Feb 9, 2009
I love that in light of Darwin's 200th birthday, everywhere one looks these days, there's talk about the theory of evolution. I decided to write this entry, not to join the cacophony of voices, but to shed light on one element of evolution that I don't see many people discussing.
Here in the United States, there is a strong push (sometimes successful) to require that creationism be taught in parallel with evolution, in Science classes. With all the obvious reasons being put fourth regarding why creationism and evolution shouldn't be taught together, I rarely hear the most obvious: Evolution is a scientific theory which is open for debate, creationism as it is known in the United States is one of many creation myths/stories that is not open for debate, nor can the scientific method be applied to it. Creationism by definition does not follow the scientific method and therefore has no place in a science class. One can believe in the creation myth of the Judeo-Christian making, and still appreciate the theory of evolution.
Science seeks to explain the world around us by utilizing the scientific method. Religion does not, nor should it.
Suggesting that stories from one specific religion be taught in a non-religious class, completely out of context, in publicly funded schools is not only illogical, it is highly offensive to students who come from homes where their religion tells a different creation myth/story.
The only place that creationism could logically be taught in the United States, is in world literature classes - and I'd suggest that if the Judeo-Christian creation story is taught in public schools, then it must be taught in parallel to the many other creation myths that exist around the world. Native American tribes in North and South America have their creation myths, Ancient Greece had theirs, Aborigines of Australia have theirs, tribes all over Africa have theirs, Buddhists and Hindus have theirs (and there are others I'm forgetting).
Theories such as evolution are developed by scientists who understand, respect and practice the scientific method. Theories such as evolution are always being questioned, but only by using the scientific method. Everything students are taught in science classes must be taught within the framework of the scientific method, with an appreciation that all theories are developed with the goal of exhausting every angle at disproving the theory. And once the scientific community believes that every angle has been exhausted, if someone finds a new angle to question the theory, everyone will be open to revising the theory. None of that applies to religion. As such, teaching creationism in science classes negates all that students are being taught. Science classes aren't about memorizing facts, they're about teaching students to:
a. be curious about the world in which they live
b. question everything they're told about the world in which they live
c. understand how theories are developed, and how they continue to be challenged
It is obvious that creationists are terrified about all three points above. As far as they're concerned, the bible has all the answers. What they forget is that we live in a pluralistic society, where many faiths (including lack of faith) are observed, and that faith is something that is personal. To impose ones faith on others, especially when using public funds is illegal.
It is also obvious that creationists have no appreciation for the scientific method, or what the theory of evolution is. Otherwise they wouldn't feel that their story is under attack. There is nothing to debate between the theory of evolution and the creation myths told around the world. Creation myths were developed thousands of years ago, and have been passed down through generations - they're believed to be unchanged, but who knows. The theory of evolution is a theory. It is meant to be challenged, debated, and change if the evidence supports change.
OK, I'll stop now. I think you get the point. If I'm missing something, please let me know.
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