Imagine being in a classroom where the wonders of the world explored through science coexist harmoniously with the mysteries pondered by religion. Instead of diminishing one for the other, we should embrace a holistic approach to understanding our existence and evolution. Is it possible that these two perspectives could lead to a deeper, more enriching education experience? My experience with a teacher’s response to a question about evolution highlighted the divide between these two. I asked the teacher if there might be a divine explanation alongside scientific theories about evolution, but the teacher dismissed religions as “something people make up” which left me pondering the role of both perspectives.
Science is an invaluable tool that enables us to explore, measure, and understand the natural world. It provides evidence and fosters critical thinking. However, dismissing religion entirely in scientific discussions can be reductive. Religion offers profound insights into existence, purpose, and morality. It addresses questions that science alone may not be able to explain ( Cristine, 2011).
The classroom should be a place where diverse viewpoints are explored respectfully. From time to time, I get upset when my teachers keep mentioning that we derive from a monkey and fish and sharks and whatever other animals we supposedly derive from. Of course, there is evidence that there are similarities in our bone and DNA structure but God also made us all as a unified ecosystem. In the book of Genesis of the bible, the Old Testament talks about how God created the world in seven days. The first day he separated light from darkness. On the second day, God made the sky and ocean. On the third day, God made vegetation on the dry land and made the sea alongside the land. On the fourth day, God made the sun and the galaxies. On the fifth day, God made birds and fish for the sea. On the 6th day, God made land creatures and mankind. Could this whole sequence of creation explain the supernatural parts of our world? Some people just might find religion to make sense of how we came about. Imagine if my teacher had responded with, “Religion is complex and I won't say that one religion is right over the other, but there could be some sort of explanation that things exist due to a divine being.”
Now some scientists will say, “Well look there is evidence here on fossils how we derive from every animal.” There are ancestors out there that show evolution but there is something about religion that can tie into their thinking: free will. Before sin, everything was in harmony according to the Bible, but ever since our first-ever parents decided to sin, free will exixsted, causing animals to become wild and unfriendly. Animals connected with each other as kind beings, but ever since sin, they became wild. From then on, animals would do their own thing exploring, hunting, and exploring that free will. In my opinion, this would lead to the brith and extinction of different species. Wouldn’t it be nice if a class would sit down with a priest and a scientist? Sometimes we have to think in a way that explains the supernatural and we have to let ourselves believe and allow for religion to come into play.
However, there are some people who are still adamant that religion and science cannot coexist because of their different values, morals, and behaviors. Religion asserts a powerful god, while science is concerned with the facts and just dismisses the supernatural ( Ferguson). Evolution is a well supported scientific theory that explains the diversity of life on earth. However, exploring philosophical or religious questions about the origins of life alongside scientific explanation can enrich students' understanding and appreciation of both realms.
Advocating for a nuanced inclusion of both religion and science in education, it is not about suggesting one religion over the other or presenting religious beliefs as scientific facts. Rather, it's a bit recognizing that many students come from different backgrounds where religion plays a significant role in their lives. In this case, it plays a significant role in my life. Schools need to foster a more inclusive and respectful learning environment.
In conclusion, the classroom should be a place where both science and religion can be discussed with respect and openness. You create a educational environment that honors the diversity of beliefs. Both science and religion have their own unique contribution to our knowledge and existence. Students should feel comfortable talking about these issues and see that both science and religion can coexist (Ferguson). Would you like religion to taken into consideration?
Work Cited
Cristine H. Legare, Aku Visala; Between Religion and Science: Integrating Psychological and Philosophical Accounts of Explanatory Coexistence. Human Development 1 July 2011; 54 (3): 169–184. https://doi.org/10.1159/000329135
Ferguson, J. P. "Is there a place for religion in the science classroom?" (2017).
Loving, Cathleen C., and Andrea Foster. "The religion‐in‐the‐science‐classroom issue: Seeking graduate student conceptual change." Science Education 84.4 (2000): 445-468.
Old testament, Genesis
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