I don't KNOW. I believe it though. Do you KNOW God doesn't? Do you KNOW that evolution is true?
But it is a big difference knowing if god exists or knowing if the theory of evolution is correct.
The theory of evolution have been strengthened by substantial evidence, while most religions have struggled hard to make their stories believable.
(For example a great deal of Christianity is based on myths found on Sumerian clay tablets from thousands of years before there was any talk of Christianity.)
Today many priests in countries like Sweden openly admit that they don't believe that the things in the bible has actually occured, that it should rather be seen as guidelines to a way of living.
I think that would be a good progress for religions. To shed the somewhat ridiculous myths and put the focus on the good things that religions can spread.
And yes, I do believe God punishes those who do not accept his FREE gift of salvation.
This might be a small thing...but I wouldn't see a gift as free if I get punished for not accepting it

But they finally found God. One great Christian leader, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, before he was saved, during a war, him and all his soldiers killed an entire innocent town of women and children. They lived with a terrible(and well deserved guilt for the longest time). God forgave them. Thats not to say they were not punished for that sin, which I believe they were, or will be.
But how would you know if God forgave them?
They are said to be middle links. They could also be a different species of ape, or human. Not neccessarily a link. It's just a scientific theory. Not fact.
It can be seen as a fact until another more logical theory comes along

That is how science works. You can never take anything at all for granted...
Evolution is accepted as fact in much of the world today. It is not taught as a theory in schools, it is taught as fact. That shouldn't be. It is a theory, and should be taught as such.
But everything you learn in school are theories.
A great majority of the people in those countries (including people that consider themselves religious) believe in the theory, and thus it becomes a truth. But notice that I wrote a truth instead of the truth...because I don't believe there is such a thing as one fundamental truth.