We know who is in the detail.

Absolution sought from Reuters

According to a poll undertaken by Harris, the details of which were released last Thursday more Americans believe in a literal hell and the devil than Darwin's theory of evolution.

Only 42 percent of those surveyed said they believed in Darwin's theory which largely informs how biology and related sciences are approached. Belief in Hell and the Devil ran at 62 percent.

The survey also found that 35 percent of the respondents believed in UFOs and 31 percent in witches.

I am not aware that the survey covered vexed issues as to the existence of the Surrey Panther, the Loch Ness Monster or the positive effect of healing crystals.

To be honest I don’t get the religious thing myself. But for the sake of absolute clarity I would never denigrate anyone’s faith as by its nature will be central to that individuals view of themselves and the world. I’ve no right or desire to do that. And likewise I have no problems with Americans (individually or nationally). I think they are our greatest ally and friend. They might occasionally elect fools to lead them but over the last few years we haven’t done too well ourselves on that score.

But you do have to wonder that even in the face of the widest body of scientific evidence such a large number of people think that they are more likely to potentially suffer eternal fiery torment (possibly with pointy sticks) for their transgressions than they are to be a living part of the ever developing eco system around them.

I wonder what trouble you might get into for inappropriately naming a fluffy toy monkey out West?