The struggle between evolution and creation: an American problem

As ardent in his progressionism as was Erasmus Darwin, Wilson sees moral norms emerging from our need to keep the evolutionary process moving forward. In his view, this translates out as a need to promote biodiversity, for Wilson believes that humans have evolved in symbiotic relationship with nature. A world of plastic would kill us humans, literally as well as metaphorically. For progress to continue, we must preserve the Brazilian rainforests and other areas of high organic density and diversity.

Evolution is a focal point for both modern secularists and traditional evangelical Christians as they hurl different moral prescriptions past each other. Although as one who is English born and who finds this whole thing almost quaint and incredible, as one who now lives and works in America, I would be surprised if there were not this controversy.

Postscript

I have been writing about the western world. If I were to broaden my gaze to other parts of the globe, especially those parts occupied by Muslims, it is clear that I would have to change or extend my discussion.

Literalism about origins is widespread in Islamic countries, and evolution is loathed and detested. However, my sense is that the underlying reasons for this are the same as in the West - namely that evolution is taken to be synonymous with lax moral and social standards. As always, although people talk about science, their real fears and worries are much more to do with morality and ways of living, and evolution is seen as the wedge in the door of disaster.