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There are two sides to every story. But most will tell you there is only one truth. In certain disciplines, like calculus and chemistry, there is only one right answer. But as for matters of faith, it’s nice to think, or believe, that there is a little room for interpretation. So how did life begin? What is the origin of human existence?
Like church and state, faith and science generally don’t blend seamlessly. And on the issue of Creation versus evolution, faith and science often stand as polar opposites. Does that mean that one should be taught in place of the other? No. People should not be told what to think or what to believe.
In order to think critically and be an astute observer of life, one must be educated in the field of science and understand the scientific method. But that doesn’t mean educators must abandon all theories that science cannot prove. What is wrong with students learning both Creation and evolution theories? Then students can decide for themselves. Why can’t they explore the possibility of the two theories working together, instead of being forced to assume a fundamentalist position on the issue?
Theories are not canon. And to those without religious faith, canon is just theory. People need to be educated regardless of their religious affiliation or level of faith. At a Christian university, we take for granted the fact that we study biblical traditions along with scientific principles.
The theory of Creation maintains that God created the heavens and the earth as well as all life. The theory of evolution claims that humans evolved from non-human ancestors. What most people forget when arguing for one side or the other is that both theories are just that, theories. It takes substantial faith to believe either one.
Dr. Michael L. Dini, professor of biology at Texas Tech University, recently came under investigation for refusing to write letters of recommendation to medical school for students who did not accept the validity of evolution.
The investigation is the result of a complaint made by creationist Micah Spradling, who was enrolled in Dini’s biology class. Dini said he was making sure that he only recommended true scientists to medical school, someone who can put aside beliefs in the face of evidence.
Spradling, a devout Christian, said he would be denying his faith if he affirmed the evolution theory.
If a good scientist puts his beliefs aside in the face of evidence, then is it fair to say that a good Christian clings to his beliefs when faced with compelling evidence?
No. It is folly to completely trust one’s reason, ignoring broader possibilities. It is folly to believe blindly, ignoring science and its achievements.
Dini was not trying to discriminate against anyone’s beliefs, he was simply trying to promote scientific thinking. Scientists should believe nothing and question everything. Students should accept nothing at face value and learn everything, so they may be complete in education and open in thinking. Here at Pepperdine we may elect to take a religion course that surveys other cultures’ belief systems. It is not to weaken our personal faith, or persuade us to believe otherwise. It is meant to further our own understanding and increase our personal faith.
Creationism should be taught to everyone, along with evolution. If future doctors need to be familiar with evolutionary theory so they can understand the process of human development and be better equipped to handle ever-evolving diseases and ailments, so be it. But they should also know the theory of Creation and its implications that the human body is divinely made, and given the gift of life from a greater power.
Humans like to think they are the center of the universe. Humans also like to be able to explain all aspects of reality. But our very existence can only be explained with two conflicting theories; a humbling fact that should inspire a thirst for knowledge and not a desire to limit the perspectives to which our youth are exposed.
To sit here in Malibu and tell universities across the nation what to teach in their biology classes would be ridiculous, and futile in the bigger scheme of things. But knowledge is power. Why rob students of the chance to learn?
Truth springs from genuine argument, but if we are not given the opportunity to argue, beliefs become stagnant. Create an environment of diverse learning and it will evolve into an atmosphere of diverse thinking.
Dini says doctors must believe in evolution. Some say doctors play God. For all we know about the beginning of the universe, God very well may have said, “let there be evolution.”
Submitted February 20, 2003
MALIBU, CA
