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Show page 14 lessons, Fail 2004 PROFILES Debating Deity and Darwinism: professor david temme BY BRIAN PRETTYMAN L ife is constantly offering new depths to the dichotomy of science and religion. Depending on whom you talk to, these two subjects may complicate or compliment each other. My first reaction to conversations including words like "evolution" or "Darwinism" is to dodge them... like they say to do with politics and religion. It all seems so complicated and controversial that it seems best to avoid them like the plague. It's a whole different story when you're a biology professor at a University. It seems difficult to teach a topic like evolution in the classroom and still keep a neutral, non-biased stance. Can people find a ________________ middle ground for science and religion? Is there an equation for god in science? A majority of Americans may consider themselves "religious," but continue to wrestle with ideas of creationism and the "Big Bang" theory. Is there a place for both in our education system . . . and our world? HISTORY ________________ This conflict between religion and science has a long history, starting in the late 18tn century during the time of Galileo, when the scientific dating of the earth didn't fit with the literal interpretation of creation according to the Bible. Galileo's new approach at questioning the origins of life challenged the definition of our existence and he was thereby excommunicated from his faith. Centuries later, Darwin presented his radical theory of natural selection, an evolutionary process where living organisms that adapt to their surroundings tend to survive and reproduce more productively. Many conservative clerics condemned Darwin's theories as leading to atheism and immoral behavior. Mainstream religious theories were being contended and great discord emerged between science and theology. Can people find a middle ground for science and religion? Is there an equation for god in science? The debate resurfaced in a big way with the John Scopes trial in 1925. Scopes was a biology teacher that decided to teach evolution in his classroom. This violated state law which forbade "any theory that denies the story of Divine Creation of man as taught in the Bible and to teach instead that man has descended from a lower order of animals." Scopes was found guilty, but the trial was considered a breakthrough in the controversy over the place of evolution in the education system. Evolution increased its popularity in American public schools in the 1960s in reaction to the fear of the Soviet Union gaining an upper hand in science and technology. After many ______________ court trials, debates, and much religious resistance, evolution finally found a secure spot in the science books. And the debate continues to this day. In the 21st century, there is no doubt the classroom holds an integral part in the future of this conflict. RELATING ITTO"U" Dave Temme teaches Biology 1000, an introductory biology course _______________ that covers evolution. I was hesitant to interview someone on such a sensitive subject, but from the start, Professor Temme was extremely comfortable with what he wanted to say. "My goal when dealing with evolution and religion is for everyone to come to an understanding and common agreement," he said. It sounded impossible to me. In a world that thrives on conflict and drama, how or why would he search for common ground? He couldn't possibly believe that everyone could end up holding hands and agreeing about this complex issue. Science never really sparked my attention, but I found myself intrigued by what he might have to say. "First you have to understand the notion of science and the notion of religion," Professor Temme said. "Science is based on regular repeated patterns, and the issue to understand is why people would desire to follow patterns in their |
