Merging science and religion through intelligent design poses to be a tough, if not impossible, sell to the public.
Individuals vary drastically when it comes to faith — from the religion, if any, that one identifies with to the degree which one believes. Each person finds their own personal balance. Obviously, entering religious ideas into a science classroom will always bring controversy.
The mainstream debate on intelligent design began in late September when 11 parents sued the Dover Area School District in Pennsylvania, where recently the ninth grade biology curriculum began including a brief statement that life was created by an "intelligent agency."
On the surface, the inclusion of this brief reference in the classroom seems relatively harmless. Yet it represents a slippery slope toward other theories and more religious elements creeping into the scientific field.
A major consideration in this debate revolves around the idea of "show me." Where is the proof to back up intelligent design? It lies purely in faith, while science (proven or theory-based) is supported by hard evidence. Some may argue that their faith is hard evidence, yet in the physical world, that's not tangible proof.
Both science and theology are valuable disciplines in the education system, but they should be taught separately. It is up to the student to make a connection between them if they so desire.
Originally, I expected this story to temporarily disappear from mainstream news media and pop up again later, just like court cases over the Pledge of Allegiance. But instead it keeps developing. According to a Nov. 10 Marquette Tribune article, the Vatican released a statement endorsing a collaboration between science and religion — one which seems to involve more then just intelligent design.
The article said Scripture should be interpreted more metaphorically rather then literally. I read that to my father who attended Catholic school while growing up, and he said you wouldn't have heard a comment like that 30 years ago. Not taking the Bible and other religious teachings literally would have been considered blasphemy.
But as science advances, religion must adjust. In today's world, it's too irrational to take parts of Scripture as factual truths. It seems apparent that this suggested collaboration would benefit the Church. It would be able to say in many cases, not just through intelligent design that, 'here is the scientific evidence, but remember a higher power may be responsible for the creation' without scientific disapproval.
The article went on to say that the two fields could clash if science attempted to interpret aspects of religion that cannot be factually proven. But isn't that what science does — search for facts? Would''t they clash over several human ethical issues as well? For now, the two fields just do not mix.
Intelligent design is likely only the beginning of the linking science and religion issue. However, I do''t understand how an outcome will be reached that please the majority.
Who knows, intelligent design may be completely accurate. But until (if ever), humans prove a higher deity's existence, questions and controversy will always arise. For now the best we can do is take the information available and come to our own personal conclusions regarding our faith and science.