Dr. Ben Carson, one of many Republicans running for President, is a neurosurgeon. During his medical training, he learned the principles of biochemistry, physiology, pathology and medical technology, among other scientific disciplines. We also know that he is an avid user of Twitter and that he strongly supports the military, replete with its sophisticated instruments of war; both of these industries are based on technical knowledge gained through advances in physics and electronics.
Yet, this avowed scientist, in accordance with his extreme religious beliefs, does not accept scientific evidence related to evolution and the origin of our Universe. Even more disturbing, he believes that such evidence, which contradicts simplistic Bible stories, reflects satanic influence.
There is little doubt that presidential candidates embellish their religious faith in order to gain favor with segments of the American public. But Dr. Carson represents a worrisome trend in the Republican Party, a willingness to back science that supports their goals and to trash science (e.g. climatology) that threatens those who fund their political programs and candidates. While I have previously expressed my opposition to the candidacy of Donald Trump, the prospect of having Dr. Carson in the Oval Office is far more alarming; the war on science education, conducted by religious zealots, must not be headquartered in the White House.
