Evolution: There's no conflict

A new book from the National Academy of Sciences should calm and inform perspective on the teaching of evolution in schools. Alas, on this subject, there are no guarantees.

As a New York Times report noted, the book is the third from the academy on the evidence supporting evolution and arguing against teaching creationism or other religious alternatives (yes, they certainly do mean the Discovery Institute in Seattle and its "intelligent design" idea). But we like that this book finally tries to address those of us in the lay public and policymakers such as school board members.

In a section of frequently asked questions, the book says: "Aren't evolution and religion opposing ideas? Newspaper and television stories sometimes make it seem as though evolution and religion are incompatible, but that is not true." Refuting that myth is so important that we don't mind being set up to take the blame.

As the book notes, many major scientists are people of religious faith, and many religious leaders understand and accept evolution. Or religious leaders are focused on bigger subjects. We're thinking, for instance, that the Dalai Lama will have other things on his mind in April when he visits Seattle for what we believe (but do not know for a scientific fact) will be four marvelous days.

There are also scientists who reject religion, and believers who reject science. But public schools have a responsibility to teach science as it is, not as what someone may want to believe is science.