabamians prefer the explanation in the Book of Genesis over the ideas of Charles Darwin, the results of a new poll show.
Roughly seven out of 10 respondents to the Mobile Register-University of South Alabama survey said creationism and intelligent design should be taught in public school science classes. Fewer than half think evolution warrants the same treatment.
As in much of the South, many Alabamians adhere to a brand of evangelical Christianity that interprets the Bible — including the Genesis account of the creation of Adam and Eve — as literally true. The survey results nonetheless surprised one self-described creationist.
“I would not have guessed that. It just seems to me that the view that holds the field is evolutionism,” said Dale Younce, an associate professor of Christian studies at the University of Mobile.
Younce, who views evolution, creationism and intelligent design as all “faith-based,” thinks it appropriate for them to be taught together.
Randall Johnson, a former member of a state science curriculum committee who opposed a biology textbook disclaimer describing evolution as “a controversial theory,” believes the results predictably reflect Alabamians’ religious background. Although creationism and intelligent design could be taught in some other course, Johnson said, they don’t belong in a science class.
Of the 405 adult Alabamians surveyed between Nov. 28 and Dec. 1, approximately three out of four identified themselves as “born-again Christians,” while 90 percent said they believe God takes “a direct and active role” in people’s everyday lives.
Backing for creationism, which holds that human beings are God’s direct handiwork, is far higher in the state than the country as a whole.
In a recent national survey by the Pew Research Center, a Washington polling organization, only 42 percent of respondents signaled support for creationism, compared with 48 percent who accept evolution. (RNS)
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