This theory counts too

The Ohio State Board of Education will decide later this year whether or not they will continue teaching Darwinian theory of evolution as the only explanation for the origin of life.\nThose pushing for reform within science curriculum are hoping that teachers will highlight the controversy surrounding Darwinism, perhaps leading to discussion of the other theories.\nWhile Ohio isn't even considering teaching intelligent design or creationism as equivalent theories, loyal Darwinists fear that even mentioning the problems with evolution theory might lead students to reject it altogether and accept one of the other theories.\nFor instance, according to "World" magazine, members from the Ohio Citizens for Science organization claim that presenting alternatives to Darwinism would create future economic woes, alleging that students would be "scientifically illiterate" and ill-equipped for the business world. \nWorse than not pumping out devoted Darwinists into the business world is thrusting out students who have poor analysis skills and will be clueless as to other credible theories concerning the origin of life.\nStudents learn best if they critique different theories and choose by the evidence presented which one is worth believing. Larry Taylor, who is battling for a more open scientific curriculum in Cobb County School Board in Georgia, commented, "All the facts should be taught in the science class (Atlanta Journal)." \nIf Darwinism is plainly factual, then evolutionists shouldn't panic if other theories are examined in the classroom. Evolution theory, though, lacks crucial evidence to substantiate itself.\nEven evolution proponents voice problems with the theory. Sir John Eccles, a Nobel Prize winner in Physiology said, "One of its (evolution's) weakpoints is that it does not have any recognizable way in which conscious life could have emerged." \nDr. T.H. Morgan of the California Institute of Technology, said, "There is not a single instance of transformation of one species into another." \nEvolutionists insistently push their theory, though, because they fear the onslaught of government-sanctioned religion. On the contrary, intelligent design theory offers scientific evidence for a planned universe without introducing religious elements into the argument. Like it or not, evidence suggests that our extremely complex planet could not have attained suitable conditions for life by accident. Working from this foundation would allow scientists to form different, more accurate, assumptions about the earth, thus expanding the possibilities for scientific advancement. \nEvolution theory can never be proven as fact. According to Taylor, "Parents and teachers who dismiss views opposing evolution are practicing their own form of religion." \nTo the disdain of strict evolutionists, a poll by the Cleveland Plain Dealer printed in "World" Magazine reveals a popular desire for both evolution and intelligent design to be taught in the classroom. Sixty percent of those polled supported teaching both theories. Fifteen percent favored presenting the evidence both for and against evolution (but not necessarily teaching intelligent design theory). Nine percent wanted nothing to be mentioned concerning human origins. Eight percent favored teaching just evolution, and another eight percent favored only teaching intelligent design.\nAs a compromise, teachers should familiarize students with both intelligent design and evolution, pointing out problems with both theories. The debate won't subside, though, until intelligent design theorists can convince faithful evolutionists that criticism of Darwinism isn't about introducing religion into the classroom. It's about fairness, truth and being open-minded. That's what we all want -- isn't it?