Creationism and Evolutionists?

Question

Why is it okay to teach the theory of evelotion in school, even though it is offensive to some, but it is not okay to teach creationism as a theory in schools becasue it is offensive? Isn't it better to teach both as theories, which keeps the church out of it, and let the individuals choose? In all fairness, shouldn't the theory of creationism be allowed in school as well. Its kind of one sided.

I am Christian and believe in Creationism that involves evolution. I understand that an atheist or other may not want their child learning Creationism, but I don't want by child learning evelotion the way it is presented. Yet, I am also confident enough to allow my child to engage in the study of it and clarify my views for my child in regards to the study. Shouldn't it be fair all the way around? Or are you afraid that it will actually make sense to your kids?

I welcome all answers, but don't embarrass yourself by answering with vulgarness, we are adults and discuss differences.

Answer 1

It is amusing how people put in here say that evolution is a theory supported by science and creationism is a myth when in truth if evolution was supported by science it wouldn't be a theory any more. If the had actual proof there wouldn't be any missing links. If It were as true as they want us to believe then "in theory" there should be numerous "missing links" being found. Evolution is just as much a religion as creationism is. Both are theories that are lacking enough evidence to prove either one to be true, but unfortunately with evolution being the only one that is taught in our schools everyone just assumes that it is true because why would they teach us something that isn't true? It is really unfortunate that kids in school are not given both theories and allowed to make their own choice.

Answer 2

The fact is that everything is offensive to someone. Mark Twain, Eldridge Cleaver, Evolution, these things have all had times where someone is so "offended" by these ideas that they try to get their local school board to not teach these subjects.

The problem is that most creationists use the word "theory" interchangably with "guess," but this is hardly the case. The "theory of evolution" is only as much a "theory" as the "theory of gravity." It is accepted by the scientific community at large and even the Catholic Church. If not universally accepted as fact, it is widely regarded as the best answer we have right now.

Creationism, on the other hand (and I'm not referring to ID), is regarded by almost everyone to be a mistaken application of myth and metaphor. The Garden of Eden and Adam and Eve are accepted as being an allegory for the natural formation of the Earth. I make this statement with apologies to the people out there who disagree, but the fact is that this is how it is seen.

The sticky situation arises when the concept of "Intelligent Design" is brought into play. There's very little we can do to argue this idea away. It generally accepts that evolution is how things got to their current state, it just ascribes a motive to the process.

Based on your question I would assume that you are a supporter of ID. That's fine. I have no problem with ID or even fundamentalism being taught in school, as long as they are part of a theology class that teaches many different views. Neither of these concepts, however, has any place in science class.

Now, I don't have kids, and I don't plan on having kids, but I would not feel threatened by them coming in contact with new ideas. Hopefully I would have raised them with enough critical thinking skills to recognize the difference between a nice story and reality.

Answer 3

It's a slippery slope argument. What if someone proposes a third theory? Or a fourth? Should we teach them ALL in schools? It's not practical.

Schools teach the theory that is best supported by scientific evidence. Unless creationism can come up with support a little more substantial than "this Book says so", it's not likely to be taught in secular schools. An atheist friend of mine once said "we'll start teaching creationism as an alternative in schools as soon as they start teaching evolution as an alternative in churches." It's a little over-simplified, but it's an interesting point.

Answer 4

I was fortunate enough to go to a Catholic high school where they taught both. The theory of evolution was taught in science and the story of creation was taught in religion. We also learned the creation stories of other religions and cultures. I think the entire issue was handled very well and us students were left well enough informed to draw our own conclusions on the matter, whatever they may be, and should any of them become one of the many who like to argue about it, they will know both sides and can give arguments that make sense (unlike some things I've seen [not talking about here, I haven't read all of this])

Answer 5

I'm guessing you will get answers like, there is evidence to support evolution and none to support creation. However, with that being said, evolution is still just a theory and is still not proven beyond a reasonable doubt. I agree, until one can be proved right over the other, then both should be taught.

Edit: Grammartroll, what about greek mythology classe that are taught in school?

Answer 6

Creationism is a myth, it's not a theory. Creationism is not based on any measurable evidence, it's no different than the creation myths of the ancient Greeks, the Vikings, Native Americans, Hindus, or any other faith. It has no place in a science class because it is not science. If a teacher talks about the Biblical creation, he or she also needs to talk about Zeus, Thor and Vishnu so that all the myths get covered-that would take a long time.

Answer 7

Both should be taught in schools.

I'm a creationist who believes in the provable aspects of the Theory of Evolution. Which means I do not believe that God created the earth and let us evolve upon it without much interference. I know the facts behind evolution as I have studied most of my life.

I have no problem teaching the two sides as conflict generates understanding and progression of the sciences. One day, evolution might just be replaced with something else that fits the data better.

Answer 8

Creationism shouldn't be taught in school as science because it has no way to be verified scientifically. It can be taught in philosophy class or religion studies class, but not in a science class, because its not science. Its religion. And I think people sound really silly when they say "Its not religion. We're just saying that some supreme being created us." Like if you don't specifically say God its not religion. If you want your kids to learn creationism that is your right. Send them to church. And I promise you, no one will ever go to your church on Sunday and try to teach your kids the theory of evolution.

And one other thing. Chances are you support prayer in the class room and think that there is room for religion in public school. I would be all for that if one day your kid said a prayer from the Bible and the next, a prayer from the Koran and so on, so that every one was represented, even if it was just one Jewish kid in class and one Muslim or even none at all. But if you don't like the of your kid worshipping the Koran a couple days a week or the Torah or whatever, then don't try to make my kid who may be Muslim or Hindu or a Jehovah's witness worship the Bible. We can all respectfully disagree and worship our own religion on Sunday in church. (Or whatever day I do it.)

Answer 9

There are so many FACTS not being taught in school for lack of time. I would like to see all theories put aside for special elected classes. None of the information both theories has no importance to life today. Except on Jeopardy.

And remember, to be fair, you teach one creation myth, you would have to teach them all. That would add another school year on kids.

Answer 10

It is ok to teach creationism in schools. Just not in science class. It may be welcomed in a religious class, or as a very poor piece of literature, but not in a science class. The reason is that science and creationism are completely different. Science begins with observations, then proceeds to a hypothesis, then moves on to testing, and debating on the results. Creationism on the other hand begins with works of fiction, then moves on to asserting, insisting, twisting the facts, and torturing those who don't believe it. So clearly creationism doesn't belong in science classes. Since evolution follows the steps of science I just mentioned, it does.

Answer 11

QUOTED:"am Christian and believe in Creationism that involves evolution."

Finally someone here has some common sence.

Anyways, i think it should be taught, but the reason why it isnt is because it is too religious
You see.. atheistism does not exist.
atheist people are the people who do not think there is a god.
you shouldnt say, they do not believe in a god, becauise they straight up dont believe anything.
So, teaching atheist views on life is perfectly fine, there is no religion with it.
Well there shouldnt be.
The only reason there would be is like a cult, of a whole bunch of punks who dont know anything about anything.

I live in new orleans, one of the supposed christian/catholic cities in the US, and we dont teach creationism in public schools.
Not that are public schools are good or anything =p.
But.. Its something that should be taught.