David Masci, Senior Research Fellow at the Pew Forum, examined how Americans resolve their conflicts between science and faith. While polls indicate that they respect science and the benefits it delivers to society, they are reluctant to embrace science when it collides with their religious beliefs. Classic examples of this conflict are embryonic stem cell research and evolution.
Masci reveals:
When asked what they would do if scientists were to disprove a particular religious belief, nearly two-thirds (64%) of people say they would continue to hold to what their religion teaches rather than accept the contrary scientific finding, according to the results of an October 2006 Time magazine poll. Indeed, in a May 2007 Gallup poll, only 14% of those who say they do not believe in evolution cite lack of evidence as the main reason underpinning their views; more people cite their belief in Jesus (19%), God (16%) or religion generally (16%) as their reason for rejecting Darwin's theory.
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