I recently read an article by The Associated Press that talked about creationists seeking a foothold in European classrooms. The largely American phenomenon of trying to infuse the words of the bible into school curriculums is gaining steam across the Atlantic. The story disturbed me. I think the bible is worth reading and can be a useful tool in teaching children how to be decent human beings. However, to bring it into a science classroom and use it to counter Darwin’s theory of evolution is just irresponsible. A person can believe the bible is true, but there is no way to prove it, and proof is paramount to the establishment of scientific theories. Therefore, teaching Genesis alongside evolution – a scientific principle backed by significant proof – is like telling kids you can get pregnant from immaculate conception as easily as you can get pregnant from having unprotected sex. Why do creationists fear the facts of evolution so much? Do they think heretics hatched up evolution so they could force evangelicals to live in a world in which they can’t believe in God? Or do they think teaching Genesis in an arena where facts and evidence reign – like a science classroom – will make children more likely to believe in the existence of God?
I grew up Catholic and I believe church and religion classes helped provide some structure and discipline when I was a child. However, I never believed the bible was the word of God and I definitely didn’t believe Earth was created in seven days. The bible is filled with great lessons, but much of it should not be taken literally. I think many creationists assume the only way children can grow up to be moral adults is if they believe the bible is fact. By attacking evolution, they push the idea that the bible is more than just a book. I think most children can tell the difference between right and wrong without believing the bible is true.
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i think its important to learn all back grounds...evolution in a science class, all types of religion in a worlds religion class....that doesn't mean teaching a students to be that religion or to choose evolution. it just teaches students about the world as a whole.