(ZENIT News / Washington, DC, 24.07.2024).- A recent Gallop poll revealed that Americans’ beliefs about human origins are varied and complex. Although the majority consider that God had a role in Creation, there is also strong support for the theory of evolution.
37% of Americans identify themselves as purist creationists, holding that God created humans in their present form less than 10,000 years ago. This percentage, although still significant, has decreased since the beginning of the 2000’s and reflects the lowest level in four decades.
On the other hand, 24% of American adults support evolution without divine intervention, a notable increase that has almost tripled since 1999. Moreover, 34% of the population combines both theories, believing that humans evolved with God’s guidance.
Since Gallup began to measure these opinions in 1982, beliefs have shown notable variations. In 1999, creationism and evolution guided by God reached their maximum of 47% and 40%, respectively. However, since then, these figures have decreased, whereas support for evolution without divine intervention has grown significantly.
The opinions on human origins are strongly influenced by religion, education and political ideology. Creationists tend to be more religious, have a lower educational level and are politically conservative. In contrast, those that believe in evolution without divine intervention usually don’t identify with any religion, are more liberal and have a higher educational level. More specifically:
Strict creationism: The majority of American adults that attend religious services weekly or more frequently, identify themselves as politically conservative and Protestant; they believe God created human beings in their present form. Half of those that attend religious services almost weekly or monthly also believe in creationism.
Strict evolution: The majority of those that state they don’t belong to any religion believe that humans evolved over millions of years without God’s intervention. A plurality of people that attend religious services less than once a month as well as political liberals also adhere to the same strictly evolutionist belief.
Evolution influenced by God: A great number of Catholics and University graduates believe in evolution over millions of years that was guided by God.
The survey also reflects a change in Americans’ religiosity. Increasingly more people say they don’t identify with any religion or attend religious services, which coincides with the increase of support for evolution without divine intervention. This tendency suggests a growing secularization of American society.
To the degree that Americans becomes less religious, their beliefs about human origins continue evolving. Although a majority still believe that God played a role in Creation, the increase in support for evolution without divine intervention indicates a significant change in the country’s cultural and scientific points of view.
