Intelligent Design And Science: Allies Or Enemies? -- By: Kenneth M. Gardoski

Journal: Journal of Ministry and Theology
Volume: JMAT 11:1 (Spring 2007)
Article: Intelligent Design And Science: Allies Or Enemies?
Author: Kenneth M. Gardoski


Intelligent Design And Science: Allies Or Enemies?

Kenneth M. Gardoski

Associate Professor of Systematic Theology

Baptist Bible Seminary, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania

Introduction1

On Monday, September 26, 2005, a federal judge in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, began hearing arguments in the case of Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District.2 The case arose because several parents with the help of the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) had brought suit against the district’s school board for adopting a policy that required students to be informed about the theory of Intelligent Design (hereafter ID). Both sides claimed going in that the case could set the fundamental ground rules for how American public school students would be taught about the origins of life for years to come.3

Approximately one year earlier, on October 18, 2004, the school board had passed by a 6–3 vote the following resolution:

Students will be made aware of gaps/problems in Darwin’s theory and of other theories of evolution including, but not limited to, intelligent design. Note: Origins of Life is not taught.4

One month later, on November 19, 2004, the school district announced that starting in January 2005 teachers would be required to read the following statement to students in the ninth grade biology class at Dover High School:

The Pennsylvania Academic Standards require students to learn about Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and eventually to take a standardized test of which evolution is a part.

Because Darwin’s Theory is a theory, it continues to be tested as new evidence is discovered. The Theory is not a fact. Gaps in the Theory exist for which there is no evidence. A theory is defined as a well-tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations.

Intelligent Design is an explanation of the origin of life that differs from Darwin’s view. The reference book, Of Pandas and People, is available for students who might be interested in gaining an understanding of what Intelligent Design actually involves.

With respect to any theory, students are encouraged to keep an open mind. The school leaves the discussion of the Origins of Life to individual students and their families. As a Standards-driven district, class instruction focuses upon preparing students to achieve proficiency on Standards-based assessments.

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