July 11, 2005

Evolution Questions

Ben Adler of The New Republic asked some prominent conservatives about their views of evolution and intelligent design. Rarely have I stepped into the evolution/creationsim debate found in many corners of the internet. I'm not a prominent conservative--at least not yet--but I'll answer the questions asked.

Whether he personally believes in evolution: I draw a distinction between micro-evolution and macro-evolution. I believe evolutionary processes are taking place right now that allow species to better adapt to their environments. That would explain the host of variations of birds Darwin found on the Galapagos Islands.

That doesn't mean I accept the idea that man evolved from apes or the earth is billions of years old. That is macro-evolution. It's possible that's exactly what happened. But it is also possible God created the world in six days and did it in such a way to make it appear macro-evolution was the process. That would explain evolution's explanatory power.

Such a view can't be proven or disproven. Thus it really isn't a scientific question for me. I take the story of Genesis on faith. The Lord works in mysterious ways. Being able scientifically to "prove" God's existence or His ability to mold the world robs faith of its importance.

What he thinks of intelligent design: I only know its general premise: that many biological parts had to evolve simultaneously in order for the whole to work. ID might explain some things. I don't know enough about it to say it's pure Bible-thumping ignorance. But I don't need ID to bolster my faith in a universe of God's creation.

Whether intelligent design or a similar critique should be taught in public schools: I spent eight years in a small Lutheran grade school. I was taught creationism. I was also exposed to evolutionary theory and the Big Bang theory. The exposure didn't damage my faith, and it made me aware that other people have a different worldview. When I went to a public high school my faith was secure so even though I was being taught evolution I still clung to my faith. Children in public schools won't be unfairly indoctrinated by being exposed to creationism or intelligent design.

Whether schools should leave open the possibility that man was created by God in his present form: This question should ultimately be decided by each individual school district. I'd hope a school I sent my children too would leave open that possibility. But I'm not sure I'd be really worried if they didn't. In the end, I would try my best to teach my children about God's power and His creation.

How evolution should be taught in public schools: Evolutionary theory has to be taught since it is the dominant approach in the biological sciences. But there shouldn't be an anti-religious bias taught. Opponents to evolution shouldn't be considered knee-jerk anti-science types (unless they actually are). But from much that I remember of grade school and high school science evolution was so dominant. More was made of learning about the structures of plants, animals, stars, etc. How photosynthesis worked. DNA's structure. Teleological questions weren't very prominent.

The question is quite moot to me since I hope to educate my children in a parochial school where creationsim will be taught and far away from such loud debates.

"Evolutionary War" [via Betsy's Page]