In Context: 5 Web Perspectives On A Story In The News

Intelligent design in schools

(Inside Higher Education) The University of Kentucky is facing a backlash from the scientific community over an event planned for Wednesday night. The school will hold a mock trial for a fictional, fired public high school teacher who taught creationism in biology class. Scientists say they are angry because presenting creationism and evolution in a trial format means the students have to choose a single perspective. University President James Votruba defends the mock trial and says that while he would never advocate teaching creationism as science, universities need to create forums to promote discussions about real issues. In the United States, the issue of including intelligent design in public school curriculum is heavily debated. Many Americans believe in intelligent design, and they believe it should be taught in schools, at least as a counterpoint to the dominant evolutionary theory.

1.

Science in schools, not religion

National Centre for Science Education
This website is run by the National Centre for Science Education in the U.S., an organization that advocates the teaching of evolutionary theory in public schools and demands a separation of church and state in public education. The site outlines the history of the organization beginning in the 1970s, as a group that lobbied against efforts to include intelligent design in the school curriculum. The site introduces key members of the group and includes links to literature written by members that further outline the NCSE’s position on creationism. The site also provides links to popular pages related to the evolution versus intelligent design debate, including judicial rulings and scientific background.

2.

In defense of a more flexible science curriculum

Intelligentdesign.org
This site offers an explanation of how intelligent design can be incorporated into the current science curriculum. The site argues that intelligent design should not be mandatory in public schools, but rather, it calls for more complete coverage of evolutionary theory in science textbooks. They say weaknesses of the theory should be included along with its strengths, and a more critical approach should be adopted in schools. The site encourages debating evolutionary theory, as it allows for academic freedom and fosters independent thinking. The site includes links to law reviews on educational policy and intelligent design.

3.

Does creationism have a place in science?

Institute for Creation Research
This site argues that creationism is a legitimate theory and claims to offer proofs for intelligent design. It outlines arguments that are used to support different aspects of creationism. For instance, the section “Everything has a cause” argues that nothing that occurs happens in isolation, but rather, there is a cause behind it. Therefore, there must be an original, first cause, which is God. The site argues that because science relies on cause and effect for many theories, it has its basis in religion. The site also argues that the unique vegetation and materials found on Earth are so incredible and complex that they are beyond explanation. They must originate from a greater force – God.

4.

The evolution of evolutionary theory

PBS
The timeline runs right to the present day, and also includes brief summaries of recent debates over intelligent design versus evolutionary theory. The site includes links to other sites, including a PBS Nova program that details a 2004 court battle in Pennsylvania over teaching evolution in schools.

5.

Creationism in comedy

YouTube
This video offers a humorous explanation of creationism given by comedian Ricky Gervais. In this stand-up routine, Gervais provides his own explanations for various passages from the Bible relating to creation. Gervais muses on God’s creation of everything from light to insects to Adam and Eve. He offers his own interpretation of the events leading up to the Original Sin and evaluates the punishments God handed out following Eve’s decision to give in to temptation.