by Selena Robinson

Created on: November 18, 2009

There is absolutely no reason not to teach intelligent design in public school. Evolution is taught from the early grades, even though the scientific community admits that it is a theory. Despite being classified as a theory, however, evolution is taught as if it is a proven fact, which it is not. For any scientist to then claim that intelligent design should not be taught because it is unproven would be the height of hypocrisy.

There are actually several reasons why intelligent design should be taught in school. For one thing, the vast majority of people on the earth claim to believe in a higher power. They disagree on what that higher power is, but for the most part, people accept that there is some sort of supreme being. People who claim to be atheist are greatly outnumbered by people who either believe in a God or don't know if there is a God or not. On that criteria alone, intelligent design should be taught as an alternative to evolution, since the view itself would not be offensive to most people.

Another reason intelligent design should be taught is because of the increasing scientific evidence in favor of it. As time progresses, more and more about our universe, our planet, and our species is learned. Even respected scientists are in awe of these discoveries and some of these, including biochemist Michael Behe, openly state that the likelihood of these things arising by chance is practically nonexistent. Since there is growing physical evidence to support intelligent design, it should rightly be presented in schools as another "theory" of the origin of the universe.

The real question is why some scientists and academic scholars are so opposed to intelligent design. They might claim that they are against it because they feel it contrasts with science. If so, why not present the evidence for both and allow students to make up their own minds? But, those against intelligent design don't want to even provide the option for students to learn about it. Why? For one thing, the very concept of intelligent design implies that we are responsible for ourselves. If life did not arise by chance, then there must be a reason for our existence. If this is the case, we might be morally accountable for what we do. This is a conclusion that repels many people who don't want to make changes in the way they live.

Intelligent design, however, does not contrast with science. Instead, it displays the wonders of our world in a way that fosters respect and appreciation for these, not as random accidents, but as the beautiful and purposeful works of art they are. The concept of our being created for a purpose encourages people to use their lives in work that is meaningful and beneficial to others. It also helps people consider the effect of their actions on their environment and on one another. Intelligent design, therefore, promotes not only scientific awareness, but also concern for the social and moral values that our society sorely needs.

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