Here we are on another Sunday morning. The masses are flocking to church (although overall attendance has dwindled a little). They are getting fed the usual pap, one of which is "creationism" (in a word).

In a Penn State U. survey of nearly 1000 high school biology teachers, researchers found that 13% actually advocated "intelligent design" (biblical creationism) in "evolution" lessons.

Only 27% unabashedly stress evolution in a straight forward scientific way. But most biology teachers belong to the "cautious 60%", who are "neither strong advocates for evolutionary biology nor explict endorsers of non-scientific alternatives," the study said.

And, evidently, the real amount of under-teaching of evolution is likely even worse. When nearly a third of American citizens say evolution is "absolutely false", when "creationists" rule school boards, not many teachers have the backbone to stand up to parents and school boards for evolution. Little wonder the U.S. ranks 34th out of 35 developed nations (ahead of only Turkey) on public acceptance of evolution.

According to a Gallup Poll of 1,019 U.S. adults surveyed in December (2010), 40% believe "God" created humans in their present form about 10,000 years ago. Another 38% believe "God" guided a process by which humans developed over millions of years from less advanced life forms; 16% without any involvement (which pretty much matches the 15% population that is "not religious").

The question remains, who's responsible (or at fault) for these pathetic numbers? Does religion (and the inanities coming from churches) have that profound of influence? Is the teaching of evolution in biology classes that poor or non-influential? Or can the blame be put on the lack of intelligence of the American people?

Although my bumper sticker (Imagine no religion) is really meant for separation of church and state, it also applies to our understanding of science principles and to our overall standing in the world in the fields of science, math, geography, etc. Do yourself a favor: instead of wasting a Sunday morning in church, read something about science. You'll (we'll) be much better off.