Science
How Religious Americans Think About The Environment, Natural Disasters, and More
[04.22.2012]Yesterday was Earth Day – what better excuse to meditate on religious (and non-religious) Americans’ varying perspectives on environmental issues? After all, nearly 6-in-10 (59%) of Americans say they hear clergy at their place of worship speak about the environment. From natural disasters to global warming to environmental policy, here are a few tidbits for your Earth Day enjoyment: Environmental Stewardship: Rick Santorum made headlines earlier in the election cycle… more
New Tennessee Law Allows Teachers to Introduce Creationism in the Classroom
[04.12.2012]The evolution debate has returned to Tennessee. Almost 90 years after the famous Scopes Trial, a Tennessee bill that encourages students to question evolution will become law. The bill will go into effect without the governor’s signature. “The bill received strong bipartisan support, passing the House and Senate by a 3-to-1 margin,” explained Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam. “But good legislation should bring clarity and not confusion. My concern is that… more
Santorum’s Climate Change Theology Doesn’t Align With Other Catholics
[02.21.2012]With a week left until the Michigan primary, Rick Santorum is neck-and-neck with Mitt Romney, in a state that will test Santorum’s ability to connect with blue-collar voters. Perhaps in an attempt to up the ante with this crucial demographic, Santorum went on the offensive this weekend, attacking President Obama’s “radical environmentalism,” which, according to Santorum, is based in the president’s misinterpretation of the Bible. Santorum outlined his vision of… more
Religious Convictions Don’t Always Conflict With Belief in Evolution
[02.13.2012]Yesterday, thousands of people marked the 203rd anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth, celebrating “Darwin Day” in a wide variety of ways. The International Darwin Day Foundation declares that the day “expresses gratitude for the enormous benefits that scientific knowledge, acquired through human curiosity and ingenuity, has contributed to the advancement of humanity.” Some of the quirkier tributes to Darwin included a “Phylum Feast” at a restaurant in Glasgow, Scotland, where… more
“Global Warming” vs. “Climate Change”
[03.07.2011]A new study released by the University of Michigan confirmed results of a 2009 poll conducted by Public Religion Research on behalf of Faith in Public Life and Oxfam America. The Michigan study found: Republicans were less likely to endorse that the phenomenon [of global climate change] is real when it was referred to as “global warming” (44.0%) rather than “climate change” (60.2%), whereas Democrats were unaffected by question wording… more
Scientists & Evangelicals Join Forces on Climate Change
[11.19.2009]On Tuesday, November 17th, Rich Cizik drew on Public Religion Research findings in his testimony before a gathering of climate scientists and evangelical leaders who met with Senators on Capitol Hill to speak with one voice about the challenge of climate change.