Evolution-Creation Collision Has Been Brought Home To Me

Tue., Feb. 24, 1998

D.F. Oliveria Opinion Writer

A few weeks ago, my sixth-grader came home with the news that her science teacher was about to start a section on evolution.

That disturbed her because she’s been taught at home and in church that the universe and all that’s in it were the creation of an all-wise, all-powerful, all-loving God. That it takes more faith to believe in evolution than creation, to believe that all she sees came into being by chance, rather than through the act of an intelligent Supreme Being.

She wanted to take a stand against evolution.

I admired her courage and passion, but a sixth-grader is no match for a science teacher. I also believed it was valuable for her to learn what the other side was teaching, particularly when our society blindly has embraced that theory as gospel.

Coincidentally, while my daughter and I were having our discussion, a group of Post Falls School District parents was pushing to have scientific creationism taught alongside evolution. The leaders of the pack claimed it could be done without promoting religion. It’d be interesting to see if they’re right.

With scientists finally beginning to reject Darwinism, it may be time to look at other theories that explain what happened “in the beginning.” Maybe the two main theories and their spinoffs should be put on the table to be discussed dispassionately. Then, a 12-year-old girl could express herself freely, rather than be stifled by a flimsy theory that’s hung on a century too long.

Aryans begin raising money for human rights

As of Friday, the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations had received pledges that totaled $40 per minute for the proposed Aryan Nations march April 18.

In case you’ve been out of the country, the human rights group is soliciting pledges of so much per minute that the neo-Nazis march. The task force hopes to raise between $500 and $1,000 per parade minute. The Making Lemonade (Out of Lemons) program has started, although Coeur d’Alene Mayor Steve Judy hasn’t decided yet if he will grant Aryans leader Richard Butler’s request for a parade permit. Local human rights leaders believe the supremacists have a constitutional right to march. (They’re right.)

In the days ahead, the task force will announce a series of events to counter any demonstration the racists may stage. If you want to contribute or gather pledges to the task force’s Making Lemonade program, write to the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, P.O. Box 2725, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816.

, DataTimes MEMO: D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125, or by sending e-mail to daveo@spokesman.com.

D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125, or by sending e-mail to daveo@spokesman.com.

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