Ron Paul

What he says:

a) "I thought it was a very inappropriate question... for the presidency to be decided on a scientific matter."

Asking whether a presidential candidate accepts evolution is not like giving them a pop quiz in organic chemistry. It's a test to see whether their public decisionmaking skills are compromised by the strength of their religious beliefs.

Evolution is not scientifically controversial at all, and it's not even necessarily religiously controversial. The Bible is filled with parables and metaphors, and there is absolutely no reason not to see the Genesis story as one, as a metaphorical description of the creation of the universe and humanity. A candidate who cannot accommodate his religious views with universally accepted science is dangerous for the public to put their trust in, and that's why asking if they believe in evolution is relevant.

b) "It's a theory -- the theory of evolution -- and I don't accept it."

Of course, evolution isn't a theory in the layperson's usage of the word, the way Ron Paul means it, as a sort of hopeful guess. Evolution is as much a theory as the theory of gravity. I don't need to fight this particular battle again tonight, but I will note that the "just a theory" defense is among the lamest possible, and really ill befits a doctor.

c) "I think it's a theological discussion..."

If you asked someone, "Why do objects fall down," and they said, "I think that's a theological discussion," you'd back away slowly. The truth of evolution is not a matter decided by theological discussion, but by science.

I think the best answer religious anti-evolutionists can give when asked this question is to tell the truth:

"I know that evolution is a scientific fact, but I also have religious beliefs that say there is more in the world and its history than science can ever know. I choose my religious beliefs as a source of truth over science in this matter."

The fact that so many antievolutionists can't acknowledge this indicates an amount of self-deceit that is unhealthy and unworthy of the public trust.