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One of the fundamental core beliefs that unites all christian
conservatives of all shades is the feeling that they are the underdog,
and always being persecuted. Despite the fact that conservatives are
in the majority right now, that feeling persists. People are not going
to relinquish their beliefs in God in exchange for evolution, or vice
versa, in a classroom, science museum, or in a church. If they
perceive that you are trying to get them to do that, it feels like
persecution, and we know that blessings are in store for all those that
are persecuted in his names sake. The "one or the other" debate only
entrenches both sides deeper against one another, and forces both into
a game of political one-upmanship, with our children and the public
schools as the battleground. No matter who "wins," the school system,
and a generation of children become sub-par.
We should instill in all students (and people) the sincere desire to
find , and accept truth. Truth can be found using the scientific
method, and it can be found in the depths of one's soul. The act of
seeking, and accepting a truth once it has been discovered engenders
respect for truths held by others. The objective is not to provide
others with a list of "truths" and expect them to accept them at face
value, rather the objective is to give them the desire, and the tools
to discover a truth for themselves.
Hypothesis, Materials and Methods, Results, and Discussion has a direct
correlate with Seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened
unto you. (I use the christian phrasing of that principle as that is
what I am familiar with. I know that other faiths espouse the same
principle, but I'm not capable of citing their doctrine to back it up.
Bear with me here..) People should know that, and learn to apply an
inquisitive search, and respect for truth in all facets of their lives.
Focus on teaching the process, rather than the facts that come from
those processes. (But it's so easy to write the test when it is simply
a recitation of memorized facts...) In my opinion, public schools
can't teach that. They have become political tools, and backed into a
corner with standardized tests that test the "facts." We have to
provide a place where children can be fascinated and learn about the
process. Enter the informal learning community.
On the evolution vs. creationism debate, I believe that most people in
this country hold that the truth lies somewhere in between. There is a
God who created all things, and the scientific community is gradually
learning how he did it. If you tell people that they can't have it
that way, they must choose one or the other, they will hedge their bets
and go with God. This "challenge" to their faith only creates
suspicion of the scientific community as it is trying to take their
religion away from them and their children. Should the scientific
community knee-jerk react when conservatives insist that "the facts" of
creationism be taught in public schools, it reinforces the persecution
paradigm and hardens their resolve. Equal time should not be given to
explaining the beliefs, and facts of both sides. Instead, that time
should be used to give students the experiences of finding out for
themselves. Then they will not need scientists, politicians, or
theologians to tell them what is truth.
If you've made it this far, thanks for putting up with my ramblings...
Mike Anderson
Utah Science Center
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