1 In 4 Americans Thinks The Sun Goes Around The Earth,

[BenGrimm]

jmo... but the survey results likely have less to do with religious beliefs and are much more the result of the phrases "the sun rises in the east, and sets in the west". People hear these sayings from the time they were kids, which could easily give someone the impression that the sun is the sphere that is actually moving.

I dont think religious beliefs necessarily play a part in the answering which sphere revolves around the other. No manner of wording excuses being wrong about the basic structure of the solar system which is taught in elementary school if not sooner.

Religous beliefs DO play a part for the majority of those answering questions about evolution.

 

[FLVOL_79]

Wait wait wait..you mean "the sun" isn't Helios and his chariot??

 

[95 Vol Alum]

You won't agree if you're a creationist.

A survey experiment showed that 48% of respondents said they thought it was true that “human beings, as we know them today, developed from earlier species of animals,” but 72% gave this response when the same statement was prefaced by “according to the theory of evolution.” Similarly, 39% of respondents said that “the universe began with a huge explosion,” but 60% gave this response when the statement was prefaced by “according to astronomers.”

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[95 Vol Alum]

And this to answer my question.

Levels of factual knowledge in the United States are comparable to those in Europe and are generally higher than levels in countries in other parts of the world.