State should reject intelligent design

Opinion

Discussion

February 21, 2006

Anonymous The Enid News and Eagle Tue Feb 21, 2006, 11:18 PM CST

The concept of “intelligent design” is seen as middle ground between evolution and creationism.

Those who support intelligent design say life is so complex and well-ordered, it might have been created by a higher power.

A bill pending in the Oklahoma Legislature would allow teaching of a full range of scientific theories on the origin of life, which could include intelligent design.

The measure, authored by Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, would authorize instructors to teach broader views of evolution without fear of legal consequence.

We think the state would be wise to avoid going down this divisive road. Intelligent design is not science, and thus should not be taught in science classes. It is better suited for discussion in philosophy or comparative religion classes.

Science teachers would be better off sticking to science, not dealing in theories that border on religion.

The National Academy of Sciences, the agency that advises the government on critical national issues, supports the theory of evolution as “one of the foundations of modern science.”

By permitting the teaching of intelligent design, the Legislature would be opening the state up to time-consuming and costly court challenges.

There is no harm at looking at both sides of any issue, even the origin of life. But a science class in a public school is not the place to do it.

We also oppose a measure authored by Rep. Odilia Dank, R-Oklahoma City, which would allow students to leave their school for one hour each week for religious instruction without being counted absent.

There are not enough hours in the school week as it is for teachers to cover subjects like English, science and math. Taking one hour out of every week would only serve to cut into valuable school time.

Dank argues her measure would help children “develop a moral compass,” and “get their heads on straight.”

There already are two places where children can establish a firm moral foundation. One is their home, the other is one of the many churches in every community in our state.

Text Only

Opinion

Rediscovering patience
February 3, 2012 1 Photo
Lower-than-anticipated construction costs enable EPS to pay for additional projects
February 3, 2012
EPS Teacher of the Year nominees deserve acclaim
Congratulations to this year’s slate of EPS Teacher of the Year nominees.
You are all already winners.

February 2, 2012
Practice makes perfect, or at least can save lives
February 2, 2012 1 Photo
Cuts in defense threaten national security
February 2, 2012
Letter: School money should go to building, athletic needs
February 2, 2012
Letter: Government to fix that which government caused
February 2, 2012
Tobacco-free week good time to stop smoking; help is available
Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is a free service available by calling (800) 784-8669 (QUIT-NOW). Callers will talk with a trained Quit Coach, who will help create a plan for each caller. The helpline is available 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.

February 1, 2012
Some old girls just wanna have fun ...
These are women embracing the second half of their lives with a sense of freedom that comes from having lived long enough to no longer give a hoot what others think.

February 1, 2012 1 Photo
Tax time proves taxing on wallet
January 31, 2012 1 Photo
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Discussion

State should reject intelligent design

Site Map

Contact Us