How many scientists are actually involved in studying evolution?

[KeilanS]

Hey everyone, I always hear things like "A huge majority of scientists support evolution" and I know this is true, but I am curious, how many of them are directly involved in the study of it? Like obviously evolutionary biologists and maybe some geologists indirectly learn about the idea (by producing facts on the "millions of years" thing). So what percentage of scientists would actually fall into a category where their work is directly based on evolutionary theory.

I'm curious about this because I think I would find a career in biology fascinating, yet I would probably want to go into virology, toxicology, or zoology, none of which would really be affected by my beliefs on evolution.

[peaches]

i thought u were going into math? or was it psychology? werent u also thinking of seminary school?

anyways, as far as i can tell most people in the educational system have studied it and swear by it. its quite frustrating sometimes cos most of my profs (even those who are not in the science field) just talk about it in class as if its fact.

[KeilanS]

i thought u were going into math? or was it psychology? werent u also thinking of seminary school?

anyways, as far as i can tell most people in the educational system have studied it and swear by it. its quite frustrating sometimes cos most of my profs (even those who are not in the science field) just talk about it in class as if its fact.

Well everyone has studied it briefly, (I've covered some evolutionary basics and I'm not even in Grade 12 biology yet) but I mean people who have actually taken detailed looks at the evidence and aren't just being spoon-fed facts from higher up scientists.

And you have obviously seen the evolution of my career path. I originally wanted to be a counselling psychologist, but decided against that after a summer internship. Then I considered being a pastor, but decided it wasn't my calling. Then I was pretty serious about being a math teacher, but have finally decided on going to university as a general science teacher (With emphasis on biology and then brief studies in math and physics). I actually have the university application filled out on this one. I'm also considering the idea of eventually going back to school to get a graduate degree in virology or zoology, but I will decide on that when the time comes.

[Guest vanilla]

have finally decided on going to university as a general science teacher (With emphasis on biology and then brief studies in math and physics).

Education and Science--2 areas in which God desperately needs to be revealed. Good for you. Don't get discouraged by the majority of non-believers who have done everything in their power to completely remove God. Get in touch with as many Christians in your field as possible. You'll need the encouragement.

As far as evolution goes....................I don't have any facts on who studies evolution specifically. Good question. I've only ever studied evolution from the Christian standpoint, but I want to invest some time in trying to understand the "believability" of the big bang theory. If I find anything out regarding your question, I'll respond to this post again. Just wanted to encourage you--we need more Christians in the science and educational fields making a difference.

[KeilanS]

I'm curious about this because I think I would find a career in biology fascinating, yet I would probably want to go into virology, toxicology, or zoology, none of which would really be affected by my beliefs on evolution.

prepare to be indoctrinated...I've been there

No worries yzf, I understand how the machine works here. It takes about 20 minutes in a university to realize they are giant government sponsored brain washing machines. Students come in, and spend 4 years pounded with knowledge that will shape them into the citizens the secular world wants them to be.

Vanilla, thank you for the encouragement.

[artsylady]

I've also heard that you shouldn't let anyone know if you don't support evolution - otherwise you might not pass.

[Rubedo]

It's amazing how prejudicial American society is. I mean our country was even founded upon the Bible.

From some of the videos I watched in my Sophomore year, a lot of "formerly" as well as still renowned scientists who were entirely devoted to evolution found they weren't satisfied with the results. That's why they embraced creation and intelligent design.

Just to post a question: How many of you forumers don't embrace intelligent design?

[KeilanS]

It's amazing how prejudicial American society is. I mean our country was even founded upon the Bible.

From some of the videos I watched in my Sophomore year, a lot of "formerly" as well as still renowned scientists who were entirely devoted to evolution found they weren't satisfied with the results. That's why they embraced creation and intelligent design.

Just to post a question: How many of you forumers don't embrace intelligent design?

I don't really know much about intelligent design, so I can't make a call here. I believe in a literal 6-day creation, and as far as I know that doesn't quite fit with the ID movement. But like I said, I know very little about it.

[KeilanS]

I've also heard that you shouldn't let anyone know if you don't support evolution - otherwise you might not pass.

I sure hope this isn't the case with just undergraduate degrees, but I do know that one has to be careful while applying for a Ph.D (or even worse, tenure as a professor) while holding creationist beliefs.

[nebula]

You go, Keilan!

I went to a Christian college, so it wasn't a problem. I don't know what the secular universities will require of you. Just remember to tell yourself that when they say, "evolve," say to yourself, "supposedly evolved;" or when they say, "It is," say to yourself, "It is believed." Stuff like that.

If they require you to regurgitate evolutionary theory, treat it as if you are regurgiting evolutionary theory (but don't claim it as what you believe).

Here is something that might help:

http://www.asa3.org/

The American Scientific Affiliation (ASA) is a fellowship of men and women of science and disciplines that can relate to science who share a common fidelity to the Word of God and a commitment to integrity in the practice of science. ASA was founded in 1941 and has grown significantly since that time. The stated purpose of the ASA is "to investigate any area relating Christian faith and science" and "to make known the results of such investigations for comment and criticism by the Christian community and by the scientific community."