Should Christian Schools teach the theory of Evolution?

[Salty]

Many say not, because evolution is not true.

Others say yes, so that our students will be able effectively speak on the subject to others.

Acts 7:22 “Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds.”

Open for discussion

 

[Scarlett O.]

I taught both creationism and evolution in public schools and Christian school.

In Louisiana, we were allowed to present alternative theories such as creationism IF you taught from a book that presented evolution. Evolution was not a long and drawn out teaching in my public school science book for middle school students back in the day, but I used the opportunity to teach why the two ideas are not compatible.

I did the same thing in the Christian school I where I taught.

I did so because of my personal beliefs. You cannot recognize the lies until you know the truth [of creationism]. Once you know the truth, you need to know WHY the lies are lies. I also did so because there was a big wave of "theistic evolution" going around back then.

How can churches and parents effectively combat the false teachings of evolution if you are don't know what they are?

 

[Yeshua1]

Many say not, because evolution is not true.

Others say yes, so that our students will be able effectively speak on the subject to others.

Acts 7:22 “Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds.”

Open for discussion

Think that if you do teach it, make sure that its stated to be just theory, as has no real scientific data to support it!

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

The Bible is the word of God, but does it contain only one side, or does it also present things that oppose God?

Kids should be prepared for what they will face "in the real world," especially those who will be studying in more hostile environments.

This goes for every subject, every teacher.

 

[Reformed1689]

Teach it for what it is and then teach the truth.

 

[Salty]

Think that if you do teach it, make sure that its stated to be just theory, as has no real scientific data to support it!

But you probally cant do that in the public schools

 

[rlvaughn]

Many say not, because evolution is not true.

Others say yes, so that our students will be able effectively speak on the subject to others.

Acts 7:22 “Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds.”

A Christian school should teach about it, that the theory of evolution exists, etc.. If they teach it as the truth, I would not think they are a Christian school.

 

[tyndale1946]

A Christian school should teach about it, that the theory of evolution exists, etc.. If they teach it as the truth, I would not think they are a Christian school.

I believe that if the question of evolution if it comes up should be addressed... That it is a THEORY!... What bothers me more, on this board there are those that put a gap in the fact of creation.

Genesis 1:1 Refers to God's initial perfect creation. Everything that God made was beautiful, there was no sin anywhere. Verse two, on the other hand, assumes that a great catastrophe occurred that caused the earth to become in a chaotic state through the judgment of God. According to the Gap Theory, the formless and void state, as recorded in Genesis 1:2, Is in direct contrast to the perfect initial creation. Something happened between the first two verses of Genesis to cause the earth to become desolate and uninhabitable after having been made perfect. Those holding the Gap Theory contend that this state of ruin could have possibly lasted millions of years.

Do you believe biblical FACT, that is recorded in scripture or do you believe in a THEORY?... Brother Glen

 

[Salty]

I believe that that between Gen 1:1 and 1:2 - there is a possibility......
and both should be taught in Christian schools.

 

[Baptist Believer]

Science should be taught in public schools. Theology should be taught in homes, churches, and religious schools.

The Bible does not presume to speak in terms of modern science or of modern concerns about origins.

The Bible is concerned to let humankind know that God created the heavens and the earth, then described the ordering of the raw materials in terms of the construction of a temple. On the sixth day, the temple was completed and humankind, female and male, were created as priests and caretakers to worship and represent God ("in His image"). On the seventh day, God "rested," that is, took up residence in the physical habitation He created.

Just as Solomon's temple was simply an ornate building until God dedicated it with His presence, "resting" enthrone upon the ark of the covenant in the Holy of Holies, the heavens and earth were simply physical places until God rested in them, sanctifying them with His goodness and presence.

The story of scripture is of rebellion in Genesis 3 and the long road back to Eden created by the work of God and the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ, that allows us to enter into the Kingdom of God. The future fullness of the Kingdom of God will feature the heavens and earth reunited, the destruction of evil and those who are not prepared to live in a world where God is not hidden. Those who have entered into discipleship to Christ will be confirmed in righteousness by their own free will, and they will be free of the temptation to rebel, since they know from experience that it is insanity.

And God and humankind will live eternally in harmony, with each day more creative and interesting than the one before.

 

[Salty]

Science should be taught in public schools. Theology should be taught in homes, churches, and religious schools.

The Bible does not presume to speak in terms of modern science or of modern concerns about origins.

The Bible is concerned to let humankind know that God created the heavens and the earth, then described the ordering of the raw materials in terms of the construction of a temple. On the sixth day, the temple was completed and humankind, female and male, were created as priests and caretakers to worship and represent God ("in His image"). On the seventh day, God "rested," that is, took up residence in the physical habitation He created.

Just as Solomon's temple was simply an ornate building until God dedicated it with His presence, "resting" enthrone upon the ark of the covenant in the Holy of Holies, the heavens and earth were simply physical places until God rested in them, sanctifying them with His goodness and presence.

The story of scripture is of rebellion in Genesis 3 and the long road back to Eden created by the work of God and the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ, that allows us to enter into the Kingdom of God. The future fullness of the Kingdom of God will feature the heavens and earth reunited, the destruction of evil and those who are not prepared to live in a world where God is not hidden. Those who have entered into discipleship to Christ will be confirmed in righteousness by their own free will, and they will be free of the temptation to rebel, since they know from experience that it is insanity.

And God and humankind will live eternally in harmony, with each day more creative and interesting than the one before.

Looks like I missed your answer - so should a christian school teach evolution - simple yes or no should do.

 

[Baptist Believer]

Looks like I missed your answer - so should a christian school teach evolution - simple yes or no should do.

If the school presumes to teach science at all, yes.

Even if the Christians at the school reject it, they need to cover it fairly and thoroughly. I took philosophy classes, history classes, health classes, etc. where no one was expected to believe everything that was covered, but instead to show mastery and understanding of the material and the ability to formulate a coherent viewpoint.

 

[Paul from Antioch]

If the school presumes to teach science at all, yes.

Even if the Christians at the school reject it, they need to cover it fairly and thoroughly. I took philosophy classes, history classes, health classes, etc. where no one was expected to believe everything that was covered, but instead to show mastery and understanding of the material and the ability to formulate a coherent viewpoint.

"Preach/teach it, Brother!!" You're 110+% correct!! How can a person accurately understand one's opponents if he/she doesn't know the opponents' viewpoint(s)? "We are not wise... ."

 

[Hannahande]

I find it okay to learn the science but, ofc it already depends on the belief of the person at the end. If you are devoted with your faith then, there's nothing to be worried about.

 

[Paul from Antioch]

I find it okay to learn the science but, ofc it already depends on the belief of the person at the end. If you are devoted with your faith then, there's nothing to be worried about.

If that school has a very strict statement regarding its teaches/instructors that states that its faculty does, in fact, strongly adheres to the Genesis account of creation, I see no problem with that faculty teaching folks about Creation. Unfortunately, I know that this is NOT the case in ALL so-called "Christian" schools. The school in which I taught was a member of the TN Assn of Christian Schools ( www.tacs.org ) which HAS a rather clear-cut position on teaching Biblical Creationism. OTOH I do know of some "Christian" (??) schools that may not adhere to what Genesis says about this subject. It does pay for one to know what that "Christian" school believes not only about Creationism, but also EVERY thing else. Sadly, some prospective parents only see the word "Christian" on a school's PR material & don't check on that particular school any further.

 

[Paul from Antioch]

If that school has a very strict statement regarding its teaches/instructors that states that its faculty does, in fact, strongly adheres to the Genesis account of creation, I see no problem with that faculty teaching folks about Creation. Unfortunately, I know that this is NOT the case in ALL so-called "Christian" schools. The school in which I taught was a member of the TN Assn of Christian Schools ( www.tacs.org ) which HAS a rather clear-cut position on teaching Biblical Creationism. OTOH I do know of some "Christian" (??) schools that may not adhere to what Genesis says about this subject. It does pay for one to know what that "Christian" school believes not only about Creationism, but also EVERY thing else. Sadly, some prospective parents only see the word "Christian" on a school's PR material & don't check on that particular school any further.

Sorry!! TACS's web site SHOUL BE: www.tacs.edu

 

[Paul from Antioch]

Sorry!! TACS's web site SHOUL BE: www.tacs.edu

 

[Paul from Antioch]

That web site doesn't seem to be correct either!! Always knew that the www was a tool of Satan!! ..... Anyway, the TACS is one of the more stringent assn's I know of for not only Teacher Certification (When I was connected with a TACS member school, a teacher [regardless of grade level/subject(s) matters] one had to not only document one's educational background for teaching (It varied somewhat depending on what grade level(s) one was teaching (e.g., A pre-school teacher vs. an upper grade HS one), but even then you had to document how you were keeping up with your teaching background(s) (Were you in the process of, say, pursing post graduate studies at a reputable college/university as well as having to document your attendance at helpful conferences/seminars & articles in related periodicals,) + the school in question also had to receive TACS;s accreditation (or in the process of getting it) + PLUS then having what TACS considered as "State Agency Approval" status. Thankfully, TN was fairly lenient in granting SAA approval since all teachers & administrators were required to have appropriate college degrees + a certain number of SHrs in the Bible. IOW, TACS went far beyond that of TN's public (i.e., "Government-Controlled") schools. The TACS's requirements had pretty much set some national standards for Christian schools in the rest of the US. Much credit for TACSs' high standards had to go to Dr Charles Walker, truly a "giant" in Christian school standards.

 

[thomas15]

Received a liberal arts BS degree in 1981. Then 10 years ago I broke my foot which requited plates, screws and pins to fix. While I was recovering I decided to do something that I had been thinking about for a long time, that is take a college level algebra class.

Enrolled in my local community college, took algebra 101. Then 102 and 201, then stats and pre-calc. All in the evening after work and solely for personal enrichment. After that I took Gen Chem 1&2, O-Chem 1&2, Biology 1&2, Micro and botany. At age 60 I was awarded a BIO-AS. Personal enrichment.

One of the reasons was to learn what I could about what is being taught at the undergrad level in biology and evolution. Bio 2 is about 90% evolution. My prof for that class, a big fan of Darwin, offered to give me a letter of recommendation to a State Univ. He couldn't believe it when I told him I was a young earth creationist.

My point. Learning the modern evolutionist theory didn't do anything to me other than enforce my faith in the Genesis account. Evolution has many holes and still doesn't work without some sort of outside force which the evolutionists claims doesn't exist. Dr. Whitcomb got it right 60+ years ago, the modern scientist, while brilliant, is a priest to the god of time through chance.

 

[Paul from Antioch]

Received a liberal arts BS degree in 1981. Then 10 years ago I broke my foot which requited plates, screws and pins to fix. While I was recovering I decided to do something that I had been thinking about for a long time, that is take a college level algebra class.

Enrolled in my local community college, took algebra 101. Then 102 and 201, then stats and pre-calc. All in the evening after work and solely for personal enrichment. After that I took Gen Chem 1&2, O-Chem 1&2, Biology 1&2, Micro and botany. At age 60 I was awarded a BIO-AS. Personal enrichment.

One of the reasons was to learn what I could about what is being taught at the undergrad level in biology and evolution. Bio 2 is about 90% evolution. My prof for that class, a big fan of Darwin, offered to give me a letter of recommendation to a State Univ. He couldn't believe it when I told him I was a young earth creationist.

My point. Learning the modern evolutionist theory didn't do anything to me other than enforce my faith in the Genesis account. Evolution has many holes and still doesn't work without some sort of outside force which the evolutionists claims doesn't exist. Dr. Whitcomb got it right 60+ years ago, the modern scientist, while brilliant, is a priest to the god of time through chance.