I have an assignment for my Geosciences class where I have to ask others, preferably those not from the United States, why the US struggles to believe in Science, particularly topics such as The Big Bang Theory.
Why do Americans, compared to most of the world, seemingly propagate Creation myths while simultaneously rejecting the very notion of Science?
How does your community (or country) regard The Big Bang? Is it largely accepted in your culture(s)?
Finally, what could the American education system or government do to help its citizens increase their Scientific literacy?
Thank you for any responses, it is greatly appreciated!
Longer Answer: Christianity is arguably the major religion in the United States and there is a small(ish) segment of Christianity, primarily composed of Baptists, Pentacostals, and other Evangelicals, who believe that the story in the Bible which talks about the 6 days of creation (see Genesis Chapters 1-2) means 6 literal days. How they came to this belief is a much longer answer which would require a more in depth understanding of the history of Christianity in the United States. “Young Earth Creationism” is also a rather new idea and was basically unheard of prior to the early 20th century.
This is not a mainstream view and it is not held by any Christian traditions outside of those listed above. For instance, I’m Presbyterian and the idea of “young earth creationism” is ludicrous to us. The theory of evolution is generally accepted by most Christians although we generally don’t discuss it much because it’s science, not theology and doesn’t really haveuch of a place church. Ironically, I was raised as a Baptist and was taught “young earth creationism” growing up so I am quite familiar with it even though I don’t believe in it. But again, the theory of evolution is a commonly accepted, mainstream view in the United States.
As far as what the American Education system could do to increase science literacy, that’s a difficult question to answer. The education system here is very diverse and the quality and resources can vary dramatically depending on where you’re located.
My understanding is the US was founded by especially religious Puritans, and perhaps being an ocean away from the late-renaissance Europe helped stifle progressive thinking further.
Since then, due mainly in part to having such a spread out population forging their own way in new lands (and also possibly spurred on from winning independence), it’s had strong ideals of rugged individualism. This inherent selfish nature has led to a rise in conservatism much stronger than that in many comparable places, which in turn has lead to a hierarchical, winning-at-all-cost mentality. A population is easier to subjugate if it’s uneducated, hence the anti-science push.
I’m from the UK and the big bang theory is widely accepted, as far as I can tell. Creationism as an opposition to the BBT isn’t very openly touted by many, at least.
I’m not sure how to answer your last question. Maybe ensure the scientific method is thoroughly explained and engrained from a young age — make sure it’s understood that it’s never a question of devout belief, but rather about data and falsifiability. And don’t teach religion as fact… although good luck implementing that.
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