Nearly a century after a Tennessee court trial ignited a national debate over whether schools should teach Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, Americans remain deeply split on the subject—even as much of the world, including the United Kingdom, regards the issue as largely settled. Recent research, as highlighted in a July 2025 article in The Conversation, reveals that this enduring divide is less about scientific evidence and more about the complex interplay of religion, identity, and psychological factors in shaping public beliefs about human origins (theconversation.com).
The article traces the roots of America’s unique skepticism referring back to the famous 1925 Scopes “Monkey Trial,” where a teacher faced prosecution for teaching evolution in violation of Tennessee law. The trial underscored a cultural struggle that persists. In 2020, only 64% of Americans reported accepting that “humans and other living things have evolved over time,” according to Pew Research Center data. In comparison, 73% of Britons accepted common ancestry with other species—a seemingly modest gap that, in real numbers, translates to millions viewing Darwin’s theory as ‘fake news.’
Researchers have found that, from 1985 to 2010, American acceptance and rejection of evolution were nearly equal. The situation is so deeply entrenched that over 33,000 people surveyed in 34 countries ranked the US near the bottom in evolution acceptance, besting only Turkey amongst developed nations (Pew Research Center). In contrast, the UK’s general acceptance was the result of 19th-century Anglicanism’s intellectual flexibility—Anglican leaders sought a “via media,” or middle path, reconciling science and scripture.
Why the difference? A body of research points to the concept of motivated reasoning, where people select and interpret information according to their preexisting beliefs and identities. Studies cited in the article demonstrate that religious fundamentalism is the strongest predictor for evolution rejection. For example, the Southern Baptist denomination, the largest Protestant group in the US, shows that 61% believe the Bible is the literal word of God, compared to just 31% of Americans overall. Communities built around shared religious convictions reinforce these views.
The spread of misinformation further complicates the picture. A 2019 study involving 900 participants found that susceptibility to fake news correlates with religious fundamentalism, dogmatism, and analytic thinking deficits. Brain imaging work also suggests that fundamentalist beliefs are associated with reduced activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain involved in flexible, critical thinking. Damage or inactivity in these brain networks increases susceptibility to unchallenged, dogmatic beliefs.
The American context also involves political factors. Evolution remains a fixture of the so-called culture wars, with anti-evolution bills still regularly introduced in US state legislatures. In contrast, evolution never became a mainstream political issue in Europe or Japan, which helps explain the greater acceptance in those countries.
By comparison, the British religious approach has historically accommodated new scientific discoveries. Historians of UK Christianity note that even after Darwin published Origin of Species, Anglican bishops and theologians interpreted evolution as one of God’s tools—a perspective that lowered resistance among believers. Clergy were often well-educated and, as a group, their acceptance influenced the broader religious establishment. Today, many UK church leaders view science and faith as complementary, not contradictory—a stance endorsed in recent academic literature.
For those hoping to sway public opinion toward acceptance of evolution, the lessons from psychology are sobering. It is not enough to simply present evidence; overcoming entrenched ideological resistance requires sensitivity to the psychological underpinnings of belief. Recent intervention studies suggest that “inoculating” the public with information about scientific consensus works better than attempting to individually debunk every piece of misinformation. However, educational approaches that threaten people’s sense of identity can backfire. Experts advise framing evolution as an explanation of how, not why, life developed—a distinction that allows for acceptance of science without directly challenging religious worldviews (American Psychological Association).
Longitudinal research tracking the same Americans over 33 years indicates that acceptance of evolution does slowly increase, particularly among those who receive higher education. Yet, students attending private schools—many of which emphasize creationist teachings—seem less likely to shift their views over time.
While this debate may appear distant from Thai society, it resonates for several reasons. In a rapidly globalising world, issues of science acceptance intersect with education, religious values, and national development. Thailand, with its own diverse religious traditions and rapidly expanding science education sector, can draw lessons from both the US and UK. For instance, Buddhist perspectives in Thailand often accommodate scientific discovery through notions of impermanence and change, potentially allowing for a smoother integration of evolutionary ideas in educational settings compared to societies where religious literalism predominates (National Science Museum Thailand).
Historically, the Scopes trial and the ensuing culture wars in the United States also provide a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of legislating science education. In Thailand, debates over curriculum are often less polarised, but recent controversies over updates to history and national identity curricula hint at similar underlying tensions. As the country modernises, policymakers and educators will increasingly grapple with how to present evolving scientific knowledge in a manner that respects cultural and religious diversity.
Looking forward, researchers suggest the key to greater acceptance of evolution—or any controversial science—is fostering critical, analytic thinking skills and a curriculum that demonstrates harmony between science and local worldviews where feasible. As new waves of misinformation surge, both globally and in the region, a nuanced understanding of the psychology of belief will be vital for educators, religious leaders, and policymakers alike.
For Thai readers, the message is clear: education and open-minded dialogue are powerful tools. By promoting scientific literacy and providing culturally sensitive explanations, Thai educators can equip future generations to navigate complex issues at the intersection of science, belief, and identity. For individuals, seeking information from reputable sources, questioning one’s own assumptions, and maintaining respectful conversation across ideological divides will be essential—not only for understanding evolution but for engaging with all forms of scientific progress in an ever-changing world.
For further information, see sources including The Conversation, Pew Research Center, and recent academic reviews on science education and public trust in scientific institutions.