God and biology towards the creation of man (Riley). Darwins might rely on church and schools remaining as separate as possible as an objection to teaching Creation in biology. However, knowledge covers all facets of life, including religion, and majority doesn’t always equal justice and righteousness. The problem would still need solving too; it would merely switch the question to, “should creation be taught in school?” Clearly, changing from evolution to creation is no solution at all.
If there are people who believe in both, why not teach both? If both cases are presented as equal ideas, theory vs. fact is still stressed, and if the option to remove oneself from all lectures are all still available, then the option seems promising. Bias stands as one of the only strong reasons to thwart the choice. It is possible for a teacher to simply read text and discourage questions and further discussion and debate. Although, would debating even be such a bad event? It does, after all, aid in the broadening of minds. Everyone should gain full information on both before ‘choosing.’
Nevertheless, it’s not exactly proper to campaign each side, especially in school. On such a touchy subject too, this type of argument could result in damaging effects to students alike. Also, favoritism is hard to put aside while teaching, especially on a topic involving strong religious beliefs. Censoring everything said as to try and hide your bias would be a tough hurdle to overcome. However, when a role model omits an alternative answer, (for example, teaching evolution and not any other potential theory), does that in
return not insinuate biases? Since it is very hard to teach both without voicing bias or ‘campaigning’, this option would be the best, yet the most problematic.
Are we too ignorant in thinking that high school students believe everything they hear though? Many may already be set into a belief system so anything ‘learned’ on the
subject that is contradictory will go in one ear and out the other. Then again, there are many who are shielded from the world, those who haven’t even started to find themselves. They may take what they hear and keep it as their own idea, even though it’s nothing other than a first and guided notion towards a conviction and they just haven’t been swayed otherwise, yet. College is said to be the time when students step out into a more realistic world where things are no longer sugar-coated. Mommy’s not there to hold your hand and likewise, she is not there to tell you what to believe. Maybe the issue of evolution versus creation would be better suited as a college course rather than a high school biology topic. Another possible solution would then be to throw the whole topic out of the curriculum.
Even though everyone should know both sides and not just the faith of their parents in order to form their own opinion, school might not be the best source. Plenty of subjects are not taught or discussed in schools for ethical reasons and because they provoke compelling ramifications. Biology is a science class, perhaps it should stick to the brief histories of biologists and teach only what can be tested, repeated and observed. How can theories that are un-testable to a mere school follow these guidelines? Omission would result in no one winning, per say. Moreover, the battles would have to end on the basis of nothing to argue over and no one could be persuaded into reconsidering his or her faith or be forced to form an opinion based on misinformation. This solution also keeps church and state separate. Therefore, the ultimate response to this inquiry would be to exclude the topic all together.
There are many alternatives to teaching evolution in high school differently then they currently do. Whether schools choose to pursue the creation theory or Darwin’s
Theory, fairness, favoritism and ethics will not be unseen. Similar to the options of lecturing both sides or omitting the topic as a whole, many corollaries result from each. It is unnecessary for communities to split into quarreling sides. The school boards and committees should discuss all aspects and solutions to prepare a most just resolution. Even as states may come to disagree with other states and individuals as well, there is no clear way to please everyone. People can teach each other, learn for themselves and in America, have the freedom of believing what they see fit. No one in this world knows how man came about on earth, but people can certainly rely on their beliefs for answers.
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