Evolution hearings open in Kansas (Reuters)
A six-day courtroom-style debate opened Thursday in Kansas over what children should be taught in schools about the origin of life — was it natural evolution or did God create the world? The hearings, complete with opposing attorneys and a long list of witnesses, were arranged amid efforts by some Christian groups in Kansas and nationally to reverse the domination of evolutionary theory in the nation’s schools.
William Harris, a medical researcher and co-founder of a Kansas group called the Intelligent Design Network, posed the core question about life’s beginnings before mapping out why he and other Christians want changes in school curriculum. School science classes are teaching children that life evolved naturally and randomly, Harris said, arguing that this was in conflict with Biblical teachings that God created life. “They are offering an answer that may be in conflict with religious views,” Harris said in opening the debate. “Part of our overall goal is to remove the bias against religion that is currently in schools. This is a scientific controversy that has powerful religious implications.”
There is serious scientific debate about the nature of evolution but not its fact. There is, however, no legitimate scientific basis to believe that life was created by a being with super-magical powers. There are ways to square science and religious faith–some substantial number of our most brilliant scientists are also Christians–but the two are not interchangeable.
See also, “In Kansas, Darwinism Goes on Trial Once More” (NYT | RSS)
