The ID Debate

I believe that ID should be allowed to be taught as a theory in schools. If it is taught without religious advertisement, then it has some relevance and benefit for students. The worst thing that could happen is the discontinuation of teaching either evolution or ID. As Julie Sturgeon said, “…administrators can’t avoid the conflict by declaring they’ll teach neither.” Schools and communities should have a say, but I don’t think, just because some parents object, other students, or even their own children, should be denied the whole picture. Neither theory has to stand as the truth, but, rather, the students should be allowed to believe which ever theory they choose. I think it would be a lazy form of education if the students were not able to receive multiple view points. It’s as if, because it’s “science” there has to be only one answer, which, when one thinks about it, science rarely has just one answer or theory. Why can’t it be like English, where it is widely acknowledge that there are numerous solutions or possibilities?

“The problem comes when school boards or teachers want to push their own religious agenda and include it in the regular curriculum, experts say” (Angela Pascopella). As long as there isn’t that push or, in the other extreme, making religion a touchy subject, I think the balance would benefit students. It’s important too that students are taught that evolution doesn’t “disprove God” and ID doesn’t promote a religion. I liked Wheeler’s idea that ID could be classified as “a social studies or philosophy class”. Whatever the ultimate decision is, I hope it allows students to think and decide for themselves.