40 Percent Of Americans Still Believe In Creationism

+^d

even tho I believe in Creation....and evolution to the point of Man evolving....I do not see what the Pope has to do with anything I believe in....Most Protestants do not look to the Pope for anything.....he is Catholic!! and that is another discussion entirely!!

I point out that Catholics have accepted evolution as a scientific fact because there are many American Christians that don't realize that they have the choice to keep their faith in the existence of God while accepting scientific understandings of the universe. I know many young Americans who accept the religion of their families while never reading the Holy Bible themselves. These people also are not sure about their denominations position on science. Out of some insecurity, some of them will assume that they cannot accept evolution and later become defensive when discussing the topic.

So the Pope did not declare evolution theory as a fact, but he did ACCEPT IT as more than just a hypothesis---which is a theory---meaning a scientific fact. Thanks for the run around.

ah yes, I've noticed the trend in "polls" that are published with regularity...for some reason they seem to come consistently from McClatchy or HuffPo...
"Study proves that global warming deniers have poorer diet than global warming believers"
"Poll shows that Democrats have sex more often; even when alone"
"Govt study suggests that unemployed liberals are too smart for any job available."
"Good looking liberal I met in a NY bar says that conservatives are clearly fascists: concensus around table proves him right"

and then they enter the circle jerk to congratulate themselves on their superiority.

but hey curtis, you can't argue with the study that found conservatives have sex with their own family more than liberals, can you?

That study simply suggests that liberals have ugly family members, or perhaps that they are incestous liars.

oh come on moonloon. You have to agree that ugly people need luvin to, don't you?

That is up to their family members, as a rule I select the beautiful. I am lying down now to read a copy of,
"A History of Christianity", by Diarmaid MacCulloch. As it composes 1016 pages I will unlikely be back on line tonight. It is 12:40 A.M. in my time zone.

To me, it kind of sounds like you're admitting that you will have sex with your own family members... as long as they're pretty.

I don't believe, but almost all of my family and friends do. I respect their beliefs and I don't mind going to church with them.
Also, I love the feeling of unity around Christmas. It really brings out the best in some people.

Well, there is that Solstice thing too, something observable that actually happens.

The sun rests for three days (Christ was dead for three days) then the sun starts moving south again (he has risen) Lining up with Sirius (the star in the east) followed by the three kings (Orion's Belt) which point to where the sun comes up three days after the winter solstice, on or around Dec 25th.

You don't need jesus to celebrate christmas.

there are still many people who celebrate Christmas as the Birth of their Savior after all that is what it is!! Webster's Dictionery: a festival of the birth of Christ Even tho many have lost the true meaning of Christmas.....at least they are nice to each other for the most part during the holidays, so that is something I guess!!

If it wasn't for Jesus....you would have no Christmas!!

You can still celebrate, sing carols, and enjoy Christmas as much as anyone else even if you don't believe in Jesus.

I have Christmas w/out Jesus every year - you might want to try it, it would be good for your sanity.

this is very true....and I am happy that they do!!!

well....you actually are celebrating Christmas and that is Christ's Mass....so I would say you are celebrating Jesus and are just in denial!! But I am happy that you do!! :)

Maybe I spoke too soon.

Are for or against the labeling and drugging of children?

"If it wasn't for Jesus....you would have no Christmas!!"

I've heard that the whole celebration of Christmas actually came about way before the birth of Jesus. From what I understand, many early Pagan holidays were celebrated in the month of December and after the birth of Jesus, many newly-found Christians celebrated his life during these holidays because the early Christians didn't celebrate birthdays.

From what I've found, there actually isn't any proof that Jesus was born in the month of December. So, it actually is quite possible that we would still celebrate a holiday a lot like Christmas even if Jesus were never born.

Here's some information:
"Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.
In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year."

"In Rome, where winters were not as harsh as those in the far north, Saturnalia—a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture—was celebrated. Beginning in the week leading up to the winter solstice and continuing for a full month, Saturnalia was a hedonistic time, when food and drink were plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. For a month, slaves would become masters. Peasants were in command of the city. Business and schools were closed so that everyone could join in the fun.
Also around the time of the winter solstice, Romans observed Juvenalia, a feast honoring the children of Rome. In addition, members of the upper classes often celebrated the birthday of Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun, on December 25. It was believed that Mithra, an infant god, was born of a rock. For some Romans, Mithra's birthday was the most sacred day of the year."

http://www.history.com/topics/christmas

Right?

You're right. This is a serious case of "practice what you preach".

The bible is just a bunch of made up stories, not historical documents. Let's take a step back into reality, moonloon.

I totally agree. The bible is filled with ancient knowledge that has been "coded" by being passed through language after language... and it was probably written in a poetic manner when it was first written. The three kings also represent the three stars in Orion's belt. They're still called "the three kings" today, even. I am not a follower of the bible in any sense, but whatever the bible Is... I believe we've been reading it wrong for quite some time.

I think it's best to keep an open mind on this one. I do think the bible is mainly made up stories that are meant to represent something to mankind... but there may be more to it than that. The bible may contain a lot of astronomical information if you look at it through another light.

At the very least, I find the theory of Jesus as a "sun god" to be very interesting. I mean... dying on the cross and resurrected in three days? The winter solstice representing this (the sun appearing to drop in the sky on these three days, only to rise again) could mean that the bible is actually filled with cosmological references. I think it's too coincidental to simply ignore.

There is some actual historical documentation of real events in the Bible. However, there are also deep metaphorical tales, too, right alongside complete nonsense put in there by the Roman Empire.

I think it gets really confusing when you try and interpret this stuff for people besides your self. Hence, the issues in this post.

Thanks s_Peak. I am not trying to force religion down anyone's throat. I am simply suggesting that the Bible has something to offer. But, it must be studied, not just read, as a religious document. Study of the Bible is a laborious process not advised for students of a literal bent.; as a religious document.Integration of modern scientific findings and Bibilical writings it is actually quite interesting.

I'm honestly intrigued by religion, especially since the book of Genesis, the Epic of Gilgamesh, ancient Sumerian accounts- they all depict almost the same thing.
I've been reading into the Ancient Astronaut theory, which has very interesting comparisons between ancient civilizations, and how without communicating they witnessed and documented many similar events. Also, when you look at Stonehenge, you have to start to wonder...

The second story of creation in Genesis 2 is a rather good description of how humankind went from hunter-gatherers to agriculturalists some 8,000 years ago.

poplar belief is the new wood I invented stay tuned for more details....

The only surviving Maya reference to 13 B'aktun (12/21/12) is from an inscription found in Tortuguero, Mexico. It says that Bolon Yokte' K'uh will descend.
Bolon Yokte' K'uh translates into English as "Nine Footed Tree God."

How To Identify Different Kinds Of Trees:

The Larch...
... THE Larch...
...THE Larch...
...THE LARCH

Not to mention that several underwater ancient civilizations have been found that obviously predate anything known by several thousand years at least, yet have very advanced methods of construction and tools. That right there is enough to disprove a unquestioning view of the bible. I like to keep an open mind, but one thing I will not tolerate is adherence to creed over provable and knowable facts. If we ignore things like physics, carbon dating, fossils, etc... then we're better off just being apes.

The fact that the Bible has been "edited" over many years does not completely remove it's relevance when trying to understand the history of the Earth or mankind. It is still a very powerful document well worth study and contemplation, no matter your religion. However, it is not meant for mere surface scanning, a deep study, is needed to start on the road to understanding the human condition.

There's definitely more going on. I would encourage you to consider that the loudest interpretation may not be the most widely held.

I'm pretty sure that most "Christians" do not believe that the Earth is only a few thousand years old.

It's a shame that the word "Christian" has come to be defined via contemporary slang, as "Close-minded idiot."

There's definitely more to it than that.

I think of it as ribbed for her pleasure :)

What percentage of Americans believe their dining room table is made up of more matter than space?

Oh...Yikes. I lived in South Carolina for a few years and religion is the thread that holds that flailing state together.

Even feeding people small bits at a time won't likely do the trick. To convince someone that what they had known as true their entire life is, in fact, inaccurate takes that individual an enormous amount of vulnerability, courage and strength. Religion is deeply rooted into people for a reason...a reason that is repeatedly proven to work. Control.

it sounds to me like you were harassing the man for his religious beliefs.

I'm sure from your comments that you think you are enlightened, informed, and look down at him for his "ignorant" beliefs.

Would you agressively engage a Muslim and attack for their beliefs? How about Jews? Or are you simply an anti-Christian bigot?

and what gives you the right to think that it's up to you to try to "convert" someone from their religion?

I'm absolutely sure that if a Christian group came to convert you you'd be pissed, so why do you think you have any need or right to try to "disabuse" them of their beliefs?

No mocking and ridicule are appropriate in oppressed1s situation.

True, religion has been used to control people. However, that is not the reason it exists. Many religions contain physical rituals and inner practices that lead to an overall reverence towards Life.

That angle on religion may not rile up people's emotions enough to be a popular issue here on current or on FOX, but it is a reality.

as pointed out earlier by moonloon, the "days" of creation more than likely was a much longer time than we perceive a day to be. I would take dinosaurs to be proof that they did exist at a time when man did not!! God created all creatures way before Man. There is less difference in what science believes to have happened and what really happened. Science really has not been able to come up with that "missing link" tho have they? That is basically the only difference. I truly believe we looked differently in the beginning than we do now because of environmental factors.....man has evolved....all things evolve....but God created this plan and someday we all will have all the answers to all the questions we seek. It is a good thing for Man to want answers and seek to be better. It is unfortunate that so many do not believe tho and sad we have done such horrible things to the world we live in.
"It's like this: when I was a child I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I became a man my thoughts grew far beyond those of my childhood, and now I have put away the childish thing. In the same way, we can see and understand only a little about God now, as if we were peering at His reflection in a poor mirror; but someday we are going to see Him in His completeness, face to face. Now all that I know is hazy and blurred, but then I will see everything clearly, just as clearly as God sees into my heart right now. There are three thing that remain-faith, hope and love-and the greatest of these is love."

All things have a beginning.....and God created all things as we know it!! We know that God is omnipotent and that God is Love. He has proven His existence to me, as I have put Him to the test.....but I was seeking more at that point....and I found it!!! No one will EVER be able to convince me that God doesn't exist. He is with me always!! He convinced me that He does exist!! God gives us that choice....that freedom to search.... I pray that one day you all will know the joy and peace that comes from knowing God!!
God sent His only Son to be proof ....to do away with Old testament ways that just wasnt working out....Man had turned to evil ways and something needed to be done....(again...all part of the plan)...

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

This life is but a preparation for life to come.....Jesus is coming back...are you ready? I am!! Hope to see you all there!! I am not sure what we will all debate about then....but I know we will all be eternally happy!!

I am afraid there are many "religious people" who do not know God!

Did you read the comment I was responding to?

Since you asked though...I don't feel the need, per se, to convert people, but the same right that gives religious people the ok to try and convert me subsequently establishes the fact that I, too, have that very same right.

Quite frankly if I am not able to back up my beliefs with fact during a discussion I should really question them on my own anyway.

I agree that we seem to have an inherent need/desire to believe in something...whatever that is.

I think my biggest gripe about religion is that fact people blindly believe. They don't question or prove whatever they are taught (and yes I realize that I am making broad and sweeping generalizations) rather than making sure, for themselves, that it is actually accurate for them as an individual.

There is also the fact that people continually pick and choose what they want to adhere to within a given religion.

That is proven by their behavior - beyond a shadow of a doubt.

They do come to convert, just about every saturday.

look, buddy, when Christians come up to you to convert you, what are the odds they will succeed? about ZERO? Same with me. I used to get annoyed until I realized that they were just trying to "save my soul", they thought they were helping me the way you'd help someone who was hit by a car and needed first aid. Now I just kind of nod and smile and wait for a graceful exit.

so what the hell good does it do to try to convert them from something that makes them happy? if you don't like it when they do it, why do you feel compelled to commit the same "wrong" that you condemn?

besides, I'm absolutely convinced that, while many people are happier because they believe in God and an afterlife, I don't know anyone who can honestly claim to be "happier" because they believe that when they die they will simply rot in the ground, "end of story".

Faith in god is a source of strength and comfort for those who have it. It's actually mean and cruel to try to take that from them.

They should be trying to convert you because that is what they are being taught to do. That is what Jesus did and instructed his followers to do. I'm not annoyed that someone wants to have a conversation with me, but I am not going to stand there and not share my own thoughts, understanding, opinion. I should be able to hold a conversation about my beliefs...as should anyone.

I don't feel compelled to try and convert people - I certainly don't spend my weekends going door to door trying to convert people. I will, however, engage the subject when it comes up.

Once you have a clear understanding of the religious lies that are taught you become a lot happier, believe me. I would much rather believe that I will rot in the ground than be scared into believing that if I do wrong (according to whatever any given religion believes at the time) I will be tormented in hell.

I am anti everything dude.

Think about it man do you think a guy in the army would exactly like the people who follow islam. MF's are trying to kill you daily.

OK, well then I see your perspective, but a long time ago I realized that only a fool argues with a fool, which is why I don't even bother to argue with them when they try their conversion talks.

As for happiness, your last paragraph seems to be a gross over simplification of the impact of religion on someone's life. You've reduced it to being nothing more than a set of behaviors based on fear, which is like answering the question "what is an apple?" with an answer such as; "it falls off a tree".

let me see if I got this straight. you actually think that our soldiers, when they enter a village and are met by smiling children, hate those kids because they are being raised muslim, just because the day before another group of people (who were muslim) were trying to kill them?

that's the kind of gross over-simplification that leads liberals to think that conservatives hate a single ethnicity (usually assume to be mexicans) because they want an end to illegal immigration.

fortunately, I know a few military members and I know for a fact they are more sophisticated than that. and I know enough conservatives who do NOT hate any ethnicity just because they want an end to illegal immigration.

You're not getting my point.

ALL religion is a joke. If there were a god i wouldn't have to worry about my son or daughter being picked up by some dude offering them candy.

Oh and those kids. ARe the best source for information over seas. BEcause unlike their good for nothing parents they dont lie.

"how the author of Genesis knew this?" ;there was more than one author of the book of Genesis

...but at the end of the day isn't it supposed to be 'god' who authored the bible; even if he didn't pen it?

Genesis is not an accurate description of the big bang in the slightest, and evolution is completely ignored. It takes mental gymnastics to reconcile the creationists fantasy with reality.

For example, light was created before the Sun.

1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

Really? On which planet? Genesis assumes the flat-Earth theory (obviously).

1:16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.

Yup, in the whole universe there is only one sun and one moon (2 great lights, and obviously god didn't know that all stars are suns). Yup. Obviously if he is creating the entire inconceivably large universe, the Earth is the center of it, right?

Genesis, the entire bible, and Christianity are all hogwash. Genesis demonstrates a complete and utter lack of understanding of how the universe works. If there were a god, he would not be this ignorant.

One thing is certain. The authors got it dead wrong with respect to science.

Really? How do you know that?

Genesis has been attributed historically and traditionally to Moses. Some scholars "speculate" that it might have 3 historical contributers. But they don't know that any more than we "know" that it was written by a guy named Moses.

Well then, how did the multiple authors know this? I find it quite amusing that something deemed impossible less tham 50 years ago, and pooed, pooed, by know it all scientists has now become so widely accepted.

There has now been significant evidence discovered that several unusual geological formations in the World were caused, not by eons of river erosion, but rather by cataclysmic, failures of ice dams formed during the Glacial periods of North America.
I just read an article yesterday that a Scottish scientist (Matthews) I believe; published an article that pre-dated Darwin and that Darwin very likely "lifted" and embellshed on Matthews ideas, which did not include the evolution of man from a lower species.
I suppose the Earth is likely to be 4.5 billon years old, but I do not suppose to believe every half baked theory that scientist's develop due to peer pressure and the "publish or perish" doctrine.

Perhaps it is not literal.

It is a fact now that matter can be changed into energy AND that energy can be changed into Matter!!!! God is obviously a lot smarter than we are!!!
and there is evidence that a "creation" did take place!! Science has proved that all things have a beginning....

it is probable that the Book of Genesis was written originally by actual eyewitnesses of the events reported therein. Probably the original narratives were recorded on tables of stone or clay, in common with the practice of early times, and then handed down from father to son, finally coming into the possession of Moses. Moses perhaps selected the appropriate sections for compilation, inserted his own editorial additions and comments, and provided smooth transitions from one document to the next, with the final result being the Book of Genesis as we have received it.

The Book of Genesis is assumed, with good reason, to be authentic as to date and authorship, and to have been transmitted down through the centuries essentially intact in its original form. This has been proven by archeologist and anthropologists and biblical scholars.

My dog is a lot smarter.

To have a belief in the bible that is not closely followed by a belief that it is the word of god seems to defeat the purpose.

1 Thessalonians 2:13: "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe."
It is my understanding that god chose the authors of the bible for a reason. Just as he chose Mary and Joseph to be responsible for his son. Lessons can be found in all of it.

There are many arguments that can be made for and against different writtings that have both been included and excluded from what comprises the bible.

Research leads to the understanding that many words and phrases have been removed from biblical texts or their original understanding has been altered with the progression of time so that it's difficult to truly know what the intended understanding was.

I will argue the point that having a discussion about religion - either for or against - is a healthy thing. There are verses in the bible where Paul is instructing people to question what they are being taught, to prove to themselves what is true.

I'm not bitter, hateful or bigoted at all. I'm not sure where you got the impression that I was.

wow...you must have an extremely smart dog!!!!!!!!!

well, keep in mind that Mohamed fairly accurately described the insemination process and creation of human fetus long before science knew about it, which is one of the arguments Muslims make for the divine inspiration behind the Quran.

that same book (genesis) also describes how God made woman from one of Adam's ribs. There's no scientific evidence to support that. so it's not really enlightening to cherry pick phrases as proof that the Bible accurately describes the origin of the universe.

not that I'm trying to undermine your belief, just pointing out that it's a little more complicated than that.

Don't worry Curtis, you will never offend me by offering more information. I was just now watching the History Channel on "Hidden Bibilical Secrets" and it was extremely enlightening. The concept of LILLITH was new to me, even though that I had read about her in several novels, but never recognised the ancient history behind the belief in Lillith. I am a simple man seeking insight into the ancient history of the Earth. Geological, Religious, Military, Political, and Philosophical. I am open to any new information that my friends can provide.

"God is obviously a lot smarter than we are!!! "

I feel like this is just a big excuse made by most Christians (and other religious folk) to not have to think beyond what they already know. Laziness is all it is.