I seem to recall reading about an evangelical pastor that was converted from creationism and began preaching against it. Almost over night, he lost most of his attendees.
Yes, of course. He was no longer a Fundementalist...
The simple fact is creationism is much simpler to digest than real science.
I don't think this has ANYTHING to do with the situation. It is a community belief, simple as that. Don't foget that I am also talking about grads and post-grads, some in life-science.
Since most people have not spent the effort and time in learning real science, talking to real science minded people somewhat give them a sense of inferiority.
And how often do you suppose that grass-roots individuals talk to science-minded people? It is the LACK OF contact with such science-types that makes the job of indoctrinating creationism so easy. And it is the SUPERIORITY that a Christian feels that enables one to so easily dismiss 'secular' scientific views - this is especially true amongst young Christians in their school environment.
In other words, you could say that jealousy is why the creationist movement is so popular among the ignorant crowd.
jealousy? are you kidding? There is pity, there is scorn, there is derision, there is anger, there is arrogance, and there is a huge dose of apathy to what the secular world thinks... but jealousy of scientists??? No, no, no...