PureInsight | December 30, 2002
What is the origin of man? Did man evolve from other primates or was man created in another way such, as indicated in religious scriptures and ancient folklore? The true origin of man has been a frequent debate in our lives. In spite of various points of view, most schools only teach evolutionism.
A report in the October 2002 issue of Science Magazine states, "the forces of creationism gained ground in Georgia last week when a local school board unanimously adopted a policy that opens the door to creationist-inspired critiques of evolution in biology classes." [1]
The policy follows the board's decision in March to insert "disclaimers" into new elementary and high school biology textbooks, saying that evolution is only a "theory." Although this action directly affects only 95,000 students in Cobb County, a suburb of Atlanta and the 28th largest school district in the country, many science educators say it is part of a national campaign to teach creationist ideas alongside evolution for the sake of "balance." [1]
"The new policy, approved 27 September by a 7-0 vote, asserts that, "discussion of disputed views of academic subjects is a necessary element of providing a balanced education, including the study of the origin of the species." It goes on to say that the policy is intended "to foster critical thinking among students [and not] to restrict the teaching of evolution [or] to promote or require the teaching of creationism." [1]
"The vote was preceded by an intense publicity and lobbying blitz from scientists." Scientists from most of the state's colleges and universities also submitted petitions. The Seattle-based Discovery Institute, creationism's main think tank, has been re-circulating a year-old statement signed by 130 scientists nationwide, as well as a new one signed by 28 Georgia scientists, expressing 'skepticism toward the Darwinian claim that 'random mutation and natural selection account for the complexity of life.'" [1]
Who or what created man on earth? Did man truly evolve from apes or did God create man directly, without evolutionary steps? This is a highly controversial issue. Apparently, forbidding all criticisms of evolutionism in science classes only hinders students from forming independent thought and is an outdated approach.
Reference:
[1] "Science Teaching: Georgia County Opens Door to Creationism", Science Magazine, Volume 298 4 October 2002 http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/298/5591/35a
Translated from: http://www.zhengjian.org/zj/articles/2002/11/25/19369.html
