William Atkins
Saturday, 07 February 2009 21:18
Science -
Biology
Page 1 of 4
Charles Darwin published his work On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection in 1859. We are still discussing it, and sometimes fighting over it, now 150 years later. The Pew Forum adds to the rational and logical discussion of evolution versus creationism, or, simply, how we got here.
English naturalist
Charles Robert Darwin was born on February 12, 1809, 200 years ago. At the age of 50 years, Darwin wrote his world shattering work
On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection in 1859, 150 years ago.
He died on April 19, 1882.
During his life, he realized that all species of life here on Earth evolved over time from common distant ancestors. He called his theory
“natural selection.” Whether you believe in natural selection or not, it has changed humanity’s concept on how we got to be where we are today.
The
PEW Forum on Religion & Public Life (or, Pew Forum), according to its website, is geared toward
“… a deeper understanding of issues at the intersection of religion and public affairs.”
Most important, it is an impartial source for accurate and unbiased information.
It states,
“The Forum pursues its mission by delivering timely, impartial information to national opinion leaders, including government officials and journalists. As a nonpartisan, non-advocacy organization, the Forum does not take positions on policy debates.”
A brief discussion on the differing religious views on Darwin’s natural selection, what we sometimes call evolution, appears below.
Page two continues with exerpts from the Pew Forum on the various stances taken by the major religious groups around the world.
