LindaLou: I'm not an atheist and I'm not anti-religion. We all know that religion can function as social control, though this is not always the case, and when it does it's not always a bad thing.

Jeanie: Joseph Smith was quoted as saying "we teach them correct principals and they govern themselves." I don't like being controlled anymore than anyone else does. But guidance is nice.

LindaLou: Accepting that there is a change in heritable traits in populations over time does not mean that we are obliged to behave in a certain way, nor does it mean we must abandon religion.

Jeanie: I do accept evolution to this point....I don't mean to sound rude toward any group in saying this, but isn't that just accepted as truth??? It obviously happens. I remember driving through Canada as we moved to Alaska and seeing a furrier than normal cat. This isn't exactly the same thing, but obviously this cat had adapted to its environment. Moose up there are bigger as are the grizzlies. Not sure exactly why... But to a degree evolution DOES happen. (And the trees are very puny up close to the arctic circle for obvious reasons). But I also don't debate the earth may be very old. I don't know how long each creative period took, but I do not think each day happened in a 24 hour period as we know it in time. Sorry...I've said this before.

However, I don't get why accepting these facts would cause some to think we actually formed through chance... I'm supposing if there are Christian folk who believe in evolution it is only to a point.... But, of course, no one really knows or can prove any of it. There can also be lots and lots of variables that have affected the "evidences" pointing to or away from creation or evolution. Personally I can accept certain aspects of evolution, but believe each type of being was created after its own kind and didn't evolve from each other. The common DNA we hold is not "evidence" to me. I don't know enough about the various homineds, etc. (sp??) to think up an explanation...but am sure there is one.

For me, I believe in the creation....but also that part of that includes the ability to adapt and change as would be necessary. Just for example, when something goes wrong in our bodies, other systems compensate. Doesn't mean your body doesn't get out of balance...sometimes literally with bone structures. (The atlas bone is out so the rest of the body shifts to compensate..) Can't think of a more in depth example right now, but hopefully the point is made. (Like how starving the system with extreme dieting or actual famine causes the metabolism to slow...there could be a million examples). Aren't those examples in a general way of evolution??? (Adaption at least). To me, those things are further PROOF that we were created by a higher intelligence. But there is no way to me that a dog was once a fish.... I'll find some things said about that, but it will be a LDS source.... It has been discussed on here before and is Biblical. The whole "kinds" thing.