Story on Creationists

As an educator, one of my functions is to find ways to make learning attractive. In this respect, nothing seems more offensive to adolescent students than to not allow them to question established “truths.”

I therefore have often thought that permitting these students to read and discuss “creationist” (anti-evolutionist) science alongside established science (evolution) would be an effective way to motivate them to learn science as such. (The same could be said for astrology and astronomy.)

In the process of deciding if evolution is valid, students would be urged to make critical judgments rather than to accept without question the authoritative viewpoint. The schools claim critical thinking is one of their most cherished educational ideals.

If the orthodox truth about evolution is as easy to prove as its defenders say it is, the debate about this theory surely would win students over to it. At the same time, I dare say, science classes would be far more spirited and student-active learning environments than they now are.

PATRICK GROFF, Professor, San Diego State University