Religion and Science in the Classroom

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Science, in Albert Einstein’s words, “describes what is.” “Such a description consists of certain laws of nature, which summarize observed patterns, and theories” (Peshkin 46). Science and religion are the main components of the ongoing national debate about the teaching of evolution in our public schools (Peshkin 46).Various religions reject or ignore the contributions of science, arguing that science displaces God, questions religious belief, and degrades morality (Molloy 547). Others disagree, appreciating science and the important information that has broadened our knowledge by providing explanations for natural phenomenon, and continuously enriching our lives. In some religions and traditions, science poses ethical questions. Does religion influence a person’s code of ethics to the point where it may deter beneficial research and education?

The integrity of science being taught in public schools is under serious attack (Peshkin 46). Christianity groups want creationism to be taught along with evolution.This is a problem because creationism, which is currently being disguised as Intelligent Design,is not a science. “Given the wide variety of religious views about creation, there are simply not two sides to be compared and in any case these views are not science and do not belong in a science classroom” (Verma 206).

Supporters of creationism in the classroom say since evolution is a flawed theory, it cannot be accepted as “fact.” Instead students should be exposed to other theories, such as creationism, that seek to explain the origins of humankind. Decisions regarding the teaching of creationism should be left to local school boards. Critics of creationism in the classroom say since evolution is accepted by the majority o...

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...and Change. 4th ed. New York City: McGraw- Hill, 2008. 547-50. Print.

Morris, H. (1985). Scientific creationism. Green Forest, AR: Master Books.

Overton, W. R. (1982). Creationism in schools: The decision in McLean

versus the Arkansas Board of Education. Science, 215, 934–943.

Peshkin, Murray. "Addressing the public about science and religion." Physics Today July 2006: 46+. Academic Search Elite.EBSCO.Web. 20 Apr. 2011

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. 2003

"Update: Evolution and Creationism." Issues & Controversies On File: n. pag. Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 13 Aug. 2007. Web. 21 Apr. 2011. .

Verma, K.K. Evolution Versus Intelligent Design. Zoo’s Print Journal. 21(3).

Wilgoren, J. The New York Times, Kansas board approves challenges to evolution. 2005.

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