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A US congressman has sparked controversy by claiming that evolution and the Big Bang theory are "lies straight from the pit of Hell" meant to convince people they do not need a saviour.
Paul Broun, a medical doctor and Republican, made his claims in a videotaped speech at a local Baptist Church in Georgia. Mr Broun is running for re-election in November unopposed by Democrats.
"God's word is true," Mr Broun said, according to a video posted on the church's website.
"I've come to understand that. All that stuff I was taught about evolution and embryology and Big Bang theory, all that is lies straight from the pit of Hell. And it's lies to try to keep me and all the folks who are taught that from understanding that they need a saviour."
Mr Broun also said that he believes the Earth is about 9,000 years old and that it was made in six days.
Those beliefs are held by fundamentalist Christians who believe the creation accounts in the Bible are literally true.
Irish Independent
