Topic : Should We Teach Creation or Evolution in Our Schools?
There has been an awful lot of debate and down right arguing about what to teach our kids in school regarding how we got here and why are we here? Is there a plan for mankind developed by an "all mighty" being? Or did we climb up out of the sludge one day, drop off our fins and start swinging from the trees? Scholars and every day Joes have discussed this issue over the centuries and we're no closer to agreeing on it now than we were hundreds of years ago. Despite all of our vast knowledge and technology the science of the subject still can't be truly proven and the debate continues on and on and probably will continue long after all of us here today are dust in the earth.
So I'd like to open this debate with my own opinion on the matter and then want to sit back and read and enjoy just how you all feel about this issue. So here's my two cents worth, now join me with yours.
I am by my own admission a Christian woman trying to live a good life and follow the scriptures, love my neighbors (a task which can be quite challenging at times) and basically live by the example of Christ's life. Even with all my bible learning, however, every once in a while a thought creeps into my consciousness that taunts me and gives me pause to reflect. At times, it seems science gives me an explanation clear as day that I can not refute and saying that God can do anything he wants to do just sounds like a cop out.
I believe that, in fact, you must teach both and here is why. The reasoning is actually quite simple. This is a debate not actually about religion or science. It is about differing philosophies on the subject of our existance. Viewing it in this manner, you remove the right or wrong of either side. So now that being said the issue becomes not whether or not to teach it, but WHEN to teach it. This is where people disagree strongly and it is understandable. Now that we have defined the issue as one of philosophy, it again, beomes easy to resolve.
Children in elementary, middle and high school are not ready for such deep, heavy subject matter. Further, the younger children believe everything their teachers teach them. After all, in their eyes, the teachers are like gods. They know all, they can't lie to them and they don't make mistakes. So if a teacher tells the students something, well, it just has to be true and that's that. It isn't until later, as their minds develop more complex reasoning skills, that they will start to question what they're being taught and challenge the lessons given.
As Dr. Phil and others have told us, and we know Dr. Phil is always right (cough), timing is everything when it comes to handling issues with our kids. I think that teaching this subject is best left to college aged students. They have the reasoning skills and vocal ability to express their feelings on subject matter.
So this is my opinion. Yes teach evolution, and yes teach creation. Just do it when the student is capable of discerning for himj/herself what they wish to believe and what they decide is against what they believe on their own.
