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Opinion

Evolution revolution hits public schools

Derek Dickson
Opinion Columnist

Charles Darwin had no idea the controversy he was creating as he developed the theory of evolution. Although science believes his findings are accurate, many Christian fundamentalists don't believe it.

The bitter debate of God versus Science has come to the front lines of American Civil Liberties Union lawsuits and Christian beliefs. This is another battlefield created by religion that will seemingly last forever.

In Kansas the debate continues over the way evolution should be taught -- if at all. The state Board of Education is close to adopting a proposal to change state's science standards to accommodate a new creationist movement. This would be a huge victory for not only Christians, but for the debate in general. If both concepts are taught, then the student can decide what is fact and what is theory.

The small town of Dover, Pa., broke ground in the debate of evolution, becoming the first school district to officially inform students of the theory of "intelligent design" as an alternative to the theory of evolution. Intelligent design is the theory Christians prefer because it teaches man was created by a being higher than himself.

When a battle such has this exists in government-funded public schools, the idea of the separation of church and state always shows its ugly head. After all, in the classroom, God is illegal. 

With the separation of church and state, even if the idea of intelligent design was taught to students, the "higher being" would never be named or tied to any religion. I don't see how anyone could or would argue against teaching both theories. It pleases both sides.

A federal judge in Atlanta has ruled a school district's stickers on textbooks stating that evolution is a theory, not a fact, are unconstitutional. Cobb County placed a sticker on textbooks that read, "This textbook contains material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully and critically considered."

In his ruling, U.S District Judge Clarence Cooper ruled that labeling evolution as a "theory" could confuse students.

"Due to the manner in which the sticker refers to evolution as a theory, the sticker also has the effect of undermining evolution education to the benefit of those Cobb County citizens who would prefer that students maintain their religious beliefs regarding the origin of life," Cooper wrote in his ruling.

It seems as though it is fine to attack the Christian belief that God created us all, but if you question the theory of evolution you are not only out of line, it's unconstitutional.

The simple solution for this is exactly what some school districts appear to be attempting to do -- teach both theories.

Students should have the option of choosing what they believe, rather than have school districts decide for them by putting the theory of evolution in textbooks and leaving intelligent design out. 

Let students use their faith in God and their faith in science to steer them to a conclusion about where man came from. Wrong or right, at least it is their decision.

Dickson, an opinion columnist for The Daily Cougar, 
can be reached at DColeTexas1@aol.com