Final answer:
Evolution is widely accepted among scientists and is backed by substantial evidence. Alternative 'theories' lack empirical support and are not scientific. The acceptance of evolution is not exclusive of religious belief as many scientists integrate both perspectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The majority of the scientific community accepts evolution as the explanation for the diversity of life. A 2009 Pew Research poll showed that 97 percent of surveyed scientists support the concept of species evolving. Key organizations like the American Association for the Advancement of Science endorse this view.
The theory's robustness is akin to that of other scientific theories, such as the theory of gravity, and offers powerful explanations for biological phenomena. While some misconceptions persist, such as the confusion between the scientific and vernacular meanings of a 'theory' or the notion that evolution aims to explain the origin of life, thorough scientific evidence, including the fossil record and shared DNA sequences, backs the theory.
Teaching alternative theories alongside evolution in schools is a topic of contention. Nonetheless, alternatives like Lamarckianism, Intelligent Design, and special creation lack empirical support and the ability to stimulate research. They are not considered scientific theories because they rely on untestable explanations or supernatural causes. In the United States, teaching these as science violates the First Amendment's establishment clause, as determined by the Supreme Court.
Finally, evolution is not a commentary on the existence of a deity, as it purely deals with material observations. Numerous religious scientists find ways to integrate their faith with scientific understanding, exemplifying that acceptance of evolution isn't synonymous with atheism.