What would happen if Evolution was not taught in schools?

Question

This sound somewhat like a troll question, but it isn't. I teach biology and often get some push back from Christian students about evoloution. I understand my students, and I am ok with questioning (I actually encourage it). What I really wonder about is people who think evolution shouldn't be taught at all, what do they think would change in society?

Brian, have no fears, I actually make all beliefs comfortable in my class. Students are required to learn evolution to pass state test. I never asked them to believe, just to know it, nor will I judge them on what they believe.

Answer 1

Our College system would be pushed back, because evolution is the fundamental concept behind biology. And if no one was taught it colleges would need an Intro to Intro to evolution class. intro to Bio in college (as you know) is split into semesters, an evolution, ecology one and cell genetics one. But if people were not ready for the evolution class (one could not take it w/o knowing anything about evolution) colleges would need another evolution class.

After seeing how many people think religion should be taught as well, then one wouldn't be teaching a science class. One would be teaching a Religous Studies class. Also a Native American, Toaist, Muslim, Shintoist, Hindu, Buddist all could sue saying that there religon was not covered in the teachings. So be time you cover all the religons you have no time for science.

Also I think its nice (beyond nice, even) of you to allow this aregument. Evolution is Biology as previously mentioned. There is no debating it. (Scientifically, and it is a science class). We never had the debate, instead we debated about science issuse, Genomes, Stem Cells, Insurance Companies. All issues scientists need to deal with. So good for you for even allowing debate on this issue.

Answer 2

I wouldn't mind evolution being taught in government (AKA: public) schools, if it were only taught as the *theory* it is *and* if the flaws in the theory were *also* pointed out! It would also be good if it was admitted that some of the most brilliant scientific minds - such as those of Gallileo, Schweitzer, Einstein, etc. - throughout the ages and into the present time, have believed in a Creator God rather than in evolution!

Also questions like these should be raised and answered (at least with theories): "How did it all come into existence in the first place? Why could it not have been created by a superior intelligence? How did conditions come about that a planet the size of the earth, at just the right distance from just the right sized star with just the right intensity of heat and light, said planet form just the right atmosphere, and become tilted at just the right angle, with just the right sized satellite revolving around it, come about? Was it by random chance? What is the probability of that happening? Then, how did just the right atoms form just the right molecules, and how did just the right amino acids, etc., manage to come together in just the right way so as to form life which had the ability to evolve into more diverse and complex plant and animal life forms? What is the probability of all of these things actually occuring by random chance? And why would a better alternative explanation *not* be that of "intelligent design?"

Answer 3

I am a Christian and believe that both should be taught. I have no problem with Science...I do have an issue with evolution being taught as an absolute, with no mention of the other. I remember when the 10 commandments were taken down from the public school I attended, and I was young, didn't totally understand it, but I felt something was wrong. And I wasn't even a Christian then.

I believe that you could post the 10 commandments in each classroom in the United States, and not even talk about it and it would have a tremendous affect on our children and their basic understanding of right and wrong. Now is that a bad thing?

Answer 4

You mean what would happen if Evolution was not taught in High School? Surely you're not even entertaining the notion that it is optional in college level courses.

It might be possible to teach H.S. Biology without ever mentioning Evolution. But I think we'd do a huge disservice to the students and to the advancement of science in the U.S. Other countries would have students entering college much better prepared to learn modern biology. But more importantly, if we caved in on this issue it would only increase the notion that science can somehow be determined by popularity votes.

The only controversy over Evolution occurs *outside* of the scientific community. No serious biologist disputes Evolution. Creationists who dispute evolution only have old arguments that have long been shown to be false, but creationists keep repeating the arguments anyway. Furthermore, creationists do not have any competing theory to explain the diversity of life that can be used in any way. Saying "God did it" gives no insight into when "God might do it again". Evolution on the other hand is actively guiding research and producing useful results that advance our knowledge of biology and medicine. If Creationists want to be taken seriously in the scientific community, they need to contribute knowledge that can be used as the foundation for new knowledge.

Answer 5

The American people would, if possible (which I highly doubt), fall even further behind science and technology.

I love America, but we are hands down the most ignorant industrialized nation.

As to why the idea that evolution is flawed is merely wishful thinking, I would direct anyone who actually believes this to http://www.talkorigins.org/indexcc/list.html. It will answer, in explicit detail, any questions you may have. It also explains why the idea that we should "teach the controversy" is complete bull, even beyond the point that there is no controversy to teach. The scientific community is united on this one: evolution is a theory. Just like gravity. It ain't goin' away just because it doesn't mesh with your personal beliefs.

Answer 6

I don't believe they think anything will change in society, but you get "push back" because they probably feel like they're being forced to learn about it when it goes against their religion.

You should probably tell the students a day or so before you teach the lecture that if they do not want to be in class that day to bring a signed note from home saying they want their child excused from class, and then give them an alternative assignment...

Then it's a win/win for everyone.

Answer 7

Well there would be no common denominator, no basis in fact that would act as a reference point from which to observe and interpret the world.

Christians will see this as a good thing, as they can only consider themselves and their bigoted and ignorant beliefs, but the world has thousands of destructive belief systems with their own agendas that would eaually attempt to fill this new void, and "more" disharmony and bloodshed would be the result..

Mainstream scientific principles and descriptions of the natural world are without borders, do not discriminate, have no hidden agenda, do not judge, and offer a universal platform on which ALL minds can meet, and ultimately celebrate the gift of life, and to embrace knowledge and be uniformly and equally informed about the natural world and the reality we must all share..
Keep up the good work, good teachers are a precious resource..

You now it makes sense..!

Answer 8

The only people who really need to know about evolution are those who continue their education in a biology related field such as zoology or medicine. Others do not really need to know about evolution as such.

Having said that, if we bow to the church about not teaching evolution in school because it weakens their stranglehold on society, what would happen next? Will they want people to stop learning about the Big Bang, or the fact that the Earth is older than 6000 years? Maybe teach the chidren that the Earth is flat? If you give them an inch they will take a mile.

Answer 9

It's an interesting question in that it alerts me to the fact that evolution is taught in schools. I had a Catholic upbringing and was educated by the Sisters of Mercy and the Marist Brothers. They never introduced me to the concept of evolution. Makes me wonder what else was hidden from me.

Answer 10

I agree with you but you must realize that many people (not all) who believe in Creation think that the Creator acutally created everything within 7, 24 hour days. Most people that think that way don't have any concept of evolution although we see it each and everyday.