A Christian’s Perspective on Education

                In the state of Texas, there has been a showdown occurring over what should be taught in the classrooms. Specifically the issue is over the teaching of evolution in the classroom. The people on the committee apparently have little to no scientific background, yet they are the ones making the decision over what we will dictate to our children as science. These committee members are trying to eliminate any talk of evolution from our classrooms and are trying to put in alternatives in place of this subject. What I would like to do is give my perspective on what should be taught in our classrooms.

                Despite how ignorant these people are appearing to be when it comes to the subject of evolution, I understand their intentions on trying to eliminate the subject from textbooks. These people are afraid that their children will read on evolution and leave the faith that they are in. A common misconception of evolution, and science in general, is that it promotes an atheistic worldview. I have written previously on the topic of science and the church; as well as other people much more intelligent and eloquent than myself. The conclusion that everyone has drawn is that science and religion are not at odds with one another. The issue with religion and science actually comes down to a person’s individual worldview. There are plenty of theists who claim that evolution does not disprove God, but it is the people who portray evolution with the “blind watchmaker” view that try to disprove God using evolution as evidence. Many of the arguments for and against the existence of God actually stem from the same scientific experiments/evidence. This would support the claim that the problem is not science and religion, but the worldview of the individual reading and interpreting the evidence presented to them.

                So do I care what we teach our children? Yes I most certainly do. I think evolution can be taught to our children without fear of them leaving their faith, but the belief system of any one individual is their choice, is it not? I understand that children are impressionable and will follow the example of their elders, or rebel against it, but we have a responsibility to educate the young people in our country to the best of our ability. Now there is a responsibility to the educator to try and present the material as fairly as possible and not try to push children one way or another. Now this seems I am putting all the responsibility on the educator, but this is not so. The student can seek help understanding how it all fits together from anyone they deem fit to help them. There is definitely the possibility of that advisor leading the student astray, but it is the student’s choice of who they seek advice from and it is ultimately their decision of what the student chooses to believe/disbelieve. I doubt this brief article will reach anyone in any sort of authority, but these are about as honest thoughts that I can give and still be articulate on paper. God bless you and have a good rest of your day.