Intelligent Design vs. Theory Of Evolution

Alexandria, VA -- Intelligent Design vs. Theory Of Evolution: Let The Truth Emerge

by Rev. Bill McGinnis

Why are the supporters of blind, unguided Evolution so afraid of discussing any other theories? Why do they try to suppress even the mention of any questions of their beloved beliefs?

One of the main reasons to have Freedom of Speech is so Truth can emerge from vigorous debate on all sides of every important issue. Why then should we Americans ever want to suppress the free discussion of important issues in our public schools?

The message below was issued by Jay Sekulow, an expert on Constitutional law. I agree with this message in every respect. - Rev. Bill McGinnis

***************** Begin quoted material *********************

Allow students to question theories

JAY SEKULOW Sunday, October 2, 2005

The debate over the teaching of evolution has once again transcended the classroom and is now front and center inside a federal courtroom in Harrisburg, Pa.

The issue: Should a school district in Dover Area School District be permitted to read a statement to ninth-grade biology students that says in part: "Because Darwin's theory is a theory, it continues to be tested as new evidence is discovered. . . . Intelligent design is an explanation of the origin of life that differs from Darwin. . . . With respect to any theory, students are encouraged to keep an open mind."

This case isn't even about teaching intelligent design. It's merely about informing students that there are beliefs about the origin of life that go beyond evolution. This should not trigger a constitutional crisis, but with the trial now under way, it's clear that this case has become an important touchstone in an issue that is supercharged with emotion.

While evolutionists argue that their theory of life should be the only one taught, or in this case, mentioned in schools, there is growing interest in teaching and talking about intelligent design, which points to a superior being that's responsible for the creation of life.

After all, it is science itself that continues to produce evidence to suggest that the creation of the universe was the result of an intelligent creator. We learn more each day about human DNA, which represents the code of life - specific and unique to each individual.

A well-respected British philosopher and atheist-turned-theist, Dr. Antony Flew, said he believes the most impressive arguments for God's existence "are those that are supported by recent scientific discoveries."

New York Times best-selling author Lee Strobel finds in his book "The Case for a Creator" that questions about Darwinian evolution are leading some of the best and brightest in the scientific community to reject that theory.

What's wrong with permitting students to examine all theories about the origins of life?

By opening the classroom door to intelligent design, educators are not endorsing one theory over another. They are not teaching religion. They are simply fulfilling their obligation to give students an opportunity to study all sides of this issue.

President Bush has weighed in on the issue saying that he believes that education should permit different schools of thought to be presented in the classroom. As the president put it: "You're asking me whether or not people ought to be exposed to different ideas, the answer is yes."

What happens in the federal courtroom in Pennsylvania will be watched closely across the country. The issue is being debated in nearly 20 states. And it likely will end up at the Supreme Court.

With a changing Supreme Court, no one can be certain how the high court would view such an issue. But we do know what the high court has concluded in the past. In a decision nearly 20 years ago in the case of Edwards v. Aguillar, the Supreme Court concluded that "teaching a variety of scientific theories about the origins of humankind to schoolchildren might be validly done with the clear secular intent of enhancing the effectiveness of science instruction."

As the courtroom drama unfolds in Harrisburg, consider the words of one parent - a mother of five - who lives in the school district.

Sheree Hied told a reporter: "I think we as Americans, regardless of our beliefs, should be able to freely access information - because people fought and died for our freedoms." That's what America represents - the freedom to explore all sides of an issue.


Jay Sekulow is chief counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice ( http://www.aclj.org ) , a conservative Christian legal advocacy group founded by television evangelist Pat Robertson. Readers may write to him at ACLJ, 201 Maryland Avenue NE, Washington, D.C. 20002.

********************* End quoted material *****************************

Source: the York Daily Record http://www.ydr.com.
http://ydr.com/story/op-ed/87726


Here is the clear and simple statement which led to the current case in Federal court . . .

******************* Begin quoted material ***********************

Text of the statement on intelligent design that Dover Area High School administrators are reading to students at the start of biology lessons on evolution:


"The Pennsylvania Academic Standards require students to learn about Darwin's theory of evolution and eventually to take a standardized test of which evolution is a part.

"Because Darwin's theory is a theory, it continues to be tested as new evidence is discovered. The theory is not a fact. Gaps in the theory exist for which there is no evidence. A theory is defined as a well-tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations.

"Intelligent design is an explanation of the origin of life that differs from Darwin's view. The reference book, 'Of Pandas and People,' is available for students who might be interested in gaining an understanding of what intelligent design actually involves.

"With respect to any theory, students are encouraged to keep an open mind. The school leaves the discussion of the origins of life to individual students and their families. As a standards-driven district, class instruction focuses upon preparing students to achieve proficiency on standards-based assessments."


************************ End quoted material ***********************

Source: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation - http://www.cbc.ca/story/science/national/2005/09/27/intelligent_design20050927.html


Blessings to you in the name of the One God, Who created all things.


Rev. Bill McGinnis, Director
http://www.loveallpeople.org

HTML page at
http://www.loveallpeople.org/intelligentdesign-letthetruthemerge.html


This page is brought to you by LoveAllPeople.org,
God's One Law For Everyone: "Love All People As Yourself.

Index of LoveAllPeople.org: - ETHICS & HUMAN RELATIONS - POLITICS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS - CHRISTIAN - AUTOMOTIVE - LEGAL SERVICES - GENERAL INTEREST - PUBLISHING &CONSULTING - AFFILIATES - FEATURED PRODUCTS - SITE MAP - CONTACT LINK


http://www.LoveAllPeople.org

This press release was issued through GroupWeb EmailWire.Com.