This article by Paula Kirby says it perfectly. What she writes describes succinctly how I changed my mind about evolution and creationism. I read and listened to both of the books she mentions later in the article that were written by Dawkins and Coyne. These are two excellent books for a "layperson" to read who really wants to know about evolution. I never gave myself a chance to understand the theory of evolution during my days of religiosity. The word in those circles was that evolution was "evil" and creationism was reality. Now I see this as totally opposite.
Back in the day, I "believed by faith" what was taught in Christian circles. Belief requires no proof. I can no longer live using this mindset. (Too much faith gone bad I suppose.) The theory of evolution is backed up by proof. It is a scientific theory much like the theory of gravity or the theory of thermodynamics. The reason Gov. Perry says that it has "gaps" is because it does. Even though Perry meant it as a disparaging remark, I don't see it that way. Gaps are part of the scientific process. Scientific gaps do not beg to be filled-in with gods however. Scientists fill in gaps. That's what they do.
Since the theory was first introduced by Charles Darwin 150 years ago, the gaps have gotten smaller and smaller. They're being filled in over time by science. Religion attempts to fill in the gaps with an invisible unprovable god. This is the reason why creationism should not be taught in our schools as a science subject. Teach it in church if you must, but not in school.
Read or listen to one or both of the books... The Greatest Show on Earth by Richard Dawkins or Why Evolution is True by Jerry Coyne. They changed my outlook completely. You do have to read with an open mind desiring to learn something new though. A closed mind never sees what it doesn't want to see.
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