thinking way ahead....

[lmbjer]

Just wondering if anyone here has experience with the teaching of evolution vs. creationism in school? My DS is barely 3 mths so I have a looong time to think about this! My DH and I find it extremly important that our children are not taught evolution as a fact. If you have our same viewpoint (esp. that creationism as told in the Bible is the truth) how did you or will you handle evolution being taught in school?

[flyingspaghettimama]

Hmm, with the luck of recent court cases and voting upheavals, looks as though you may be out of luck. Science in US public schools (as of now) is based upon scientific evidence, not a literal reading of the Bible. So, if this is most important, you might think about homeschooling or applying at the local Christian school? In any school setting, children will learn things (from peers and others) that are contradictory in nature to what they learn at home.

[Arwyn]

There are also many private schools (not just catholic ones).

[flyingspaghettimama]

Originally Posted by Arwyn

There are also many private schools (not just catholic ones).

Do you mean Christian schools? I think most Catholic schools also teach evolution. I'm not sure how many non-religious private schools teach creationism. I'm guessing few to none.

[CarrieMF]

You need to talk to the schools in your area. My dd hasn't hit that part of science yet so I don't know what they do here. But when I was in school we were taught all theories known at the time. There were 3 or 4 of them and they were taught as theories not truth.

[`guest`]

Yeah, if you want to have what you want taught in a school, probably try to findone (private christian) with your belief system, or homeschool. Personally, I want my children to be taught all different things, and then they can make up their own minds.

[Dar]

Public schools teach science. Evolution happens - looking at the genetic record demonstrates this scientifically. It is a fact. The public schools may teach various creation myths as well, often in comparative religion classes, but not as an alternative to evolution.

Dar

[momma2mingbu]

Originally Posted by Dar

Public schools teach science. Evolution happens - looking at the genetic record demonstrates this scientifically. It is a fact. The public schools may teach various creation myths as well, often in comparative religion classes, but not as an alternative to evolution.

Dar

agree

[Arwyn]

While I strongly agree with the statement "Evolution is a theory - just like gravity" (and it's true, scientifically we can't quite explain all the little details of either yet, but they both obviously happen - "theory" in scientific speak doesn't mean the same thing as it does in everyday English), she's asking about ways to support and pass on her beliefs about the subject.

And yes, I meant that there were private Christian schools that would likely mention evolution in passing, or to present their faith-based evidence against it, if it were discussed at all.

lmbjer - you may also have luck asking about this topic in some of the Christian threads in either Finding Your Tribe or Spirituality, here on MDC.

[lmbjer]

Thank you for suggesting a few other locations on MDC for me to poise this question. I hesitate to school my children in a Christian school because in my area religious schools= sports recruiting schools. Also, I do want my children taught in public schools because they have so much to offer. However, many things taught in public schools currently run counter to our faith so I am concerned.

I believe I worded my question poorly. What I was asking was if you are a parent to whom this issue is important, how did you work with your child as they were taught your counter-beliefs in school? Sorry for the confusion!

[menudo]

Teach your child your beleifes at home. Go over lessons and explain that is what you beleive to be incorrect and explain your beleifs. While I have no issues with evolution, issues like this come up alot. Like when the school stresses drinking flouridated water (NO!) or how vaccines are a wonderful cure all (we do not vax). Some call it deprogramming DD and I have had many discussions due to my disagreements with teh school. Hwo abotu when she told us lead poisoning USED to happen and it made kids retarded (teacher said this). Umm, DD was lead poisoned...Lead to a good chat!

My gut says you are very involved in a church and your religion, so your child should be just fine. Remind the child that school teaches one view and sometimes your or your families/churches beleifs differ. Your child should be taught to respectfully disagree when appropriate (debates are rarely necessary). It should be no big deal.

[momma2mingbu]

Originally Posted by bebesho2

Teach your child your beleifes at home. Go voer lessons and explain that is what you beleive to be incorrect and explain your beleifs. While I have no issues with evolution, issues like this come up alot. Like when the school stresses drinking flouridated water (NO!) or how vaccines are a wonderful cure all (we do not vax). Some call it deprogramming

My gut says you are very involved in a church and your religion, so your child should be just fine. Remind the child that school teaches one view and sometimes your or your families/churches beleifs differ. Your child should be taught to respectfully disagree when appropriate (debates are rarely necessary). It should be no big deal.

I do believe in evolution, so this specifically isn't an issue for us.

BUT a similar issue we plan to have to face is the teaching of American History. Read the book "Lies My Teacher Told Me" by James W. Loewen and you'll see what I mean. We plan to do a lot of re-teaching about this area as our kids get older. You may need to do the same with your situation.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/068...329745?ie=UTF8

[lmbjer]

Thank you ladies! I am glad to hear experienced momma's advice on essentially reteaching material regardless of the topic. I think we will be having many moments like that.

It is very important to me that my children are respectful to all points of view, just because someone believes differently then we do, does not make them less of a person in anyway!

I do agree that history as taught in schools have major flaws! My degree is in social studies education and this was always an important focus for me. That book is excellent!

Thank you again!

[TiredX2]

While I may not agree with you on evolution/creationism, I am sure we will both face public schools teaching our children things we do not 100% agree with.

Mostly, DP & I try to teach what we believe *before* it comes up. We also suppliment with additional things we feel our children should know about what is being covered in school (this, for me, is esp obvious around History). Certain things (drug education) I also plan on excusing my children from.