Re: Challenges to teaching biology

Wayne wrote:

> Keith Miller wrote:
>
>> Unfortunately, what is happening is not the challenging of ideas or
>> critical thinking. What is occurring is disruptive student behavior
>> and the refusal to hear arguments. They are challenging the teacher
>> not to learn, but to keep from learning. As the article indicates,
>> some students go to the extent of walking out of class or putting
>> their heads on the desk.
>
>
> I understand that this is frustrating, and I understand why you would
> be waving your hands about it. However, aside from being sympathetic,
> what can we do?

I think that there is a lot that we can do on many fronts.

1) Do a better job of teaching Biblical hermeneutics in our churches.

2) Place our focus on the theological themes of Genesis (and
elsewhere) and don't confuse them with modern concerns.

3) Affirm the life of the Christian mind (ala Blamires and Noll).
Encourage our children to love knowledge, and respect diversity.

4) Affirm Christian spiritual callings in the sciences and other
professions. Learn to rejoice and praise God for the continuing
revelations of Creation through science.

5) Recognize and act on our calling to be God's image bearers, and
stewards of Creation. Recognize the importance of science in
fulfilling our stewardship responsibilities.

6) Embrace diversity within the church. Stop isolating ourselves
from those with whom we disagree. Visit other churches, and get
involved with Christians from other traditions.

7) As scientists and educators, teach the nature and limitations of
science.

8) Get to know and build relationships with non-Christians.

9) Exhibit integrity in our professional and personal lives.

10) Support local teachers and local public schools. Offer ourselves
as resources. Get involved.

I am afraid that the bulk of the problem is not because of "Them" but
rather because of "Us." The solution begins with what we in the
church choose to do. When churches and Christian communities are
being torn apart by this issue -- it is "Our" problem.

Keith

Keith B. Miller
Research Assistant Professor
Dept of Geology, Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506-3201
785-532-2250
http://www-personal.ksu.edu/~kbmill/
Received on Tue Apr 4 21:19:16 2006