Actually, there is an important truth in this. Although my career will
probably be in the study of evolutionary issues, the only aspect relevant
to most people's everyday lives is "In the beginning, God".
However, descent with modification is currently our best scientific
explanation of how the current diversity of organisms was created, and as
far as I can tell, the Big Bang is currently our best scientific
explanation of how the universe was created. As "where did this come
from?" is likely to be asked by students, such issues are relevant. They
also can provide a helpful framework for other issues.
The basic problem is what the goal of education is perceived to be. If
someone is taking biology in order to prepare for med school, evolution is
not very relevant, except for the often-neglected issue of how pathogens
evolve in response to antibiotics or other treatment. If someone is taking
biology in order to have a general idea about our knowledge of life, then
evolution is an important part of that picture.
David C.