Would Christians mind if schools teach evolution in a neutral perspective?

Question

I beileive that schools should teach facts both in support of and against evolution and let the children choose their positions and debate on it not the parents. You have to remember school is supposed to help bring a future to the children not the parents. So let the children choose the future they want to pursue. Most likly the children will be supportive of their parents perspective anyways so if your religious you won't need to worry about losing your child from your families treasured values.

So would evolution neutrality be a problem, for religious folkes?

Letting our children debate different perspective does not just depolarizes education, it also helps children learn the critical thinking skills of true scholars.

*depolarise

I agree with you Shawn B, however despite the logistic sense behind science, schools can appease critical parents and also let the children realise that by themselves.

Answer 1

That's generally what the fundies want. They can't realistically ask that the prevailing scientific theory of the origin of species be ignored, so they try to suggest that it is controversial or just another theory. That's not what science should teach, though, because there isn't any controversy, and there are no competing hypotheses (no, ID does not count), just various takes on the mechanism of evolution. If evolution were controversial, you'd see papers being published offering alternative hypotheses.

If you want to give kids critical-thinking skills, a good debate is to let them debate Darwinian evolution vs. ID vs. Lamarckian evolution. The catch is that they can only use facts available in the 19th century. Back then, you could have a serious scientific debate about the origin of species. My school did this. It's fun. And then at the end of the day kids realize why the mountains of evidence brought in in the last century makes this not a debate anymore (among scientists--among those who value religion over evidence, obviously, it rages).

Answer 2

Evolution is neutral. It can't be taught from any more of a neutral perspective than it already is. All it does is look at the facts and explain them. It says nothing about god, or morality, or how people should live, or how they should believe. It just teaches science.

And there are no facts against evolution. There are holes, sure, but that's the entire point of science. All theories have holes, from evolution to germ warfare to gravity to general relativity. Science teaches not to plug up the holes with "well, god did it." It teaches the student to ask questions and fill in the holes with evidence.

Confusing them with non-scientific claptrap will only harm our children. Evolution is science; that's all there is to it. And, if the student is supposed to learn science, they should be taught science.

EDIT: I do think, though, that students should be taught about creationism and shown how it is pseudoscience, and taught how to think critically.

Answer 3

If that school has a biology class and does not speak about evolution- the CORE of biology- then that school has failed its students. Would you discuss physics without atomic theory? Would you discuss chemistry without the periodic table? Of course not- therefore to discuss biology without evolution is a farce. FYI- Catholic schools in general DO cover evolution, because they are not blinded by biblical literalism. Stick to it and read some extra material if you need to- you will need a thorough understanding of biological evolution if you pursue biology as a major. I actually recommend "The Greatest Show on Earth" by Richard Dawkins to many of my students who seem behind in the subject. It explains the theory in an interesting and detailed manner that is still accessible to the layman. @Karen- There AREN'T "two sides" on the subject. Evolution is established science supported by a massive amount of hard evidence. Creationism is a religious belief that is in no way scientific or supported. The former belongs in schools, the latter doesn't.

Answer 4

I've seen the arguments in the forum that why does Christianity always trump everything else.

I suppose the same applies here? Why shouldn't they teach creationism according to the Christians, Muslims, etc etc. Why does evolution trump everything else, when after all, it is just a theory.

Neutrality does nothing for me. There's no proof behind the theory. It's the same as teaching the kids some other theory that is even more absurd, because after all, there's no proof.

I realize this kills the idea of teaching creationism, which stumps me as to how to promote my belief (which is a Christian belief in creation). I just wanted to point out that letting kids choose isn't fair when evolution is the only idea that is taught.

Answer 5

I believe it would be a step in the right direction. On a limited number of issues and in a controlled format, it would stimulate debate which would lead to many levels of understanding. I believe evolution takes about as much faith as creationism, and scientists in many disciplines question evolution. However, I am not impressed with some creationist versions either. The point is, this type of debate would enhance learning by process thinking, comparison, and evaluation.

Answer 6

I personally don't think it should be taught at all, but if it MUST be taught, then yes, both sides of the issue should be taught. The students need to know the weaknesses of evolution as well. After having been an evolutionist for 20 years, now a young-earth creationist, I know that evolution hasn't got a scientific leg to stand on. It is unfair to shove this secular religion down the children's throats, and then watch them grow up into little atheists. Evolutionists rely upon government dollars to spread their religion, because, let's face it, if they asked for donations, they would quickly be bankrupt. Their whole THEORY is bankrupt!

Answer 7

But, there is no valid scientific theory that they could have to argue against evolution. Creationism, is simply not scientific, does that make it impossible.... no, but it is not scientific so it does not belong in a science class. Parents can teach their kids their personal beliefs on evolution and matters like that on their own time, our public school system, should not be bothered with this debate. Could I see possibly debates being allowed in a philosophy class-type setting... Yes,but really a debate between a non-science and a science does not belong in science class.

Answer 8

I cannot see how it would be. I taught at a Baptist University. I taught that Evolution is another theory. I did not fantasize, I did not worship it. I simply taught that it is there.
Children are incapable of choosing. You were, I was. We knew what we wanted, but not what we needed.
If there are good religious foundations and a good family foundation it is all a worry for naught.

Answer 9

Personally, evolution should not be taught in schools, period. Children do not have the capacity to accurately determine what is "in their best interest" until they have reached adulthood. This fact has been determined through psychological research.

However, if it "must" be taught than a balanced presentation should be taught. Not only evolution with all of it's holes that teachers never discuss, but creationism, as well.

Answer 10

The only problem is that the science taught in public schools are only supported by facts. There is no viable alternative theory at this time. There are no supportable facts against TOE, only religious opinion.

Religious opinion can not be taught as fact in public schools.