This post contains controversial words

Three states ask nothing about evolution on the science portions of their high school exit exams. Two are Ohio and South Dakota. Can you guess the third? Here's a hint: It's a place where fewer than half of the residents believe evolution, a scientific theory, should be taught in science classrooms.

Science and religion are not in conflict vis-à-vis evolution. I've explained that before, as did Pope John Paul II, who did it years earlier and far more eloquently. But that fact hasn't stopped biblical literalists from waging war on the very idea of evolution.

This news about the graduation exams, combined with Alabama's textbook disclaimers that falsely call evolution "a controversial theory," suggests that some people believe you can decide what counts as scientific via plebiscite rather than through observation and objective evidence. That's a dangerous attitude that could damage our children's education in every scientific discipline.

If natural phenomena were open to a popular vote, don't you think potato chips would cure cancer and every day would be 75 and sunny? The last I checked, though, they don't, and it's cold out.