Do you think evolution should be left out of the teaching curriculm in schools?

Question

Some biology teachers are skipping evolution altogether in order to avoid controversy.

Answer 1

I'm with Tom O. I find no question more infuriating ... or a clearer illustration of how religious fundamentalism is advocating wholesale *IGNORANCE* in our country ... and turning the U.S. into the educational laughing stock of the civilized world!

Two blatant examples right here:
1. Sam and Deb. S. say: "If they're going to teach evolution, they need to teach it as a theory. "

2. 'this_loneliness' says: "Scientist (supposedly the "experts") always use terminolgy like "we think" "we have suspension that" "it could be that" - listen to them!

Do you SEE the problem??

Scientists are damned if they do, damned if they don't.

On the one hand the creationists are demanding that it be taught as a THEORY (all-caps) as if anything in science isn't. And on the other hand they complain if the scientists acknowledge that everything in science is indeed theory by carefully using phrases like "we think".

This is the problem with allowing religious indoctrination to affect science education. People want answers as definitive as you get in Sunday School! They fail to understand that Sunday School answers are definitive and absolute because they are based on *faith*, not evidence.

Scientists are *HONEST*. They collect evidence, they produce theories to explain that evidence. They test them with more evidence. They revise their theories. And bit by bit, they arrive at a general consensus ... but they *ALWAYS* say "THEORY".

That is true for the cell theory of life, the germ theory of disease, the atomic theory of matter, the heliocentric theory of the solar system, the plate tectonics theory of geology, quantum theory, relativity theory, the big bang theory, the theory of gravity ... and the theory of evolution is NO DIFFERENT.

*Everything* in science is THEORY. And that is precisely why it is so darned powerful as a path to real TRUTH! Until you understand that, you don't understand science at all.

As long as you're throwing the "THEORY" word only at evolution ... as if that made it unscientific ... you don't understand science at all.

And creationism is NOT science precisely because it is NOT THEORY! It is a declaration of *absolute*, *definitive* Truth ... one that cannot be questioned, cannot be tested.

So for those who want creationism also taught in schools .... IN WHAT CLASS? *Science* class? Really?? Since when does Genesis 1:1 count as scientific evidence? And why do you think science class needs to consider a religious perspective based on scriptural dogma that contradicts *ALL* branches of science ... from geology, to astronomy, astrophysics, paleontology, archaeology, chemistry, molecular biology, genetics, the physics of radioactivity, and Einstein's constancy of the speed of light??

The only good thing about some of the answers to this question is that it reminds us all why Creationists should be kept as far away from schools as possible!

Answer 2

I think avoiding controversy is stupid. How in the world are we ever going to actually TEACH our children anything if we're not willing to discuss things they're passionate about? I think evolution should be kept in the science curriculum, and I think if students are interested in discussing it vs. creationism, there should be a forum for doing so. There's nothing wrong with having differing points of view in a classroom. As long as the teacher is covering the curriculum appropriately and allowing the students to support their arguments either way with solid information, I see nothing wrong with teaching evolution.

Answer 3

Evolution is the bedrock for other sciences.

lets see.... change in inherited traits.... I see that some don't believe that this is true. So we should never discuss genetics, heredity or the sciences of botany or cellular biology. Mendel must be wrong! genotypes and phenotypes are silly.

You cannot understand most other sciences in depth without a solid understanding of evolution. I fear for a world who's scientists dismiss science in the name of some belief system. Virii are evolving before our eyes and scientists (TRUE scientists) are following the changes to protect our future generations.

Teachers who leave out this subject, might as well abandon mathematics. They are hurting our future scientists.

Answer 4

I, as a teacher, do not avoid evolution. I love teaching it and when a student comments about creationism while I am teaching about evolution I only state that God is in the spiritual realm and I don't teach about spiritual matters. I tell them that I leave that to the church and/or parents to teach. It is not for me to teach. If they push it I ask them to please report to me all of the creation stories that the world speaks of. I have never gotten a full response to that.

Answer 5

No I do not think so. It's a genuine theory as to how we got here. And had more proof than Creationism could ever hope for. Religion should not be forced on children in public schools. If they come from a religion family, then that is the parent's jobs (according to their faith) to teach their children their religion...not public officials.

While they're at, it, why not leave out gravity. It's just a theory as well and has never been "proven". Geez...

Answer 6

Yes, I do think that. Evolution is just a THEORY and has never been proven. Scientist (supposedly the "experts") always use terminolgy like "we think" "we have suspension that" "it could be that" - listen to them! We have the proof right in front of us. That the universe was created is proven - though not excepted by the world because the world does not WANT to know. Evolution is the biggest scam ever pulled - an adult's fairy tale. But not for me - I know I was created and did not come from a monkey... because if I - or any of us - came from monkeys then we would have no conscious - no sense of right or wrong. All monkeys have is the law of the jungle - as all animals do. We have something better - free will and a strong sense of right or wrong.

Answer 7

No, absolutely not. Those teachers need to stand up for their subject and teach their students evolution - make sure they understand real science. They are doing their students a grave disservice by leaving anything out.

Answer 8

No. As a matter of fact, both evolution and creationism should be taught, as they both have valid points and both can be presented in a non-inflammatory way. To omit one is to promote the other, and that isn't what free speech is all about. The separation of church and state doesn't mean God doesn't exist. It means one view shouldn't dominate or be forced on us. Free choice. Also, scientists should take their blinders off and religious folks should join the 21st century.

Answer 9

No way. Evolution is a valid theory and should definitely be taught in schools.

Answer 10

I agree with Sam. Evolution should not be taught as fact, but as the theory that it is. Creation is fact. If you seriously think about it, it doesn't make sense that we crawled out of the water as slime and eventually became the intricate piece of art that we are. We are too complex to have just fallen into place somehow. What an awesome God we have to have created such a complex world! Teachers should teach the truth!