younger, well educated democrats more likely to reject literal interpretation of creation of man

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Gallup: More Than Half of Americans Reject Evolution, Back Bible

By E&P Staff

Published: March 08, 2006 10:15 AM ET

NEW YORK A Gallup report released today reveals that more than half of
all Americans, rejecting evolution theory and scientific evidence,
agree with the statement, "God created man exactly how Bible describes
it."

Another 31% says that man did evolve, but "God guided." Only 12% back
evolution and say "God had no part."

Gallup summarized it this way: "Surveys repeatedly show that a
substantial portion of Americans do not believe that the theory of
evolution best explains where life came from." They are "not so quick
to agree with the preponderance of scientific evidence."

The report was written by the director of the The Gallup Poll, Frank Newpo=
rt.

Breaking down the numbers, Gallup finds that Republican backing for
what it calls "God created human beings in present form" stands at 57%
with Democrats at 44%.

Support for this Bible view rises steadily with age: from 43% for
those 18 to 29, to 59% for those 65 and older. It declines steadily
with education, dropping from 58% for those with high school degrees
to a still-substantial 25% with postgraduate degrees.

Newport wraps it up: "Several characteristics correlate with belief
in the biblical explanation for the origin of humans. Those with lower
levels of education, those who attend church regularly, those who are
65 and older, and those who identify with the Republican Party are
more likely to believe that God created humans 'as is,' than are those
who do not share these characteristics."

Gallup has asked this question, in different forms, going back to
1982, but has consistently shown support at 45% or higher for the
notion that "God created man in present form."

The most recent poll, last September, posed the question this way:
"Which of the following statements comes closest to your views on the
origin and devlopment of human beings." This produced the 53% who
chose "God created man exactly how Bible describes it."