How much time should public schools dedicate to teaching evolution/christianity?

Question

How much time should be dedicated by public schools to teaching the evolution theory and how much should be put on teaching christianity? Or should neither be taught?

Answer 1

Sometimes the line between evolution and christianity is blurred. Evolution is not just the theory that we came from apes. Evolution is just the theory that all creatures can evolve over time its like is a bear is mainly living in one environment and then moves to another that is evolution. The theory that man came from apes should not be taught nor the theory that man was made by God. That way nobody is offended. But Evolution should be taught.

Answer 2

They are one and the same, evolution is a proven fact, God created the single cells that over many of millions of years evolved into what they are now. But I think that evolution should be taught, the ridiculousness of God, the almighty making a big bang, now come on, God is omnipotent and each thing in this world is interconnected and mapped out, that is just a tale for people who do not understand how the two can be interconnected, ignorance. As far as religion I do not think public school teachers should teach it. I remember how horrible the public school teachers were when I went to school (not all of them, but someone will decide what is taught about God and tell them that they need to believe a certain way) that is not right and does not follow God's plan, I do not believe. it is not a subject like math and english to be taught without feeling and experience. Schools should stick to teaching the basics of life. Psychology, philosophy, religion, should all wait for a more mature mind that can discern from someone's feelings and truth. Parent's while children are young should be in charge of leading kids to different churches and religions to let children make up their own mind. I know this is fantasy talk, but God gave free will, why shouldn't a parent?

Answer 3

Evolution is a fine theory for explaining the development of living species. It fails completely, as do all other scientific theories for explaining the origin of life or the existence of result without cause.

Creationism is a theory which says everything started from a divine Creator. It deserves mention as a theory alternative to or supplemental of evolution. It is possible to discuss Creationism as a theory without violating the establishment of religion clause of the Constitution - one simply mentions it and allows the student to decide. It should carry a disclaimer that the government (i.e., through its representative the school) does not endorse the theory of Creationism but that it merely acknowledges its existence. It can be discussed neutrally.

In depth study of Creationism is best conducted in a church. In depth study of evolution is best conducted in a lab or science classroom.

Christianity is different from Creationism. Christianity is a specific religion. Creationism is a theory of how the Universe began. The choice is not between evolution and Christianity but between Evolution and Creationism. Christianity should be taught in Christian churches or classes devoted to discussion of comparative religions.

Answer 4

You know whats funny? Evolution is taught in schools because its a 'science' but Christianity is not because its a religion. But basicly, the are neither. Both are belif's held by people both seriously contradicting the other. But anyways, I really don't care about learning Evolution. I only wish that they wouldn't just teach the good stuff about it. I do think, however, that Christianity should be taught.

Answer 5

Did you know you can opt out of religious studies? (I did at 14 anyway - after attending RC infant and junior schools)

But anyway I think it is more important to learn about the natural world than some peoples' beliefs. If they are christian they will know all they need to from church, and don't need an indepth study at school. Therefore as we are a secular society it would be inappropriate to spend adverse amounts of time teaching one particular belief. You would of course need to provide a general understanding in all beliefs to promote acceptance and to learn about history & human behaviour, etc. I think biology deserves more time than religion, and I think evolution as (a part of biology) deserves more time than christianity (a part of religious education.). I think an hour a fortnight for a year is probably sufficient religious education for schools to learn about the various religions and beliefs that people hold all round the world, just for general knowledge and acceptance.

Some may say its important to understand other people, then fine add in pyschology or philosophy, leave indepth religious studies for religious organisations, if you happen to be so inclined. It should not be forced on our children at school.

So evolution about 9:1 more than christianity perhaps more I haven't really thought about it.

However Creationism should never ever ever enter anywhere near a biology class, and given a mild note in religious education to the effects of " Some people still don't understand evolution and instead believe an ancient text written 2600 years ago that was incorporated into the bible, that states the earth was created in 6 days about 6000 years ago by the religion's diety, which we now know to be false. "

I think faith schools in the UK should have thier public money withdrawn. And I certainly don't agree with faiths sponsoring and therefore running the new academy schools.

Answer 6

Evolution is taught as a scientific theory, so it should be taught just like any other aspect of science. Christianity should only be taught in that it should be mentioned in a historical context or in a class on world religions, perhaps for high schoolers at the earliest. A senior-year elective, at that. I don't think children should be told what religion to go into, and I think they're too young to really make up their minds until they've matured mentally.

Answer 7

Schools should dedicate as much time as is necessary to explain evolution so it can be understood in Biology classes, as much time as they dedicate to explaining and teaching all major scientific theories in their respective science classes.

Public schools should spend no time teaching Christianity, because that would imply that Christianity is an official religion endorsed by the government. (I know it often in practice IS endorsed by the government, unfortunately) It is up to individual families to decide what religion their children are taught.

Answer 8

Thats a hard one and as a teacher a tough issue- I for one would like to teach certain thing in school but I can't because i know that it is impossible- Certain parents want there children to learn certain things- and some things they don't want to be taught to them if you think that evolution/christianity is a big issue there are others-hygeine-other religious and cultural values-sex education, its a tangled web if you- evolution is supposedly based on science- christianity says that God created all things- if you spend a minimal amount of time on some people would be bothered by it -from my experience

Answer 9

Since Evolution is a factually science and Genesis is actually fictional, teaching the true science seems fitting. Especially in a public school, if I want my children to learn about Genesis I’ll send them to Catholic school, or have them read other fictional stories like “The Cat in the Hat” or “Green Eggs and Ham”. So to answer your question I thing 100% of my tax dollars should be spent teaching children about Evolution, and not one dime, penny, nickel, or even a second of a teachers time spent teaching Genesis.

Answer 10

Evolution theory is taught as part of a science curriculum and even then its a small part of the total that is taught. Christianity should not be taught in public schools as we have separation of church and state and that should be enforced. Remember that not everyone who attends public school which are fueled by tax dollars are christian.