Interview with a Christian Public School Biology Teacher: Teaching Evolution in the Classroom

Matthew Lambert is a biology teacher at Rancho Alamitos High School in Garden Grove, California. He has taught the subject for the past 7 years. He obtained a B.S. in human biology and a M.A. in education from Biola University. He is a science teacher in the public school system, an Evangelical Christian, and a life long friend.

Matt, how is it teaching something that you do not believe in?

It's not too bad. I think everyone should learn about evolution - even Christians. One should learn about this theory, as many people do believe it.

How much is evolution a part of your current curriculum?

It's a big part. For my advanced placement students, questions centered on evolution make up about 25% of the AP exam.

How have your students reacted to a formal presentation of evolution?

Well, the students that already have religious beliefs do not accept it and see problems with it. The students that are not religious tend to think that evolution has its holes but that it is the best thing going. A small percentage of the non-religious students do not accept evolution after it has been presented. Sometimes students ask questions that I can only answer after class.

So, in your opinion what is/are the best argument(s) for evolution?

The fossil record. It tends to go from more simple to complex.

What is/are the best argument(s) against evolution?

One is irreducible complexity. Certain parts within an organism can only be broken down so far and still be able to function. All components of an organ or system need to be present at the same time and placed in a certain order if being constructed/developed, in order to function in any capacity.

The other problem is a lack of information-increasing mutations. Humanity has yet to discover or see mutations on a mass scale where information in a specie's DNA code has increased.

What has changed in the last 150 years in regards to how man regards origins?

At first, the idea of design was dominant to exclusive and that gave way to evolution. Evolution was dominant to the point of exclusive until about the last 20 years. Design is now making a resurgence but evolution is still dominant. We have discovered that certain things, like microorganisms, are far more complex than Darwin or his contemporaries could have ever imagined.

Thanks Matt and keep up the good work.