WhatFinger


Theory of evolution, Creation, Academic disciplines of persistent query

The Texas Evolution Controversy



For as long as there has been recorded history man has sought to define and appreciate that which is immutable: truth. The simplest most relevant definition of truth for most of us is that there must some unchanging rules of the universe that give our lives meaning and therefore purpose. Our sentient gift which is unique as far as we currently realize in the animal world compelled our ancestors and will compel our descendants in this pursuit.

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The great state of Texas is involved in a controversy in the teaching of the science curriculum in public schools. For some time the rule about teaching the theory of evolution was that both the "strengths and weaknesses" of the scientific theories relating to the origin of mankind should be taught. A new rule changing the wording to "sufficiency or insufficiency" is mobilizing opposition from many of those whose religious beliefs do not accept evolutionary theory including recognized scientists in the academic community not just religious groups. As a Christian we are taught that upon hearing the truth of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost enters our being to help us recognize fact. A basic tenet of our faith is that this is self-evident without the need for further proof. This dimension of human existence has survived two thousand years not because it defied scientific assessment but because obvious benevolence did not require it. As a holder of a doctorate degree based upon the scientific method which began in ancient history and whose refinement over the centuries allowed man to better understand and use the world around him I have been taught to to always question. Many people confuse the reliable prediction of outcome from known variables with knowledge of truth. Recognizing cause and effect is not a substitute for truth. The ancient philosopher, Aristotle, recognized this when he said "To say of what is that it is not, or of what is not that it is, is false, while to say of what is that it is, and of what is not that it is not, is true". Real believers in scientific theory know that too often we are recognizing patterns of cause and effect without knowing "what's really going on". Knowledge in the scientific world is seen as a dynamic flowing wind which can change direction over time as it is affected by new discoveries. This malleability in the substance of man's scientific wisdom has no borders and almost no absolutes. Aristotle's mentor, Socrates, in fact created a teaching method named after him that is still in use by most academic disciplines of persistent query. The wording of the new rules in Texas law in my opinion runs against what Aristotle told us over a thousand years ago. To say we know what "sufficient or insufficient" means implies we possess all the truths of the universe. Although I personally find no contradictions between current evolutionary theory and my religious convictions that does not imply that others doubts are wrong. There is one truth we can agree on that when someone says that any theory is "sufficient" that is not science.


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Dr. Tony Magana -- Bio and Archives

Dr. Tony Magana was raised in McAllen Texas, attended Texas A&M;University, and holds a doctorate from Harvard University. He has served in the United States Army Reserve. He is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.


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