Should Intelligent Design be Taught in Public Schools?

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In 1859, Charles Darwin published his groundbreaking Origin of Species, which would introduce the seminal theory of evolution to the scientific community. Over 150 years later, the majority of scientists have come to a consensus in agreement with this theory, citing evidence in newer scientific research. In an average high school biology classroom, one may imagine an instructor that has devoted much of his life to science and a predominantly Christian class of about twenty-five students. On the topic of evolution, one of the students might ask, “Why would God have taken the long route by creating us through billion years of evolution?” while another student may claim “The Book of Genesis clearly says that the earth along with all living creatures was created in just six days, and Biblical dating has proven that the earth is only 6000 years old.” Finally a third student interjects with the remark “maybe the Bible really is just a book, and besides, science has basically already proven that evolution happened, and is continuing to happen as we speak.” A secular country like our own does and should treat each argument as valid. However, only the third student’s argument cites scientific backing. Is it fair that we are denying that intelligent design be taught as an alternative to evolution in our science classes? When a belief has no legitimate scientific backing, it is not science, but rather a philosophy, whereas biology is in fact science, which is why intelligent design does not belong in science classes in public schools. Since the time that teaching evolution in public schools was banned as heresy and taboo for contradicting the Bible, most public school systems today take an opposite approach in which creationism is seldom ta... ... middle of paper ... ...ligion, but it would allow for greater open-mindedness – parents should be able to send their students to a school in which they know that no indoctrination is occurring. As for those who do not tolerate the teaching of evolution, despite the 150 years of growth for this theory, there is always the local place of worship, which will freely teach the word of God. Works Cited Branch, Glenn. "Intelligent Design is not Science, and Should not Join Evolution in the Classroom." usnews.com. U.S.News & World Report, 2 Feb. 2009. Web. 21 Mar. 2012. "Intelligent Design." pbs.org. PBS, 5 Aug. 2005. Web. 21 Mar. 2012. "Judge Rules Against ‘Intelligent Design’." msnbc.com. MSNBC, 20 Dec. 2005. Web. 21 Mar. 2012. Morris, Henry. "Where Evolution has Gaps, Creation Might Offer Answers – If we will Listen." usnews.com. U.S.News & World Report, 2 Feb. 2009. Web. 21 Mar. 2012.

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