U.S. advisors pit evolution against intelligent design

William Atkins
Friday, 04 January 2008 20:35

Opinion and Analysis

Scientific advisers to the U.S. government have released the third edition of the book “Science, Evolution, and Creationism,” which emphasizes the importance of teaching evolution in public schools. It adds controversy as to what should be taught as science.       

The group of scientists with the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine state that non-scientific approaches to human origins do not belong in science classrooms.

What it boils down to is “How did we get here? Why do we live? Was it done by nature or an intelligent being?

It also asks the question: “What should be taught in science classes? and “What should be taught in religious classes?”

The home webpage of the National Academy of Sciences reports on this new book. You can access the report, the news release, and information about the book at: http://www.nationalacademies.org/.

Evolution states that animals, including humans, evolve by passing down traits and characteristics from one generation to the next. It is based on the scientific studies of Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. The theory of evolution by natural selection was published by Darwin in 1859 as the book “On the Origin of Species.”

Generally, proponents of Evolution claim that Intelligent Design is pseudo-science and should not be taught in science classes.

Creationism states that living things and all material objects within the universe were created by a deity. Intelligent Design states that the universe is too complex to be best explained by natural selection but instead living things were created by an intelligent entity.

Generally, proponents of Intelligent Design claim it is a scientific theory that should be studied in science classes.

The Discovery Institute is the organization that is primarily behind the idea for intelligent design. The Public Broadcast Service (PBS) has a website dedicated to evolution. Many other websites and books contain information on both subjects. This author urges you to read and study in both areas.

Much debate and controversy continue to surround the topic of evolution versus creationism and intelligent design.

In this author’s viewpoint is it important that we have a free and open discussion on the topic. Students and people in general should be free to learn about all sides of any issue. They should be free to decide for themselves what they believe or do not believe.

The debate also is centered on the topic of what should be taught in science classes. Should evolution and intelligent design both be taught within the realm of science?

This author believes that everyone should become informed on both the subjects of evolution and creationism/intelligent design. You will not be truly informed unless you read and study both sides of the issue.

Ignorance is our biggest hindrance. Educated and informed individuals make better citizens and contribute more to society. Removing the ability of anyone to read, to learn, to make up their own mind is not right.

Governments, whether at the local, state, or federal level will decide what will be taught to our children. We the people make up all governmental bodies. Educated people will make educated decisions. Uneducated people will make uneducated decisions.

There is no reason why science and religion cannot get along, and search for knowledge and truth together.