Religion has existed as an answer and guide to life for billions of people essentially since the dawn of intelligent human life as we know it. In the 1830s, Charles Darwin revolutionized science by researching and publishing his theory of evolution. This provoked an immediate and volatile reaction, particularly from people of religious leanings. From then until today, scientists and creationists have fought bitterly over whether evolution actually happened or whether God created humans as we know them. At present, most, if not all, legitimate scientists believe that the theory of evolution is true in every practical sense. The problem is that many Americans still disagree with evolution and use religion to explain human life as it is today. People on both sides of the debate should recognize that they are both working toward a common goal of explaining and understanding life. The theory of evolution and the doctrine of religion can and must coexist in harmony. America itself is one of the main problems or obstacles between solving evolution and religion. As a country, the United States represents quite a paradox. It's a melting pot of different ethnicities, religions, and beliefs, but "in a 2001 Gallup poll, 45 percent of American adults said they believed evolution played no role in shaping humans” (Lovgren). In fact, America has the second highest percentage of people who refuse to believe in evolution. This creates a situation in which the United States is shockingly behind the rest of the world in terms of either outdated or new ideals. Because the United States is so far behind, it is creating a self-fulfilling prophecy in which Americans, known for their piece of paper... middle of paper... Literally Bible. It simply leads us to a better understanding of our world and human life. Works Cited Ayala, Francisco J. “Science, Evolution and Creationism.” National Library of Medicine. National Institutes of Health, January 4, 2008. Web. November 20, 2013. Graziano, Michael. “The Darwinian Evolution of Religion.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, April 11, 2011. Web. November 20, 2013. Hess, Peter. “God and Evolution.” Ncse.com. NCSE, July 27, 2009. Web. November 20, 2013. Lovgren, Stefan. “Evolution and religion can coexist, scientists say.” National Geographic. National Geographic Society, October 18, 2004. Web. November 20, 2013. Wax, Trevin. “Science also calls for an act of faith.” NYTimes.com. The New York Times, August 15, 2013. Web. November 20, 2013. Woodward, Kenneth L. “Science and Religion Can Coexist.” » NYTimes.com. The New York Times, October 2, 2005. Web. November 20. 2013.