Changes

==Major views==

==Major views==

Most people throughout history have ascribed origins to a First Cause - [[God]] or various [[gods]]. Materialist views have also been put forth, some as early as [[ancient Greece]].  

Most people throughout history have ascribed origins to a First Cause - [[God]] or various [[gods]]. Materialist views, i.e. that our creation happened due to natural circumstances, have also been put forth in this debate, some as early as [[ancient Greece]].  

Judaism and Christianity posit that "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1) Then He created plants (Genesis 1:11-13), animals (Genesis 1:20-23), and finally people (Genesis 1:26-27). Other major religions have similar creation stories.

Judaism and Christianity posit that "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1) Then He created plants (Genesis 1:11-13), animals (Genesis 1:20-23), and finally people (Genesis 1:26-27). Other major religions have similar creation stories.

The prevailing views in modern [[science]] (i.e., [[astronomy]], [[geology]] and [[biology]]) employ the [[Big Bang]] theory to explain cosmic origins and the [[Theory of Evolution]] to explain the emergence of plants, animals and people.  

The prevailing views in modern [[science]] (i.e., [[astronomy]], [[geology]] and [[biology]]) employ the [[Big Bang]] theory to explain cosmic origins and the [[Theory of Evolution]] to explain the emergence of plants, animals and people.  

There is considerable debate over whether there is any viable middle ground between the materialist views and the [[Creationism|Creationist]] views.

There is considerable debate over whether there is any viable middle ground between the materialist views and the [[Creationism|Creationist]] views. Some would hold, though, that a via media could be found if both sides recognized how miraculous any theory of creation is, whether it is perfect conditions for development or a Prime Mover such as God.

 

Gallop polls show that one third of Americans believe that human beings "evolved" in a process guided by God. <ref> This statement is one of three presented in a survey: "Human beings have developed over millions of years from less advanced forms of life, but God guided this process" Thirty-seven percent agreed with it. [http://www.unl.edu/rhames/courses/current/creation/evol-poll.htm] </ref>

Gallop polls show that one third of Americans believe that human beings "evolved" in a process guided by God. <ref> This statement is one of three presented in a survey: "Human beings have developed over millions of years from less advanced forms of life, but God guided this process" Thirty-seven percent agreed with it. [http://www.unl.edu/rhames/courses/current/creation/evol-poll.htm] </ref>