Former Astronaut John Glenn Believes in God, Says Schools Should Teach Evolution

By Alison Lesley --
26 May 2015 --

Former astronaut John Glenn talks about his belief in God and its harmony with evolution.

In 1962, John Glenn became the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth. He’s also been an engineer, a U.S. Marine Corps pilot, and a United States Senator.

In 1998, at age 77, he became the oldest person to fly in space. After that flight, he commented that it was impossible for him not to believe in God having seen “this kind of creation,” the AP reported.

Now 93, Glenn said recently that evolution should be taught along with all other types of scientific discovery, and this view does not contradict a belief in God.

He went on to say that recording the scientific changes that occur over time due to evolution fit comfortably with his view of God as Creator.

The debate between evolution and creationism rages on more so in the United States than anywhere else in the world. More than 95% of scientists support a view of evolution, but a 2014 Gallup poll revealed that 4 in 10 Americans believe that God created humans in our current form over 10,000 years ago.

The National Academy of Sciences, in their 2008 report Science, Evolution and Creationism, said that most religions have achieved some level of comfort between the theories of evolution and creationism. Any religion that hasn’t relies on a literal interpretation of the Bible.

John Glenn’s opinions on the topic certainly have the potential to reach a wide audience given his varied experiences and situation as an American hero.

"to look out at this kind of creation out here and not believe in God is to me impossible," -John Glenn pic.twitter.com/L7AkWBAzIw
— Alvin Licup (@albenolicup) May 26, 2015

Glenn, a Presbyterian and former Democratic presidential candidate, will not stump for any candidates during the 2016 election run as he recovers from a minor stroke he suffered after a 2014 medical procedure.