The debate over whether Creationism and Evolutionary Theory should be taught in schools has been raging for some time, therefore it is a political issue; and an important one for most conservatives. Those in office should have done the math (or should i say science) but my guess is most have not and just jumped on the “don’t argue with science.” bandwagon. I would have liked to have an “undecided” or “who hasn’t done their homework” show of hands. Regardless of the theology involved, it is a clear example of states rights and the role of the federal government within the local school districts.
Where someone stands on origins also matters because it typically defines their social policies.
For instance, the more you see someone “made in the image of God”, there more you should see the worth of that child or adult; regardless of their benefit to society.
On the other hand, the more you see us as something that “randomly mutated from fish” the more you are going to see all life (human and non-human) as expendable, or as some people having more worth than others who may be “less beneficial” to society.
So yeah, it matters. I just wish I could ask each candidate a follow up:
Why do you or do you not believe in evolution? Because there is where you would get some real insight.
Incidentally, Darwin’s Theory is still just that.— THEORY.
“There are gaps in the fossil graveyard, places where there should be intermediate forms, but where there is nothing whatsoever instead. No paleontologist . . . denies that this is so. It is simply a fact. Darwin’s theory and the fossil record are in conflict.” David Berlinski, Ph. D.