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elfsOne of the tactics of the Intelligent Design movement has the name "Teach the Controversy." TtC involves convincing those schoolboards wishing to be convinced that there is a controversy among scientists about the efficacy of the modern evolutionary synthesis, which unified genetics, morphology, and paleonotology (among others) into a unified whole we now call "biology." They attempt to show, by selective quote mining of the working science literature and the introduction of their own, unreviewed material, that there are "gaps," that students aren't being told about evolutionary biology's failure to explain these gaps, and that these gaps can best be explained by their pet theory.
Evangelical writer Steve Martin (no relation to the comedian or the furry artist, for which all concerned are probably grateful) documents a case where "Teach the Controversy" failed, but from the other side. Richard Colling at Olivet Nazarene University wrote a book in which he attempted to reconcile his faith with evolutionary biology, and concluded that biological evolution in its entirety could stand evangelical scrutiny and survive intact. This so infuriated the Young Earth Creationists at ONU that they pressured the school president to suspend Colling from all teaching responsibilities, effectively removing him from the ebb and flow of school life.
I really can't say I'm surprised. "Teach the Controversy" is a political tactic, not an honest concern.
Martin's website, "Evangelical Dialogue on Evolution" is a curiosity, that's for sure. He's fond of saying:
Evangelical writer Steve Martin (no relation to the comedian or the furry artist, for which all concerned are probably grateful) documents a case where "Teach the Controversy" failed, but from the other side. Richard Colling at Olivet Nazarene University wrote a book in which he attempted to reconcile his faith with evolutionary biology, and concluded that biological evolution in its entirety could stand evangelical scrutiny and survive intact. This so infuriated the Young Earth Creationists at ONU that they pressured the school president to suspend Colling from all teaching responsibilities, effectively removing him from the ebb and flow of school life.
I really can't say I'm surprised. "Teach the Controversy" is a political tactic, not an honest concern.
Martin's website, "Evangelical Dialogue on Evolution" is a curiosity, that's for sure. He's fond of saying:
Cognitive dissonance is when I simultaneously hold two beliefs that I recognize as being in opposition or in tension. It is not holding to two beliefs that someone else thinks are in tension."For me, they're just not," is not an answer to the question, "Why aren't they?" Like most people in Martin's camp, he's still playing pick and choose among fundamental premises.
