Have to vent....DD just told me this concerning Public School

[treesinger]

Originally posted by DisneyJules
I strongly agree. And I do believe in God. But from a scientific point of view and can understand why the answer was what it was.

In science class, I expect factual answers for factual evidence and reasonable answers for theoretical evidence.

The question was posed as fact when it was, in fact, only theory. To pose the question in such a way that would portray it as fact is disingenuous to the very nature of the scientific method. Any scientist worth his microscope would never portray something as fact unless he had hard irrefutable evidence.

Again, turned to the other side, if the test said, "Jesus is the Son of God," that would be incorrect. There is no scientific proof. But if it was posed, "According to the Bible, Jesus is the Son of God," then the answer would be true. Why are non-believers here having such a hard time agreeing to that?

 

[treesinger]

Originally posted by LisaSt
I agree with the answer being marked incorrectly. There is far to many theories out there from both sides but there is also far to many facts from the science side to prove the statement ov the evolutionary chain.

Those that read and believe the Bible would say that there is irrefutable evidence that God created the Universe. But just because Christians believe that proof is on thier side doesn't make it so.

And just because scientists more often believe in evolution than not does not make it so. If it were so, it would be called the "LAW of Evolution," not the "THEORY of Evolution."

 

[treesinger]

Originally posted by RachelEllen
Two things from this thread.

If the question was exactly as stated, then false is the correct answer. Even evolutionary theory states that humans and apes evolved from a common ancestor.

Also, people need to know what 'theory' means in a scientific context before they start using the term. A theory is the highest level of certainty you can gain about a scientific explanation. One of the tenets of modern science is that nothing can be proven absolutely. Certain things, however, we observe. These are facts. Evolution is a fact. You can see it happening on the micro level.

Generalizations and explanations are theories. Natural selection is a theory.

Example:
That lime I see is green- fact
All limes ever seen have been green - fact
All limes are green - theory


There is atomic theory, gravitational theory, etc.


'Evolution is just a theory' is a kind of clever soundbite, but it's not a good way to advance an argument, because it just shows you don't understand what a theory is.

You missed a step. "Law" is the highest designation of scientific certainty. Like Kepler's "Laws of Motion", etc. "Theory", while having ample scientific support, is still not "Law". That means that uncertainty, no matter how small, still exists as to the extent of truth the theory states. That evolution exists and has been observed is without doubt. That evolution perfectly explains the origin of man is not so certain.

Personally, I imagine that the truth is somewhere in the middle. It is certainly a plausible theory that God created life on the earth and also created the engine of evolution for that life to develop and spread. I can't rpove it, but you can't disprove it either.

Maybe the question should be re-asked on the test as "God created evolution so that man would descend from primates." What's the right answer there?

 

[treesinger]

As a Christian, I would like to homeschool because of the varied ways in which schools can overstep their bounds. I DON'T have a problem with teaching children evolution so long as it is taught as a theory. By the same token, I will teach my children many things from the Bible. They will have questions and, many times, will need to find their own answers. If the question the OP posted was indeed so very black and white, then that is unfortunate and inaccurate.

 

[phamton]

I find it almost impossible to believe that the question was worded that way. I'd have to see the test to believe it and certainly wouldn't accept a second or third hand report from a 9th grader. I suspect the test was worded more along the lines of: "According to Darwin's theory of 'Natural Selection' and 'Survival of the Fittest,' man and ape evolved from a common ancestor."

If the test was indeed worded, "Did Humans Evolve From Apes?" then I would be looking for a new school, not because of religion but because the teacher obviously doesn't understand the subject matter that he/she is planning on teaching.

 

[aprilgail2]

I think that if you want your child to believe the theory that god created humans then kids should go to a religious school, not a public one. I would have a problem with my public school telling my child that "god" created people when we clearly could not ever believe that! Even as a child ogign to school during the pledge I would just stand quietly for the "under god" part...we don't say it and they never made me say...my church going parents were never happy about it but those are my beliefs and I don't want anyone teaching my child what I consider bunk about religion...that is why she goes to a public school and not a religious one!

 

[bubie2.5]

as for not wanting your child to answer what the teacher wants to hear for them to get good grades, i hope you homeschool. because i can guarantee that no matter if your kids are in public or private school, they are going to have at one teacher who plays that game, and your child will have to decide whether they want the good grades or the satisfaction of standing up for their beliefs.

 

[jimmytammy]

treesinger

You were busy last night werent you?

BTW.........yes we homeschool, and yes we have taught our kids evolution vs. creationism. But it was to prepare them for what they will face someday. Again, why cant both be taught? Sounds to me like its a my way or the highway kind of thing. I believe in being open minded, it gets you to the truth most times. And yes I can hear the groans through my computer, he is a christian, so therefore he cant be openminded. Well I am, believe it or not. Still intitled to an opinion, christian or not.

I feel I must make an apology to the Community Board for starting this thread. I look at it and it says Just For Fun at the top. This hasnt been a bit of fun for me. I didnt intend for it to get so carried away.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Have to agree with Phamton. No way that question was worded that way. I love reading/watching evolution theory. Early Man and ape are seperate. I am sure it was worded as ...."according to _____"....

If it was worded as bluntly as you stated it, my kid would probably argue the point since I believe that we have an "alien component" to us. How I don't know?

So you have your theory, I have mine.

 

[phillybeth]

Originally posted by palmtreegirl
She should've just worded the question-

According to the Theory of Evolution did humans evolve from apes?

This question is also incorrect. According to the Theory of Evolution, humans did NOT evolve from apes, but apes and humans evolved from a common primate ancestor.

 

[LisaSt]

We no longer have the lords prayer in the morning before class starts it has been gone for quite some time and rightly so. If you go to a catholic school then fine but in the public school system there is no need for it. The scientific answer was just fine not the biblical answer again if you are looking for that type of teaching send them to a catholic etc school not a public one.

 

[auntpolly]

Originally posted by LisaSt
if you are looking for that type of teaching send them to a catholic etc school not a public one.

That wouldn't work. We catholics believe in evolution!

 

[Elwood Blues]

Originally posted by catsrule
I come from cat. I have the whiskers.

Um, hate to break the bad news to you, but that's a mustache.

 

[Doctor P]

Haven't read the WHOLE thread, but I certainly would suggest seeing or reading Inherit the Wind again. Remember that the Bible is a human account, and a selected human account at that. I am a religious person, but I also know that the Bible comes with a context and is often a symbolic document rather than a literal one.

 

[BrinxFam]

I had this same situation during the first month of my 9th grade yeear at our publice High School. I can't recall the exact wording of the question but it was similar to what was stated earlier. I answered my test in the same way and got it marked wrong. I questioned my teacher following class and explained my belief. He corrected my score and told me that the next week we would be writing a paper on the Theory of Evolution. I told him that I was not comfortable with that and would not be able to write a paper on the Theory because of my religious beliefs. He was very kind and gave me a different topic and only asked me not to advertise that he had done it. He said that if anyone else felt as strongly as I did and they chose to talk to him like I did he would make other arrangements as well. He even wrote me a different test when we took one at the end of the chapter. I was very fortunate to have such an understanding teacher. I didn't press my beliefs on him during class and he didn't press this theory on me.

I agree with the poster that said, "The Bible says it, I Believe it, That Settles IT!" That is how I was raised too.

 

[Elwood Blues]

Originally posted by treesinger


Personally, I imagine that the truth is somewhere in the middle. It is certainly a plausible theory that God created life on the earth and also created the engine of evolution for that life to develop and spread. I can't rpove it, but you can't disprove it either.

But that would probably be unacceptable to most believers (regardless of their religion).

Maybe the question should be re-asked on the test as "God created evolution so that man would descend from primates." What's the right answer there?

Not in public school.

But even if the question was worded appropriately to include a reference to Darwin and the desired answer was based on that, a true believer would probably still answer no because they don't believe in evolution (of man) at all.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Originally posted by jimmytammy
BTW.........yes we homeschool, and yes we have taught our kids evolution vs. creationism. But it was to prepare them for what they will face someday. Again, why cant both be taught? Sounds to me like its a my way or the highway kind of thing.

"Why can't both be taught?"

Because a public school is a government institution, and in the U.S., there is a separation of church and state.

A public school has no business teaching its students religious beliefs. And if it did, which religion would it choose? Would it teach the Southern Baptist faith? Christian faith? Judaism? Hinduism? Catholism?

All of those faiths are valid in the eyes of their believers. I'm a Roman Catholic myself and can tell you there are things I am asked to believe in blindly. Would I, could I, should I expect my town's public school to teach them to my son? Of course not.

Something tells me if you used the public schools in your area, you wouldn't want that either--since I'm guessing you aren't a Catholic, which in my OPINION is the only true religion. And I bet you think your religion is the only TRUE one, correct? So how does a public school, which must serve all of its community, decide which faith to teach?

I do not believe in homeschooling; I'm not sure that's a debate you intended to start. I simply don't understand why people can't teach their religious beliefs to their kids on top of or conjunction with what is taught in public school.

 

[treesinger]

Originally posted by aprilgail2
I think that if you want your child to believe the theory that god created humans then kids should go to a religious school, not a public one. I would have a problem with my public school telling my child that "god" created people when we clearly could not ever believe that! Even as a child ogign to school during the pledge I would just stand quietly for the "under god" part...we don't say it and they never made me say...my church going parents were never happy about it but those are my beliefs and I don't want anyone teaching my child what I consider bunk about religion...that is why she goes to a public school and not a religious one!

This may surprise you, but I also don't want religion taught in schools and would remove "under God" from the Pledge. We are a secular society and should remain so. But Darwin's Theory of Evolution is not a proven scientific fact of man's origin. It is a plausible explanation, but it is not proven. Therefore, it should only be taught as theory.

 

[Kallison]

Well as usual I agree with everyone. They do teach from a scientific viewpoint in public school - however I do believe that shouldn't have been a question on his test.

 

[treesinger]

Originally posted by BrinxFam
I had this same situation during the first month of my 9th grade yeear at our publice High School. I can't recall the exact wording of the question but it was similar to what was stated earlier. I answered my test in the same way and got it marked wrong. I questioned my teacher following class and explained my belief. He corrected my score and told me that the next week we would be writing a paper on the Theory of Evolution. I told him that I was not comfortable with that and would not be able to write a paper on the Theory because of my religious beliefs. He was very kind and gave me a different topic and only asked me not to advertise that he had done it. He said that if anyone else felt as strongly as I did and they chose to talk to him like I did he would make other arrangements as well. He even wrote me a different test when we took one at the end of the chapter. I was very fortunate to have such an understanding teacher. I didn't press my beliefs on him during class and he didn't press this theory on me.

I agree with the poster that said, "The Bible says it, I Believe it, That Settles IT!" That is how I was raised too.

Here I go, playing both sides of the fence now...

Teaching the THEORY of Evolution is just fine. Even if Christian students don't buy a word of it. As long as it is not preached as absolute fact and is presented in its proper context. I see nothing wrong with Christians having to do a paper on the theory of evolution. Evolution in and of itself exists and is worthy of inclusion in public education. But stretching it to represent the Origin of Man is where it oversteps its bounds. This viewpoint is also acceptable to me to be taught in public school, but only if presented as THEORY not FACT. Can an yone say why they don't agree with that?