Posted on Fri 12/09/05 in My So Called Blog
“The theory of Intelligent Design holds that certain features of the universe and of living things are best explained by an intelligent cause, not an undirected process such as natural selection.”
—Discovery Institute, Center for Science and Culture
The theory has been appearing in more media headlines in recent years, and, today, I found in my county’s school district:
Broward County on Thursday narrowed its choices for high school Biology I textbooks to two finalists, both of which have been under scrutiny by Christian conservatives who want to change the way students learn about the origin of life.
Both have edited passages about evolution theory during the past few years after receiving complaints from the Discovery Institute. The think tank sponsors research on intelligent design, which argues life is so complicated, it must have been fashioned by a higher being. One of the books also has added a short section on creationism.
—SunSentinel.com on December 9th, 2005
Until the Theory of Evolution can be acceptably disproved, it belongs in science books. And until the theory of Intelligent Design can acceptably scientifically proven, it does not belong in the public schools. I see “Intelligent Design” as being synonymous with “Creationism.” Proponents of Intelligent Design being superimposed into our public schools’ textbooks have found the term “Intelligent Design” to be less religious-sounding than “Creationism.” They seem to be the same in my interpretation, and it makes me feel like I’m being pinned as being foolish for thinking I wouldn’t realize it.
I AM concerned about religion being pushed into the public school systems. I do NOT want religion to be taught to my children in public schools, as I seriously doubt that the government shares the same religious views as my own. Some argue that it is important for children to know that there is an alternative to evolutional theory. Well, I believe this is VERY important. But, why cannot a parent or clergyman teach a child this idea outside of the public school? Because I’ll tell you what: If a school administrator would have interrupted my Biology class to disclaim, “By the way Intelligent Design exists as an alternative to what your teacher is about to teach you—ok, bye,” I think my class would never have moved on pass that chapter. Hands would have flown up to ask questions about the statement we had just received, and our teacher would have been unable to answer.
My personal beliefs are my own, but I will share this:
If parents want their kids to know about Intelligent Design, religion or creationism, they should NOT expect them to learn it in public school.
I am a Creationist, but I completely agree with you. It’s an issue of separation of church and state with me. Intelligent Design is most definitely the same as Creationism.
I would go so far as to say that evolutionary theory might need to be taken out of public schools, too, as much as possible. Why should schools deal with questions of origins at an elementary or high school level? The question of origins is a religious question, whether from the perspective of accepting the religious explanation, or rejecting it. Would it really be so difficult to extract all question of origins from the basic study of science in primary school?
Maybe it would.
Jim—you’ve made a point I had not considered: remove theory of origin completely from public school.
I agree this could be the most appropriate action.
With the recognition and scientific clout Creationists have been receiving in recent years, I think your notion could be becoming more feasable.
And James—I’ve edited my article to be religiously unbiased (i think). Who has fractal wallpaper in their bathroom???
Commenting is closed for this article.