Professor Michael Reiss, a biologist and Church of England minister, says he believes it is best for teachers to “openly discuss pupils’ ideas about creationism, rather than to obstruct discussion with those who do not accept the scientific version of the evolution of species.”

I thought this article would be just another case of the church attempting to introduce non-science topics in the classroom – but, it seems Reiss has a good reason for introducing pseudoscientific discussion in the case that religion contradicts scientific, evidence-based evolutionary theory. This will give the instructor an opportunity to explain why world views that clearly run counter to observation deserve to be challenged. If you don’t address these views and explain why something like thinking the earth is 6000 years old is irrational and explain how it is not scientific, they are likely to treat your avoiding the issue as a reason to tune out and not participate in your class. I’ve gotten the same impression and I now teach in a much bolder way, trying to draw that very distinction.

Reiss continues:

“However, when young people ask questions about creationism in science classes, teachers need to be able to explain to them why evolution and the Big Bang are scientific theories but they should also take the time to explain how science works and why creationism has no scientific basis.
“I have referred to science teachers discussing creationism as a worldview’; this is not the same as lending it any scientific credibility.”

[Read the article.]

Similar Posts:

• Evolution Schmevolution…
• Ben “Dover”
• The Pope and a Monkey Walked Into a Bar
• An Intelligent Article on the Dover Case
• Public Schools Suffer in Louisiana