THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, April 6, 1996 TAG: 9604060008
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
I was surprised to read (news, March 24) that William C. Bosher Jr., state superintendent of Public Instruction, thinks that there are ``many who would acknowledge that there are fundamental principles of evolution that are driven as much by faith as is creation (theory).''
This is utter nonsense and certainly contrary to the goals of Virginia's new Standards of Learning. Evolution is not just a theory; it is a scientific theory (based on observable and testable explanations of our universe).
Creationism, on the other hand, is not any kind of theory; it is a religious belief masquerading as science. Few scientists doubt evolution or think creationism is anything other than a religious doctrine held by some fundamentalists. Dr. Bosher's position would require us to explain away all modern science such as astronomy, biology and physics. To deny evolution we must also deny electric current, the splitting of the atom, the appearance of comet Hyakutake and even the laws of gravity.
As an educator, I am dismayed that the man appointed to lead Virginia's schools into the 21st century would say such a thing. His statement gives credence to bogus science and encourages those with personal agendas who constantly bash public education and the efforts of our dedicated teachers. (If Mr. Bosher was misquoted, I urge him to correct it.)
As we enter the next century, our schools and teachers must be free of arbitrary requirements to put beliefs on an equal basis with scientific inquiry. It would also be a terrible disservice to the children of our commonwealth to require them to study as creditable theory beliefs that have no reasonable relation to the scientific method. This would do irreparable harm to our efforts to raise educational standards throughout our state.
WILLIAM J. WISEMAN
Portsmouth, March 25, 1996 by CNB