Found Essay: Teaching Creationism in Schools

Response Choice: Respond on an emotional level

Something that I should have included in my introduction is that I have a firm belief in God. I also have some conflicting ideas due to what I have learned in school. However, at the end of the day, I am still a believer.

I'll be the first to admit that I get frustrated when I hear somebody say that they don't believe, or that they are not sure about religion. Just to clarify, I don't get mad at that person, I just have trouble understanding why they feel that way. For me it is so clear and sound, that I often overlook the imperfections that people dwell on.

The essay at first was frustrating. It was saying that creationism does not belong in science class. It is better suited for mythology. This got me thinking a little more aggressively. I see the Bible, or Genesis to be more specific, to be open to interpretation. If one looks at the words of the Bible with strict adherence, he/she will be lost. I believe that it is necessary to have an open mind to understand religion. Therefore, creationism belongs in philosophy, not the clearly false pagan realm of mythology.

I have to level with the author when he/she writes that it flat out can't be taught in school. Creationism is a quick way of saying the Adam and Eve story. That would be sufficient for Judaism and Christianity. However, Islam, Buddhism, and many other religions would be left out. Public schools would be violating the first amendment, because it is showing favoritism and not equality to other religions. Keep in mind that there are many other creation stories. The Adam and Eve story is just the most common in America.

At the end of the article I was relieved to read that there was a neutral conclusion. I am so used to hearing that religion is false and that it doesn't belong in society that I am always tense about it. The conclusion stated that creationism does not belong in school; however, it does belong at home. It should be up to the parents to what extent their child knows about the origins of life.