This report explores the link between faith and Darwin, exploring whether there is harmony, conflict or confusion there. (2009)
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150 years after the publication of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, his theory of evolution still provokes debate and controversy. Up until recently, research into the UK’s attitude to evolution (and its rival theories) has been limited, often based only on a single question with three pre–selected answers.
Commissioned by Theos and conducted and analysed by ComRes, Faith in Darwin is different. The study asked over 2,000 UK adults a range of questions on topics as wide–ranging as evolution, creationism, Intelligent Design, religion, purpose, humanity, design, and the nature and purpose of science.
The results paint a fascinating picture of the breadth and depth of public opinion around these linked issues. Caroline Lawes’ in–depth and wide–ranging analysis of the findings explores how well–formed public opinion is (or is not) and highlights some of the key factors influencing that opinion.
The report examines, among other issues, the perceived strength of the scientific evidence for evolution, the influence of religious faith on people’s opinions of evolution; and the extent to which people believe that science can explain everything in life. It also shows that public opinion is not as confident or settled as previous
research has assumed, revealing that in the land of his birth, there remains a very significant number of people who are more or less sceptical about Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Faith in Darwin sheds light on a complex topic and constitutes a invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the intellectual landscape of the UK for years to come.
