Published: February 21, 2006 11:18 pm         

State should reject intelligent design

The concept of “intelligent design” is seen as middle ground between evolution and creationism.

Those who support intelligent design say life is so complex and well-ordered, it might have been created by a higher power.

A bill pending in the Oklahoma Legislature would allow teaching of a full range of scientific theories on the origin of life, which could include intelligent design.

The measure, authored by Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, would authorize instructors to teach broader views of evolution without fear of legal consequence.

We think the state would be wise to avoid going down this divisive road. Intelligent design is not science, and thus should not be taught in science classes. It is better suited for discussion in philosophy or comparative religion classes.

Science teachers would be better off sticking to science, not dealing in theories that border on religion.

The National Academy of Sciences, the agency that advises the government on critical national issues, supports the theory of evolution as “one of the foundations of modern science.”

By permitting the teaching of intelligent design, the Legislature would be opening the state up to time-consuming and costly court challenges.

There is no harm at looking at both sides of any issue, even the origin of life. But a science class in a public school is not the place to do it.

We also oppose a measure authored by Rep. Odilia Dank, R-Oklahoma City, which would allow students to leave their school for one hour each week for religious instruction without being counted absent.

There are not enough hours in the school week as it is for teachers to cover subjects like English, science and math. Taking one hour out of every week would only serve to cut into valuable school time.

Dank argues her measure would help children “develop a moral compass,” and “get their heads on straight.”

There already are two places where children can establish a firm moral foundation. One is their home, the other is one of the many churches in every community in our state.