Clergy views on evolution, creationism, science, and religion

Abstract

Spurred by students who felt conflicted accepting evolution and the tenets of their faiths, yet knowing their faiths supported science and evolution, we began a study to determine the views clergy espouse on issues related to evolution, creationism, science, and religion. The resulting study included structured interviews with eight clergy and a religion professor, and a survey and questionnaire sent to each member of an organization made up of clergy. The data revealed a group who believed evolution and their religion to be compatible, that scripture was not meant to be understood literally, and who felt strongly that creationism did not belong in public school classrooms. The science education community may find in clergy an articulate ally in helping citizens to understand the contentious issues surrounding evolution and creationism. We share the insights that respondents provided on these issues and compared their views to those of teachers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 43: 419–442, 2006

University Evolution Education: The Effect of Evolution Instruction on Biology Majors’ Content Knowledge, Attitude Toward Evolution, and Theistic Position

“…Other studies have reached the same conclusion (see Table 1) (Ingram and Nelson 2006;Moore and Kraemer 2005;Verhey 2005;Brem et al 2003;Colburn and Henriques 2006;Eve et al 2010;Barnes et al 2009;Losh and Nzekwe 2010). Participants who hold some of the "creationist" viewpoints described in those surveys reject evolution either in whole or in part.…”

“…After receiving human subjects approval, the survey was developed over a period of several months by pilot testing items developed by one of the authors (Colbert) and incorporating material from several previous studies (Ingram and Nelson 2006;Moore and Kraemer 2005;Brem et al 2003;Colburn and Henriques 2006;Lawson and Worsnop 1992;Bishop and Anderson 1990;Demastes et al 1995). The first five questions of the survey were designed to be similar to a short quiz on basic evolutionary concepts including: the definition of biological evolution, the elements and actions of natural selection, the definition of the phrase "survival of the fittest," and presence of homologous structures in organisms.…”

Religious Beliefs: A Hidden Variable in the Performance of Science Teachers in the Classroom

“…Most of the interview questions were prepared in advance by considering the relevant literature (Reiss, 1993;Colburn & Henriques, 2006;Mansour, 2008). The analysis of the questionnaire results also guided the development of this study's interview protocol.…”

Science Literacy for All Students: Language, Culture, and Knowledge about Nature and Naturally Occurring Events

“…The ongoing debates (Scope Trial, 1925-Dower, PA, School Board, 2005 in the United States about evolution and divine creation or intelligent design illustrate the lack of recognition or acceptance of the fundamental difference in the philosophical foundations of science and religions (Colburn & Henriques, 2006). Yore and Knopp (2001) pointed out that the public debates between people illustrate the misunderstanding of each other's position in the misuse of terminology (theory as simple speculation, etc.)…”

“…This parallel-cultures approach to religion and science attempts to achieve a common respect and sensitivity to the interpretation of scientific inquiries and religious narratives that allows people to move back and forth between the two cultures in a two-way border crossing. This approach might have led to the proposition of intelligent design, which encounters resistance from scientists in the degree and frequency of God's intervention in the evolutionary process (see Colburn & Henriques, 2006, for further discussion and classroom suggestions). Some scientists will accept the initial intervention by God at the beginning of time but reject any further intervention by God.…”