For a while, it was accepted that arguement was settled in 1925 by the Scopes trial. Then the goood fork of Dayton, Tenn. built a college (?) honoring William Jennings Bryan and perpetuating the argument.

Presently there is an upsurge in absolutism in all areas of thought and an attempt to institutionalize ascribed status by political persuasion.

I guess a lot of folks are still afraid of the dark and will thus seek any relief they can get. They seem to need some assurance the bad things won't get them if they only chant loudly enough and huddle together around the communal candle.

Absolutism avoids standing on the slipery slope of reality and taking responsibility for their own existence. It is easier to have a "faith based intitive" than admit there are questions that haven't been answered yet and that more questions are on the way. Uncertainty creates the greatest fear possible and makes a call for the good old days (that never were) and the firm bed rock value of those days.

Problem here is those things habitual, normative and dogmatic are contrary to life, truth seeking, and human dignity.