As a Biology teacher in a Kansas, I frequently encounter religiously-motivated objections to evolution. With the recent adoption of state science standards featuring intelligently-designed “criticisms” of evolution, it is reasonable to expect the volume of such objections to increase.

As a religious person, I have a plea for my fellow believers: regardless of what we personally believe, we must stop promulgating the notion that evolution and belief in God are incompatible. This claim constructs an obstacle that can potentially cause other believers to stumble. When adherents to this viewpoint are persuaded by the scientific evidence of evolution, they often feel forced to abandon their belief in God. Why do some believers insist on setting up this unnecessary crisis of faith for their fellow travelers?

It seems to me quite unusual that some believers feel comfortable restricting the dimensions of God’s toolbox. In truth, no one is forced to accept blind chance. Scientific investigation has established that certain natural processes are apparently unpredictable. In other words, they appear to occur randomly as far as we can tell with our limited and fallible sensing capabilities.

But could it be that God is imminent in all things and yet undetectable using the methods of scientific investigation?

Could it be that modern science describes the universe exactly as God intends it to be?

As I have mentioned here before (you know, way back when I actually used to post stuff), the 2005 KBOE science standards are seriously flawed. Thankfully, there are now alternative standards!

All but four of the original 25-member writing committee met on their own time to finish the standards while incorporating feedback from the MCREL and Fordham Foundation reports. These standards are top-notch. But don't take my word for it--read them yourself. (WORD document)

Be sure to pass this information along to all of your friends and family (especially if they happen to be Kansas superintendents or local school board members).