Why is evolution taught in our schools?

[Neostarwcc]

Why is evolution taught in our public schools? Should it be? Why or why not? I dont think it should be. I'm not saying creationism should be taught in our public schools even if I believe in creationism and think its a good idea in a perfect world. No Satan doesnt want creationism taught to our children so it will never be. I'm just saying that a theory that hasn't been 100% proven shouldn't be taught in our schools as scientific fact.

I mean around 18 years ago when I was in high school it was taught to me that we evolved from monkeys and it was taught to us as if it was a proven fact. Yet science has proven recently that we didn't evolve from monkeys scientists now think we evolved from something else. Well which is it? If evolution is such an ironclad piece of science than why did scientists get it wrong? When teaching evolution why not say that nobody knows exactly where we came from and that evolution is one theory that explains the origins of life?

I mean to an average scientist evolution has been proven and they deny that a God created the universe and to an average Christian scientist creationism has been proven and it's been proven that not only did a God create the universe but it was their God. Do you see what I'm saying? They can't both be right on the origins of life. Either we evolved or Christ created us. But I still argue that you cannot teach a theory as scientific fact and then when parts of it are proven false then say "It's still scientific fact we just got part of it wrong."

 

[Tolworth John]

No Satan doesnt want creationism taught to our children

Only because creationism involves teaching about God and that is what the devil is doing.
Keeping reference to God out of schools and public life.

 

[VirOptimus]

Why is evolution taught in our public schools? Should it be? Why or why not? I dont think it should be. I'm not saying creationism should be taught in our public schools even if I believe in creationism and think its a good idea in a perfect world. No Satan doesnt want creationism taught to our children so it will never be. I'm just saying that a theory that hasn't been 100% proven shouldn't be taught in our schools as scientific fact.

I mean around 18 years ago when I was in high school it was taught to me that we evolved from monkeys and it was taught to us as if it was a proven fact. Yet science has proven recently that we didn't evolve from monkeys scientists now think we evolved from something else. Well which is it? If evolution is such an ironclad piece of science than why did scientists get it wrong? When teaching evolution why not say that nobody knows exactly where we came from and that evolution is one theory that explains the origins of life?

I mean to an average scientist evolution has been proven and they deny that a God created the universe and to an average Christian scientist creationism has been proven and it's been proven that not only did a God create the universe but it was their God. Do you see what I'm saying? They can't both be right on the origins of life. Either we evolved or Christ created us. But I still argue that you cannot teach a theory as scientific fact and then when parts of it are proven false then say "It's still scientific fact we just got part of it wrong."

Wow, so many strawmen.

Learn science 101 and try again.

 

[JackRT]

Whenever I see a poster talk about theories being proven or unproven, I know immediately that the poster knows next to nothing about science and how science works. Theories are models about how something works based on a great deal of observation and much testing. However, theories are always tentative and provisional in that it is never possible to have all the evidence. It is always possible that new evidence will require that the theory be modified, or in some cases, discarded completely. The history of science is filled with examples of this. The word 'proof' simple does not apply in science the way it does in logic or in mathematics. What then can we say about evolution? We know from observation that evolution is a fact --- life on this planet has changed dramatically over time and that change continues even today. That fact cannot be argued. But what drives that change? How exactly does it work? That is where the theory of evolution comes in. However, this being said, it is possible to disprove the theory of evolution. All that would be needed are solid facts. That has not happened in the century and a half since Charles Darwin first proposed his theory.

Creationist Todd Woods wrote:

Evolution is not a theory in crisis. It is not teetering on the verge of collapse. It has not failed as a scientific explanation. There is evidence for evolution, gobs and gobs of it. It is not just speculation or a faith choice or an assumption or a religion. It is a productive framework for lots of biological research, and it has amazing explanatory power. There is no conspiracy to hide the truth about the failure of evolution. There has really been no failure of evolution as a scientific theory. It works, and it works well.

A very honest man!

 

[SeventyOne]

Evolution of man is just a part of a greater lie that starts with cosmology, saying it all came from 'nothing' and over billions of years, chaos became order and things started taking shapes. Eventually there were rocks in space, and on some of those rocks came some gases which poofed life somehow, and now here we are.

If people want to keep the whole thing in the schools as a guess, then I don't really have an issue, as long as it's presented as a guess only, and not as anything settled in any way, but also include other alternatives as well. The way it's presented now, as some fact where the only thing 'theory' about it is some of the finer points, especially without alternatives, is nothing more than indoctrination. And that should not be in our schools.

 

[Neostarwcc]

Only because creationism involves teaching about God and that is what the devil is doing.
Keeping reference to God out of schools and public life.

Indeed. But Creationism still hasn't been 100% proven either part of it is based on faith and they want to teach something in school that has the "greatest chance of being correct". So I guess that's why Evolution is being taught instead of Creationism.

 

[Tolworth John]

So I guess that's why Evolution is being taught instead of Creationism.

Evolution gives atheist a reason not to believe in God.

Even if evolution was shown 110% to be false schools and society would not look at Christianity.

It is an excuse not to believe in God.

 

[Neostarwcc]

Evolution of man is just a part of a greater lie that starts with cosmology, saying it all came from 'nothing' and over billions of years, chaos became order and things started taking shapes. Eventually there were rocks in space, and on some of those rocks came some gases which poofed life somehow, and now here we are.

If people want to keep the whole thing in the schools as a guess, then I don't really have an issue, as long as it's presented as a guess only, and not as anything settled in any way, but also include other alternatives as well. The way it's presented now, as some fact where the only thing 'theory' about it is some of the finer points, especially without alternatives, is nothing more than indoctrination. And that should not be in our schools.

If we evolved from nothing than what's the purpose of life? There's no reason for us to even be here. Kind of depressing don't you think? At least believing in the true God of the universe gives people a purpose for life and explains all of the "Why" questions people have been asking since the world began.

Right my objection to evolution being taught in school isn't that it isn't correct (Even though I believe it to be a lie) it's mostly that it's being taught as scientific fact when it clearly has flaws. Like the evolved from monkeys bit. If they just up and said "Nobody knows the purpose of life or how we came to be in the world." Then I really wouldn't be complaining.

 

[eleos1954]

Why is evolution taught in our public schools? Should it be? Why or why not? I dont think it should be. I'm not saying creationism should be taught in our public schools even if I believe in creationism and think its a good idea in a perfect world. No Satan doesnt want creationism taught to our children so it will never be. I'm just saying that a theory that hasn't been 100% proven shouldn't be taught in our schools as scientific fact.

I mean around 18 years ago when I was in high school it was taught to me that we evolved from monkeys and it was taught to us as if it was a proven fact. Yet science has proven recently that we didn't evolve from monkeys scientists now think we evolved from something else. Well which is it? If evolution is such an ironclad piece of science than why did scientists get it wrong? When teaching evolution why not say that nobody knows exactly where we came from and that evolution is one theory that explains the origins of life?

I mean to an average scientist evolution has been proven and they deny that a God created the universe and to an average Christian scientist creationism has been proven and it's been proven that not only did a God create the universe but it was their God. Do you see what I'm saying? They can't both be right on the origins of life. Either we evolved or Christ created us. But I still argue that you cannot teach a theory as scientific fact and then when parts of it are proven false then say "It's still scientific fact we just got part of it wrong."

My understanding that it is tied to the Establishment Clause.

United States law, the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, together with that Amendment's Free Exercise Clause, form the constitutional right of freedom of religion. The relevant constitutional text is: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...".

Since teaching the theory of evolution does not involve teaching of a supreme intelligence (ie God) then it is permissible. Since public schools are funded by the government ... then that prohibits teaching of creation. If creation were taught that would be establishing some type of "religion".

religion - the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods.

 

[Neostarwcc]

My understanding that it is tied to the Establishment Clause.

United States law, the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, together with that Amendment's Free Exercise Clause, form the constitutional right of freedom of religion. The relevant constitutional text is: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...".

Since teaching the theory of evolution does not involve teaching of a supreme intelligence (ie God) then it is permissible. Since public schools are funded by the government ... then that prohibits teaching of creation. If creation were taught that would be establishing some type of "religion".

religion - the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods.

That makes sense as to why they don't teach creationism in public schools. I mean they wouldn't want to "favor one religion over the other". America is a country of religious freedom. Like I said, I wouldn't have a problem with them teaching Evolution in schools if they taught it as a theory as to the origins of life and not as scientific fact. But JackRT already explained that one to me. That all science is based on theory and sense Evolution is science it's a theory.

 

[SeventyOne]

My understanding that it is tied to the Establishment Clause.

United States law, the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, together with that Amendment's Free Exercise Clause, form the constitutional right of freedom of religion. The relevant constitutional text is: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...".

Since teaching the theory of evolution does not involve teaching of a supreme intelligence (ie God) then it is permissible. Since public schools are funded by the government ... then that prohibits teaching of creation. If creation were taught that would be establishing some type of "religion".

religion - the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods.

Reasonable. I'll bet there are lawyers out there who could take evolution's version of 'time and chance' and portray it as as its god of necessity. That would certainly be interesting to see.

 

[Speedwell]

If we evolved from nothing than what's the purpose of life? There's no reason for us to even be here. Kind of depressing don't you think? At least believing in the true God of the universe gives people a purpose for life and explains all of the "Why" questions people have been asking since the world began.

Right my objection to evolution being taught in school isn't that it isn't correct (Even though I believe it to be a lie) it's mostly that it's being taught as scientific fact when it clearly has flaws. Like the evolved from monkeys bit. If they just up and said "Nobody knows the purpose of life or how we came to be in the world." Then I really wouldn't be complaining.

It makes me sad to hear about Christians who have been taught that it has to be either evolution or God. Public school science teachers don't teach that--at least, they are not supposed to. Atheist scientists don't care whether their colleagues believe in God or not, as long as it doesn't affect their work. The theory of evolution itself, like every other scientific theory, makes no statement about the existence of God or the purpose of life one way or another. If anyone, clergyman or otherwise, tells you that the theory of evolution denies the existence of God, trust them no more on any subject.

 

[eleos1954]

That makes sense as to why they don't teach creationism in public schools. I mean they wouldn't want to "favor one religion over the other". America is a country of religious freedom. Like I said, I wouldn't have a problem with them teaching Evolution in schools if they taught it as a theory as to the origins of life and not as scientific fact. But JackRT already explained that one to me. That all science is based on theory and sense Evolution is science it's a theory.

Well, they do teach it as theory ... but because there is no other alternative being taught in school ... many of the children accept it as truth.

When our young son asked us about this ... how do I answer questions to something that is untrue .. we had a huge discussion on what theory is. Theory can be difficult for young children to understand. So, we told him to answer the questions according to the "theory" taught, but that does not mean at all one is required to believe a theory, any theory.

 

[essentialsaltes]

Evolutionary theory is settled science, and therefore it is taught in science class. Like Atomic Theory or the Germ Theory or the Theory of Gravitation.

 

[Speedwell]

My understanding that it is tied to the Establishment Clause.

United States law, the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, together with that Amendment's Free Exercise Clause, form the constitutional right of freedom of religion. The relevant constitutional text is: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...".

Since teaching the theory of evolution does not involve teaching of a supreme intelligence (ie God) then it is permissible. Since public schools are funded by the government ... then that prohibits teaching of creation. If creation were taught that would be establishing some type of "religion".

religion - the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods.

Not only that, teaching creationism instead of evolution would involve teaching the doctrine of a particular sect of Christianity to the exclusion of other forms of Christianity, which would interfere with the free exercise of those other denominations of Christianity as well as of other theists and atheists.

 

[VirOptimus]

Well, they do teach it as theory ... but because there is no other alternative being taught in school ... many of the children accept it as truth.

When our young son asked us about this ... how do I answer questions to something that is untrue .. we had a huge discussion on what theory is. Theory can be difficult for young children to understand. So, we told him to answer the questions according to the "theory" taught, but that does not mean at all one is required to believe a theory, any theory.

And a scientific theory is what according to you?

 

[SeventyOne]

It makes me sad to hear about Christians who have been taught that it has to be either evolution or God. Public school science teachers don't teach that--at least, they are not supposed to. Atheist scientists don't care whether their colleagues believe in God or not, as long as it doesn't affect their work. The theory of evolution itself, like every other scientific theory, makes no statement about the existence of God or the purpose of life one way or another. If anyone, clergyman or otherwise, tells you that the theory of evolution denies the existence of God, trust them no more on any subject.

Better yet, if someone comes claiming the name of the Lord upon themselves, but promotes such a lie that contradicts the scriptural creation account, trust them no more on any subject, especially scripture as they show themselves as compromisers.

 

[sfs]

Why is evolution taught in our public schools? Should it be? Why or why not?

It should be because it is, as someone already said, settled science.

I mean around 18 years ago when I was in high school it was taught to me that we evolved from monkeys and it was taught to us as if it was a proven fact. Yet science has proven recently that we didn't evolve from monkeys scientists now think we evolved from something else. Well which is it?

What on earth are you talking about? It's been known for far longer than 18 years that humans and monkeys share a common ancestor. That ancestor is something we would call a monkey if we saw it alive. Nothing about that has changed in the last 18 years.

If evolution is such an ironclad piece of science than why did scientists get it wrong?

Scientists didn't get it wrong. You are the one who got it wrong -- what exactly I don't know, but you misunderstood something along the way.

When teaching evolution why not say that nobody knows exactly where we came from and that evolution is one theory that explains the origins of life?

Because that would be a lie, and lying to children is a bad thing. We do know that humans evolved from earlier species. (We don't know the origin of life, to be sure, but that's not really part of evolutionary biology.)

 

[Speedwell]

Better yet, if someone comes claiming the name of the Lord upon themselves, but promotes such a lie that contradicts the scriptural creation account, trust them no more on any subject, especially scripture as they show themselves as compromisers.

So the truth is, that this discussion is not about the existence of God, which the theory of evolution does not deny, or about a divine purpose for our existence, which the theory of evolution does not deny either.

It's about the Bible. In particular, it is about an interpretation of the creation stories of Genesis which I, for one, find shallow and theologically inadequate and would have nothing to do with even if there was no theory of evolution.
.

 

[Dave-W]

Evolutionary theory is settled science, and therefore it is taught in science class. Like Atomic Theory or the Germ Theory or the Theory of Gravitation.

Atomic Theory, Germ Theory and the Theory of Gravitation are all repeatable in a laboratory.

Try repeating evolution.