By Robert S. Boyd
Two centuries after Charles Darwin’s birth on Feb. 12, 1809, people still argue passionately about his theory of evolution.
Was Darwin right? Should schoolchildren be exposed to contrary views in science class? These two controversies continue to rage, partly because both sides are evenly matched.
Most scientists and courts that have ruled on the matter say that overwhelming evidence backs Darwin’s explanation of the origin and evolution of species, including humans, by natural selection.
Many people, especially religious and social conservatives, strongly disagree.
Among them are “creationists,” who take literally the Genesis story that God created the world and mankind in six days no more than 10,000 years ago. Others support “intelligent design,” the idea that life is too complex to have arisen without a supernatural “designer,” presumably God.
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