Letter to the Editor: Design theorists just want both sides to be presented in schools

Editor,

I find it unfortunate that most of the letters dealing with the evolution debate so far have been more political propaganda than actual facts.In Mark Ellis’ 12/05/05 letter, he states that there is no evidence for Design Theory. Obviously, if there was none, there wouldn’t be respectable scientists who believe in Design Theory. But there are scientists who believe in Design, and there IS evidence for Design Theory. To deny this is propagandized opinion. As to his comment about “con-artists” and “pseudo-scientific books,” one could say the same about much of evolution. It’s not just Creationists who are guilty.

But this kind of arguing is useless. The vast majority (and I include myself here) aren’t trying to have a serious debate, we’re just espousing our opinions. If my memory serves me correctly, this debate began with a discussion on teaching Design Theory in schools. What’s wrong with this? As even Ellis said, the science teachers are not going to teach exclusively Design theory; they merely can teach the evidence for both Evolution and Design Theory. (and knowing a few science teachers myself, Evolution will still get most of the attention) “Just look at the facts!” Isn’t this what all the Evolution proponents have said so far? That’s what Design proponents want too!

All Design Theorists want is for both theories to be presented in school as just that: theories. To put the facts in front of the kids, the pros and cons for each theory. I give kids enough credit to be able to make up their own minds. If the evidence for evolution is so strong, so much the better. Then the children will get the same education they are now, but with a knowledge of how “unscientific” Design Theory is. Why would Evolutionists oppose this? If evolution is so scientifically sound and proven, they have nothing to worry about!

Matthew Wilson