[asa] Science, Evolution, and Creationism

FYI from NCSE:

SCIENCE, EVOLUTION, AND CREATIONISM RELEASED

The National Academy of Sciences and Institute of Medicine recently
released Science, Evolution, and Creationism, a book designed to give
the public a comprehensive and up-to-date picture of the current
scientific understanding of evolution and its importance in the science
classroom. In a January 4, 2008, press release, National Academy of
Sciences President Ralph Cicerone was quoted as saying, "Science,
Evolution, and Creationism provides the public with coherent
explanations and concrete examples of the science of evolution. The
study of evolution remains one of the most active, robust, and useful
fields in science."

As its title suggests, the book also addresses creationism in its
various forms, including young-earth, old-earth, and "intelligent
design" creationism, and concludes, "No scientific evidence supports
these viewpoints." Observing that "[c]reationism in its various forms
is not the same thing as belief in God because ... many believers as
well as many mainstream religious groups accept the findings of science,
including evolution," Science, Evolution, and Creationism also quotes
both leading scientists of faith (including Francis Collins and NCSE
Supporter Kenneth R. Miller) and religious leaders and groups (including
the late Pope John Paul II and the over 10,000 signatories of the Clergy
Letter Project), who see no conflict between their faith and science.

Science, Evolution, and Creationism takes a decidedly firm line on the
necessity of including evolution in science education, warning, "Many
teachers are under considerable pressure from policy makers, school
administrators, parents, and students to downplay or eliminate the
teaching of evolution. As a result, many U.S. students lack access to
information and ideas that are both integral to modern science and
essential for making informed, evidence-based decisions about their own
lives and our collective future. ... Given the importance of science in
all aspects of modern life, the science curriculum should not be
undermined with nonscientific material."

The third edition of a publication first issued in 1984 (as Science and
Creationism), Science, Evolution, and Creationism is twice as long as
the second edition, issued in 1999. The current book was written by a
committee including a number of NCSE Supporters and members and chaired
by NCSE Supporter Francisco Ayala, the Donald Bren Professor of
Biological Sciences at the University of California, Irvine, and the
author most recently of Darwin's Gift (Joseph Henry Press, 2007).
Copies of Science, Evolution, and Creationism are available from the
National Academies Press (call 202-334-3313 or 1-800-624-6242; or visit
the National Academies Press's website), for $12.95; a PDF version is
also available for free download at the National Academies Press's
website.

For information about Science, Evolution, and Creationism, visit:
http://www.nap.edu/sec

For the press release announcing the book, visit:
http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=11876

Dick Fischer

Dick Fischer, Genesis Proclaimed Association

Finding Harmony in Bible, Science, and History

 <http://www.genesisproclaimed.org/> www.genesisproclaimed.org

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Received on Fri Jan 4 23:14:08 2008