This century of human history has been one of great scientific achievement, while also one of great controversy. Many scientists and religious figures argue over evolution and religion and which should be taught in schools. To compare and contrast religion vs evolution, one must first define the terms being debated. This is a very hard issue to discuss in many settings and a lot of controversy is over just speculated ideas and opinions, whether referring to religion or to the amount of "holes" in the theory of evolution.

The definition of evolution is, according to dictionary.com, "change in the gene pool of a population from generation to generation by such processes as mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift." Lets interpret this to mean a change in the state or traits of a specific group of beings or animals over a series of time. Mutation, in the definition, refers to gene traits that are abnormal and get acquired and kept to further move along evolution. Natural selection is basically interpreted as competition to survive, because otherwise the population would grow to reach infinity in a series (like 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, etc). In the end, evolution basically states that things change over time, characteristics change, and some scientists theorize that humans could have started of as an entirely different "animal" in our species' past.

The definition of religion is, as defined by dictionary.com- " a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs." When evolution and religion clash, it becomes complicated because of the enormity of differing views for each side, whether religion or evolution. As religion could mean any contrast of sects, such as Christianity to Hindu, it is very hard to define religion and therefor a battle between the concepts of evolution and the ideals of religion becomes quite difficult.

Ok, lets just speculate and imagine life existing entirely without deity.  Imagine evolution being the creator of man and ruler of time and existence.  What would guide the perceptions of man when evolved to the intelligences we have obtained?  What if religion was constructed thousands of years ago to fulfill a cultural and intrapersonal need, to know why we are here and not just a random product of nature.  Life becomes pretty crazy when thought of in this aspect.  As Darwin and other scientists would conclude, the purpose of humanity would be for the strong to survive and the goal of life is to keep reproducing.  Do you really feel comfortable with the thought that the intelligence we have, the history we have is all made up for us to "belong" in the state we are?  What are the chances that we could ever reach the state, atleast some of us, of caring and consideration of others feelings that many emit.  Our society has people who die for others and their beliefs, not just to obtain food or to reproduce.

Lets try this again, saying there is just religion.  It becomes increasingly hard to make theories with this because of the multiple religions out there, but lets say that the argument is that creatures were created in a state of existence and stay in such a state.  It is pretty hard to argue against all powerful powers and therefor a scenario that would disprove religion is hard to come by.  Only research and facts that we have now can help show evolutions hands in the changes that occur to species.  Take a look at the Guapagos Islands and the special species that reside there, for example.

Ok, say it really does come down to person beliefs and opinions so I might as well just say mine and the thoughts behind it.  I have religious beliefs and have a testimony of the truth of my beliefs so I know that I was made by design, not just some random concoction of gene mutations.  I read about evolution and it is very clearly stated that there are still many gaps in the theories of evolution.  I personally think that evolution does exist as well, just not at the "Big Bang" theory level that scientists try to push it to be.  Life is all about changing and I could definately see evolution making a change in some species of animals over long periods of time but probably not to the degree of monkey to man.  I hope no one has been offended by my views and that this has been a helpful insight to you in your search about evolution vs religion.