The Controversy of Evolution

The Theory of Evolution has been the topic of many debates between the scientific and religious communities. The two sides seemingly can't come to an agreement on what scientific evidence has been found and faith-based beliefs. Why is this subject so controversial?

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5 Common Misconceptions About Evolution

By Heather Scoville

Most religions do not argue that species change over time. The overwhelming scientific evidence can't be ignored. However, the controversy stems from the idea that humans evolved from monkeys or primates and the origins of life on Earth.

Even Charles Darwin knew his ideas would be controversial in religious communities when his wife often debated with him. In fact, he tried not to talk about evolution, but rather focused on adaptations in different environments.

The biggest point of controversy between science and religion is what should be taught in schools. Most famously, this controversy came to a head in Tennessee in 1925 during the Scopes "Monkey" Trial when a substitute teacher was found guilty of teaching evolution. More recently, legislative bodies in several states are trying to reinstate the teaching of Intelligent Design and Creationism in science classes.

This "war" between science and religion has been perpetuated by the media. In fact, science does not deal with religion at all and is not out to discredit any religion. Science is based upon evidence and knowledge of the natural world. All hypotheses in science must be falsifiable. Religion, or faith, deals with the supernatural world and is a feeling that cannot be falsified. Therefore, religion and science should not be pitted against each other as they are in completely different fields.​