Choosing Between Science and God: The Mike Huckabee Story

When it comes to faith versus facts, Republican presidential hopeful, former Baptist minister and former governor of the Razorback State, Mike Huckabee minces no words. Recall that during one the Republican candidates' joint appearances, uh, debates, Huckabee was one of three who raised their hands affirming that they did not believe in biological evolution. Now Salon reports:

A reporter asked Huckabee how he thought his views -- including his view on evolution -- might play in the general election.

"Oh, I believe in science. I certainly do," [Huckabee] said. "In fact, what I believe in is, I believe in God. I don't think there's a conflict between the two. But if there's going to be a conflict, science changes with every generation and with new discoveries and God doesn't. So I'll stick with God if the two are in conflict."

Sixteen centuries ago, St. Augustine rightly warned believers like Huckabee about dogmatism in the face of contravening facts:

"If we come to read anything in Holy Scripture that is in keeping with the faith in which we are steeped, capable of several meanings, we must not by obstinately rushing in, so commit ourselves to any one of them that, when perhaps the truth is more thoroughly investigated, it rightly falls to the ground and we with it."

Sadly, Huckabee's scientific know-nothingism could play well in the primaries since a majority of Republicans say that they don't believe in evolution either.