Should Intelligent Design Be Taught in Public-School Science Classes?

The Short Answer: No. Whatever Creationism and Intelligent Design profess to be, they are not science. The theories derived from scripture have no place in biology courses, chemistry courses, geology, earth science, or any other science course. This is because they are not scientific.

The Medium-Length Answer: Parochial schools in Kansas, being of a religious nature with sanctioned prayer and various forms of deification, can teach whatever they deem appropriate in any course, from religion to science to history, or anything else. Parochial schools, being non-secular, have every right to teach any doctrine they see fit. It is entirely inappropriate, however, for public schools, in accordance with the Establishment Clause of our First Amendment, to indoctrinate public-school students with any religious doctrine. Therefore, while the history of religion can be alluded to in history courses, and the social impacts of religion can and should be discussed in high-school sociology courses, the notion that holy scripture transcends all scientific reasoning is, frankly, un-American. Public schools in Kansas (and the rest of the nation) should not foster any singular respect for a particular religion, as the First Amendment assures that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." Let us resolve to keep religious dogma and proselytizing out of science courses. Not because they are, simply, religious, but because they are not rooted in science.

The Long Answer: Americans have a long history of respecting God. Our money proclaims, "In God We Trust." The Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address, and Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech all refer to God. Steve Roberts is a practicing Catholic; he and his wife attend The Church of the Nativity in Leawood. Steve understands that there is no fundamental conflict between science and religion. That is to say, both science and religion offer paths to fundamental truths.

For example, technical problems are better solved with scientific reasoning. Other human problems, like forgiveness, compassion, or mercy, are better addressed with our spiritual selves.

Roberts understands that it takes all kinds to make a world. He understands that the United States is not a Christian country - it is a country dedicated to freedom of worship. So, if a citizen of Kansas, or any other state of the union, chooses to worship differently, or even not at all, that's just fine with Steve.

Roberts submits that we should continue to do a good job with the First Clause of the First Amendment - the Establishment Clause. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion... but we need to do a better job with the Second Clause," Roberts says. "In short, religion has no place in science courses in Kansas. But we should teach the ideas behind many great religions in history and sociology courses, particularly in high schools. Freedom Of Religion does not mean Freedom From Religion."

Let us resolve to do better on both counts, for both clauses are equally important. Steve has taught and tutored a lot of students over the years. Many have been Jewish. More than a few have been Muslim. And a passel of them have been agnostic or atheists. He teaches mathematics, not religion.

Steve Roberts will work to be An Independent Leader for All of Kansas families.