The discussion surrounding evolution is often marked by the loud voices of opposing sides. To some, evolution represents a challenge to morality and religion that must be fought head on. They agree with leading anti-evolutionist Henry Morris, who wrote that “evolutionism is the proximate cause of the world’s evils, for it is the basic belief and deceptive tool of Satan.” To others, it is religion that poses a problem for humanity. Science alone, they argue, can answer the deepest questions of humanity, and those who look to the supernatural for such answers must be, as Richard Dawkins put it, “ignorant, stupid, or insane (or wicked).”

Why does evolution bring out so many attacks from each side? Is it proof that science and religion can never see eye-to-eye? In his book Saving Darwin, Karl Giberson proposes another reason why the debate surrounding evolution is marked with such loud opposition:

“The answer is, quite simply, that evolution has become the focal point of a culture war, which means that the goal of the protagonists is to win, not to discover the truth. Conceding minor points to your opponents, using inoffensive language, working out compromises, and finding middle ground are simply not allowed. Too much is at stake for such wussy pussyfooting.”

– Saving Darwin, p. 172