Unsurprisingly, many creationists and creation scientists are against the teaching of evolution in schools. For example, extreme creationist Jack Wellman, a Christian author who holds a BA in history as well as degrees in science and education, claims that evolution cannot be validated as factual because it cannot be proven (Wellman). He argues that since evolution cannot be observed in a lab, it cannot be confirmed, making it merely a theory. Also, he argues that there are no “transitional fossils” between ape and man that can prove evolution as fact, and claims even Darwin was troubled by lack of fossil evidence. When it comes to the classroom, Wellman compares educators who teach evolution to dictators, and says they are one sided, they
…show more content…
Well known evolutionist, Bill Nye, for example, has supported this cause for years (Nye). Nye, an American science educator, comedian, actor, writer, and former mechanical engineer who is mostly known for starring in Disney’s Bill Nye the Science Guy, heavily encourages public school science teachers to continue letting their passion shine through by teaching evolution to students. Nye pushes for the teaching of evolution in schools because he believes parents should not make their kids disregard evolution; they should instead allow them to think for themselves (Nye). Another evolutionist, Eugenie Scott, holds similar beliefs. Scott, an evolutionist advocate, is the Executive Director of the National Center for Science education and has a Ph.D. in physical anthropology (Scott). Due to her extensive years of experience within the scientific field, she has come to the conclusion that evolution within the science curriculum is extremely important for students. Additionally, she believes it is important for educators to know ways to combat religious individuals who do not support evolutionary theories. Scott believes that not teaching evolution in schools, or teaching both creationism and evolution, would rob students of proper education and would leave them misled. The being said, she thinks teachers need to take the initiative to teach …show more content…
According to Live Science, a study conducted from 1985 to 2005 compared peoples' views in thirty-four countries and found that the United States ranks near the bottom when it comes to public acceptance of evolution (Than). On the other hand, most countries agree in evolution and the teaching of it in public schools. Why is the U.S. so divided on the subject while other countries are pro-evolution? Researchers claim that America’s low rank is due to a “poor understanding of biology, especially genetics, the politicization of science, and the literal interpretation of the Bible by a small, but vocal, group of American Christians” (Than). While American creationists tend to interpret the Bible literally and view the Biblical account of creation as true and accurate, mainstream Christians in other countries instead treat Genesis as metaphorical. Will Americans always debate over evolution being taught in American public schools, or will it be accepted in the future? With a raise of awareness and proper education on the subject, the U.S. may come to terms with rest of the world’s
Well known evolutionist, Bill Nye, for example, has supported this cause for years (Nye). Nye, an American science educator, comedian, actor, writer, and former mechanical engineer who is mostly known for starring in Disney’s Bill Nye the Science Guy, heavily encourages public school science teachers to continue letting their passion shine through by teaching evolution to students. Nye pushes for the teaching of evolution in schools because he believes parents should not make their kids disregard evolution; they should instead allow them to think for themselves (Nye). Another evolutionist, Eugenie Scott, holds similar beliefs. Scott, an evolutionist advocate, is the Executive Director of the National Center for Science education and has a Ph.D. in physical anthropology (Scott). Due to her extensive years of experience within the scientific field, she has come to the conclusion that evolution within the science curriculum is extremely important for students. Additionally, she believes it is important for educators to know ways to combat religious individuals who do not support evolutionary theories. Scott believes that not teaching evolution in schools, or teaching both creationism and evolution, would rob students of proper education and would leave them misled. The being said, she thinks teachers need to take the initiative to teach …show more content…
According to Live Science, a study conducted from 1985 to 2005 compared peoples' views in thirty-four countries and found that the United States ranks near the bottom when it comes to public acceptance of evolution (Than). On the other hand, most countries agree in evolution and the teaching of it in public schools. Why is the U.S. so divided on the subject while other countries are pro-evolution? Researchers claim that America’s low rank is due to a “poor understanding of biology, especially genetics, the politicization of science, and the literal interpretation of the Bible by a small, but vocal, group of American Christians” (Than). While American creationists tend to interpret the Bible literally and view the Biblical account of creation as true and accurate, mainstream Christians in other countries instead treat Genesis as metaphorical. Will Americans always debate over evolution being taught in American public schools, or will it be accepted in the future? With a raise of awareness and proper education on the subject, the U.S. may come to terms with rest of the world’s