Pressure For Evolution, Creationism In Curriculum Continues

Controversy on the teaching of evolution-- or its alternatives-- in public schools continues. In Idaho, science teachers have approved a policy that favors teaching evolution as understood by the scientific community. Fox12 News reported yesterday that the Idaho Science Teachers Association is now officially on record against teaching intelligent design in the science classroom.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press on Tuesday reported on a fascinating resolution aimed at placing the Tennessee state education commissioner on the spot. State Sen. Raymond Finney has introduced SR 17 in the Tennessee state Senate. The resolution is worth being quoted at length:

BE IT RESOLVED ... that the commissioner of the department of education ... is hereby respectfully requested by this body to respond to the following questions:

(1) Is the Universe and all that is within it, including human beings, created through purposeful, intelligent design by a Supreme Being, that is a Creator?

Understand that this question does not ask that the Creator be given a name. To name the Creator is a matter of faith. The question simply asks whether the Universe has been created or has merely happened by random, unplanned, and purposeless occurrences.

Further understand that this question asks that the latest advances in multiple scientific disciplines –such as physics, astronomy, molecular biology, DNA studies, physiology, paleontology, mathematics, and statistics – be considered, rather than relying solely on descriptive and hypothetical suppositions.

If the answer to Question 1 is “Yes,” please answer Question 2:
(2) Since the Universe, including human beings, is created by a Supreme Being (a Creator), why is creationism not taught in Tennessee public schools?

If the answer to Question 1 is "This question cannot be proved or disproved," please answer Question 3:

(3) Since it cannot be determined whether the Universe, including human beings, is created by a Supreme Being (a Creator), why is creationism not taught as an alternative concept, explanation, or theory, along with the theory of evolution in Tennessee public schools?

If the answer to Question 1 is "No" please accept the General Assembly’s admiration for being able to decide conclusively a question that has long perplexed and occupied the attention of scientists, philosophers, theologians, educators, and others....

Bill sponsor, Sen. Finney, a retired physician, lives some 60 miles from the town of Dayton, TN where the famous 1925 Tennessee Scopes Monkey Trial was held.