k wrote:

"Several characteristics correlate with belief in the biblical explanation for the origin of humans. Those with lower levels of education, those who attend church regularly, those who are 65 and older, and those who identify with the Republican Party are more likely to believe that God created humans 'as is,' than are those who do not share these characteristics."

And this would be why they keep cutting education funding. God forbid they should go to school and stop voting Republican...

[ I'm not saying there isn't a lot of anti-evolution foment right now, and I'd never argue that plenty of americans have a literalist interpretation of the bible, but I think the wording of this particular poll is bad.

In direct reply to the comments above, I think it's a mistake to frame this as a partisan issue. It undermines the credibility of the argument, because it seems to stem from a pre-determined policy stance as opposed to logical argument. It's hard enough to convince a fundamentalist literalist to see a differing point of view without complicating the discussion with politics. -k]

I see this as quite the opposite. The people who take the anti-evolutionary stance took over the republican party over the past twenty years. At this point they are inextricably linked. That does not mean the candidates come from that group however, and at that level they actively support positions and activities that keep them in power. They support "No Child Left Behind" saying we need standards, but don't give it any money because that's social welfare and doesn't appeal to the bible thumping self reliants.

Promote "Family Values" like going to church on Sunday because that keeps them in their pocket.

We're seeing the results of this in the current administration which among other things has been referred to as "incurious." The dumbing of America is an ongoing process and is encouraged by one side of the fence.