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Science and religion have
been known to conflict in modern day. What with the evolution versus
creationism debate that seems to be springing up throughout television and
magazines, people seem to consider science almost a separate religion in
itself, complete with heavily devoted followers called scientists. Ask the
average person what the heavily religious medieval folk thought back in
the day about science, and it is usually assumed that anyone practicing
science was frowned upon, considered a witch and burned, or something in
between. This is completely false. Throughout history, science and
religion were harmonious. Monks, in fact, were often the scientists of the
time period. It was assumed that God had created this world they lived in,
and scientists were merely discovering its natural aspects. Both science
and religion had been around in times before most human history was
traceable. So why the sudden division between the two?
My opinion is there is no
division. About fifty percent of scientists believe in a God, more or less
depending on which poll you observe. The majority of them believe that God
guided evolution. They just don’t take the word of the Bible literally.
The public view of a war between scientists and religious leaders is a
false one. After all, in very few areas does the Bible actually contradict
modern science. The Bible generally addresses moral and spiritual
concerns, while science examines closely the physical aspects of the
universe. Those against science will use the argument that the Bible does
address the physical world- that every word of it mentioning history and
creation is a truth. Any modern studies found contradicting with these
truths are considered false. But the Bible generally does not go into
specifics about the physical universe. The exception seems to be the story
of creation.
To all those unfamiliar
with the scientific theory of worldly creation and the religious belief on
creation, I will briefly explain. The scientific idea of creation is known
as the Big Bang. Author's Note: this is very much the Big Bang Theory
in a nutshell. I would advise anyone interested to find more information
on it. A speck containing all matter and energy existing exploded in a
big bang, separating all matter and energy. Everything flew apart,
eventually creating the plants, stars, etc. we have today. Through more
or less a bizarre turn of coincidences/ set of causes and reactions, life
was created on the planet Earth. Life began very simply, but eventually
evolved into the forms we have today.
The biblical opinion on
creation contradicts with the Big Bang theory. In the Bible, God created
the Earth and life on it in six days, resting on the seventh. There are
various interpretations to exactly what the Biblical view actually means,
especially concerning the length of a “day” and correct translations from
the original script.
And so, we now have various
peoples arguing over which idea is right. They generally do this arguing
through public schools. Biology classes have been confronted with teaching
anti-religious ideals, namely the Big Bang Theory. Since the separation
between church and state must be recognized, people are taking the stance
that Intelligent Design – meaning the creation of human being of life by a
higher being- is also a scientific theory, and should therefore be taught
alongside the Big Bang Theory.
The intelligent design idea
cannot be disproved. There were no witnesses at the beginning of the
universe, nor is such a simulation likely to ever be created for the human
eye. Intelligent Design could very well be the actual, scientific truth.
So what are the arguments opposing intelligent design being taught in
schools? The answer is probability. What are the chances the Big Bang
Theory is true, compared to the chances of intelligent design? The fact
is; we have a high amount of proof leading to the Big Bang Theory- and
little or none leading to Intelligent Design.
The purpose of science
class is to teach the most reliable method, with the most scientific proof
to back it up. There are an unlimited amount of beliefs that could be
obtained regarding the creation of Earth and mankind. The school
curriculum simply cannot use every conceivable one. A notable example is
the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. This church believes that a
flying spaghetti monster created all Earth and life as we know it. It was
created by a man with a physician degree who does not actually believe in
his own spaghetti monster idea. He has sent letters to various school
boards demanding that the spaghetti monster theory be taught, as it cannot
be disproved. So why aren’t we teaching it? The fact is; we have
absolutely no scientific proof behind it- similar to our proof for
Intelligent Design in that aspect. Again, the purpose of science class is
not to teach all possible theories, but the ones with the most scientific
reasoning behind them.
While there
are a great many conceivable theories on the subject of the creation of
the universe and life on Earth, public schools must remain committed to
teaching those that have the most scientific proof. People are free to
believe what they wish, but schools must be unconcerned with religion.
While intelligent design is certainly a possibility, it is not fit to be
taught in a public school unconcerned with religion. Until new scientific
evidence reveals otherwise, the existence of higher beings must be taught
outside of school. Unless of course, we wish to concern our students with
the various actions of the giant spaghetti monster. |
