Five Reasons Evolution Should Be Taught in Schools

1. Evolution is scientific. But isn't intelligent design just as scientific? No! A small group of scientists with ulterior motives have deceptively began propagating "creation science" as a viable alternative to evolution. Lurking under this mask is the ever-present "creationism" doctrine of conservative Christianity. Evolution is a given in scientific circles with overwhelming evidence to support the concept. Even if evolution turns out to be entirely false, intelligent design's (read: "creationism's") comparable probability is ridiculously low and contradicts many observable scientific facts, such as the age of the earth, the development of human conscience, the presence of certain species at the same time as human beings, etc. For those who would like more details on the scientific validity of evolution, visit this page by the University of California Museum of Paleontology.

2. Evolution promotes respect for life. Unlike the disaster scenario painted by opponents, the teaching of evolution helps to provide a moral foundation for children. By teaching our kids that they are a product of development, it becomes apparent that all life, not just human life, is valuable and should be protected. This also helps to instill a respect for life as the wonder that it is.

3. Evolution is nonreligious. In a multi-cultural society, school systems must adhere to a secular code of conduct. Not to say that individuals are not free to practice their own beliefs, quite on the contrary; to be free to practice their beliefs, children cannot be forced to accept a religious answer that may conflict with their own.

4. Evolution combats prejudice. In an age that still feels the sting of prejudice, teaching children evolution could do much to combat this bigotry. Rather than subjective morality, children are taught to decide right and wrong based on common good, as natural selection deems that "good behavior" is that which promotes a species and "bad behavior" is that which destroys it. In an evolved society, we are all related; black or white, Western or Eastern, male or female, Christian or Pagan, straight or gay, it doesn't matter, we all work to ensure our continued peace and survival.

5. Evolution instills responsibility. With global climate change, poverty, and the like, human beings still seem to find a way to remain complacent. This is due to the worldview that we are not truly responsible for the world, rather God is. When we teach our children that they are responsible for their own behavior and that this behavior truly affects the world around them, we ensure a better life for future generations. If natural selection has any merit, then human beings are responsible for their own well-being.

Source:

http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/home.php