On Darwin Day, 5 facts about the evolution debate

[Machiavelli]

David Masci
Pew Research Center
February 12, 2015

Today is the 206th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth, a day now celebrated by some as Darwin Day. Darwin, of course, is best known for his theory of evolution through natural selection. When Darwin's work was first made public in 1859, it shocked Britain's religious establishment. And while today it is accepted by virtually all scientists, evolutionary theory is still rejected by many Americans, often because it conflicts with their religious beliefs about divine creation.

More

Pro: On Darwin Day, embracing the marvel of our existence

Pro: Happy Darwin Day! Here are our favorite stories about evolution

Con: Happy Darwin Day? If Darwin Day devotees want to be viewed as more than the mere members of a quirky cult, they need to start engaging their thoughtful critics.

Incidentally, Charles Darwin was born on the same day as Abraham Lincoln -- February 12, 1809.