Some interesting figures from Ed Stetzer (“studying church, culture, and ministry”) at Lifeway (January 9, 2012) on where Protestant pastors stand on human origins here:
While Protestant pastors overwhelmingly believe that God did not use evolution to create humans (and think Adam and Eve were literal people), other topics do not have the same level of agreement.
When asked to respond to the statement, “I believe God used evolution to create people,” 72 percent of the 1,000 American protestant pastors disagreed while 24 percent agreed.
In response to the statement, “I believe Adam and Eve were literal people,” 82 percent agreed while just 17 percent disagreed.
On those two issues, Protestant pastors overwhelmingly agree (evangelicals more, mainliners less). Yet, also asked about the age of the earth. The “old earth” vs. “new earth” view was split 46-43 in favor of a “new earth.” From my view, I was surprised and intrigued that so many Protestant pastors hold a young earth view. There are always more evangelicals that mainliners in such a sample, but the number is still surprising to me.
Yes, and on the other end, we’re surprised that so many establishment science figures believe in the Multiverse, knowing it will destroy science. Thoughts anyone?
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