SCHLOEMER'S POSITION STATEMENT ON SCIENCE

By G. R. Schloemer

As a senior at Elder High School in Cincinnati in 1952, my class discussed evolution, accepting God as the creator and designer of life and the universe, giving it structure and order. This teaching was part of my religion class, not my biology class. Little did I know that my classroom experiences in 1952 would serve me so well and still be relevant now, fifty years later. I firmly believe that the concepts and other beliefs of Creationism and an Intelligent Designer would be better served when taught in religion classes at church schools and churches, and discussed at home.

In the opinion of the Ohio Academy of Science and the National Academy of Science, to adopt Creationism/Intelligent Design would erode the status and value of Ohio's public education system because it is without scientific evidence. Such a decision to incorporate a non-scientific curriculum would be in complete opposition to the positive efforts and successes of the State Board of Education and the Ohio Department of Education.

The effects of a water-downed science curriculum that includes Creationism/ Intelligent Design will only continue to exacerbate the loss of industry, reduction in our economic stability, and the continued exodus of graduates and young professionals from Ohio.

Scientist Bruce Albers, President of the National Academy of Sciences - America's most prestigious scientific society, stressed that science and religion occupy separate realms and should not be confused.

"Please understand that the National Academy of Sciences and, I would contend, the vast majority of scientists, are not asking people to choose between science and religion. What concerns us is that Creationism and Intelligent Design is not scientific because its ultimate tenet that life on Earth is the result of the work of some intelligent being is scientifically untestable and therefore cannot be invalidated through scientific means." [Emphasis added.]

Pierre Teilhard De Chardin SJ, an ordained Roman Catholic Priest, was a scientist, theologian, and a member of the Society of Jesus, (Jesuits) and spent a most of his life exploring. The following is an excerpt about Chardin from 8 Spiritual Heroes, St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2002, by Brennan R. Hill, Professor of Theology at Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio.

"Evolution in itself `proves nothing for or against God.' Evolution deals in fact, not faith, and simply points to a chain of connection. It presents an anatomy of life, and says nothing of ultimate sources or goals of this reality. At the same time he said, rather than ruling out Christian beliefs it is quite suitable to this religious tradition." [Emphasis added.]

Professor Brennan R. Hill, in 8 Spiritual Heroes, further points out "that Chardin's research, personality and richness of thought have left a lasting mark on our age. He was praised for `his insight into the deep value of nature, a keen perception of the dynamism of creation, and wide view of the becoming of the world.'"

Maintaining the integrity of high school science classes is a must. We cannot allow any curricula/approaches that are unscientific and lacking in research data. Mainstream science groups such as the Ohio Academy of Science and the National Academy of Science are the most credible resources for curricula recommendations.