Should both evolution and that God created everything, both be taught in public school?

Question

Should both Darwin's theory of evolution, which most scientists believe in, as well as the idea that Darwin's theory is wrong and that God created everything, which maybe 1-2% of the scientists believe in, also be taught in public school or at least something written in the school science book that states as follows: "most scientists believe in Darwin's theory of evolution, but there are other scientists who belive by their observation of the world and by their inference that the world was created by God and that the theory of evolution has never been proven."

Answer 1

I can imagine anything worse than teaching children that the Red Sea parted, about Noah and the ark, and Jonah in the whale was done better in Pinocchio! Then we tell them about the virgin birth, at the same time they are learning about safe sex and oh, in vireo fertilization, which that angel might slipped Mary?

You say start with a disclaimer about evolution and once you've got your foot in the door, you'll be harder to get out than the doorknocking bible thumpers who come uninvited to our homes
to preach and argue.

Keep your religion in your churches where it belongs. That is why your churches are tax exempt and considered non-profit organizations.

Answer 2

Let me see:

We have the Theory of Thermodynamics. I guess we should also start demanding that we add Magic 101 so kids can "choose" whether the chemical reactions that go with life are scientific or if there's a little gremlin in there causing them. After all, the reactions that power cellular respiration are obviously nothing that science can deal with.

Then there's the Atomic Theory. I guess we should demand that kids have a chance to sit in the center of a possible thermonuclear explosion (after all, it's only a Theory that this whole thing will go boom anyway, right?)

Then there's the General Theory of Relativity. Gosh, why have them learn that at all. Let's give them a chance to choose if that is what explains gravity or maybe we should see if we can put together a course on how the little fairies tack down everything at night. Hey, it was a biggie some years back.

BTW, there is a LOT, not just a little, but a LOT of evidence showing that the Theory of Evolution is what has and continues to happen on this planet so far as life goes.

The word Theory in science is not something used lightly. It DOES NOT mean just a guess. That word is hypothesis - and even that means more than just guess. It means an educated guess.

If you want to have this argument that you have proposed, then why stop with just the Judeo-Christian version of creation myths. The Ibo have some great ones. So do the Hopi, the Germans, the Mayans, and even the Chinese (Han). Maybe kids should have a chance to check them all out -- a good place would be a comparative religion class.

The universe DOES NOT CARE what you believe. Stand at Ground Zero during a nuclear detonation and you WILL become plasma. Deny the facts of evolution all you want, animals and plants will continue to evolve.

And, uh, those other scientists that you mention -- aren't

Answer 3

Yes.

Students should be taught about as many different theories of how we came to exist as class time can accommodate.

Ideally this would include creation beliefs of multiple religions, especially those religions that are common in the community.

Students should also learn about the observations that Darwin made that caused him to postulate his theory of evolution, and about further evidence that has led to changes in how scientists think about evolution. They should understand that a scientific theory is not truth, but a current consensus of the best fit for the facts. Likewise they should understand that creation is a belief, based on faith and the word of God, not deduction from observations, so that arguing is fairly pointless.

They should learn that there is a controversy, but that people can disagree on something without having a fight. The religious side belongs in this class, while not in economics, because the huge religious objection is part of the history of the science.

By the end of the course, they should be able to outline the major points of the ideas studied, and answer questions about them. Students should not have to tell anyone which they think is the best explanation, unless they want to.

Answer 4

I think that both should be taught in schools, just so the kids know both sides of the debate. I also think that they should be presented as what they are: Darwin's ideas are a scientific theory, Creationism comes from peoples beliefs. I also think that basic religion should be taught, not in a matter of explaining truth but teaching about other peoples beliefs. If all kids had an understanding of the Bible, Koran, and the other religious books there would be less intolerance due to misunderstandings. Many people complain because they don't want their kids exposed to these ideas, but why do parents think that their kid is mature enough to play violent video games and watch violent television and realize the stuff isn't real but they don't think that their kid can make mature decisions about religious beliefs.

Answer 5

I think both of those theories should be taught in public school, along with many others. I say put it all on the table and let the students decide for themselves what is right or makes sense to them. If they are going to teach ideas based on Christianity or Darwinism, they should also teach ideas based on Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, agnosticism etc. I think there needs to be a mandatory philosophy class in high school where all of these theories are discussed as a way to encourage free thought and provide an open forum.

I also think it should be illegal to take a child to church before they are 10 years old. LOL (but every joke has a grain of truth)

Answer 6

If we start teaching creationism in schools would discussions of god only occur during the Theory of Evolution lessons? Why stop in science classes? Eventually every subject should become discussed in terms of god's involvement. Just imagine economics classes holding discussions about the Great Depression and some people coming to the conclusion that it was caused by god. There is already a place where discussion of god's involvement in everthing occurs: Church.

Answer 7

I think for the sake of knowledge, anything should be able to be taught. Now, showing a bias opinion on a certain subject or trying to change someone's beliefs through the form of public schooling should not be done. I only see spending a brief amount of time to inform students of different theories or beliefs as a good thing so at least when the students encounter these controversial topics on their own, they will at least know something about both sides of the matter and will not mindlessly belief something stupid.

Answer 8

Not if it's going to cause problems. Everyone has different ideas, and beliefs. You can't change people's mind on certain things. However I think this is covered in certain classes in college. Those who are interested can take the class, of course those who oppose will hold a protest in front of the school this is probably a no win situation that is opening a can of worms. I would vote to stay away from things like this.

Answer 9

What happened to teaching this stuff at home? I mean it's a pretty personal subject wouldn't you think? I don't want anyone "teaching" my kid's any of it, that is my job and when they are old enough to have their own idea's they will make their own choice. It isn't like math or English where one rule applies..which is fitting for school...religion/or non-religion is a
personal thing that has alot of other factors involved such as national origin, ethnicity, religion ( or lack there-of)..etc. We don't all believe the same way..and that is a good thing. We need diversity. To me this whole issue is another way for parents to push their responsibility of educating/taking responsibility for their own off-spring onto schools, communities and other institutions. Keep it at home!

Answer 10

actually, you can find you answer in your own question : Darwin's theory is still a theory... you can consider it as a problem of habbit: people were used to knowing that God created the world and that is that... sometimes simpler things are the more complex