Re: Challenges to teaching biology

Keith, this is an excellent list, with which I heartily agree. I'd add one
thing, which I'm coming to think is a core issue in the U.S.: somehow, the
major broad-based Evangelical seminaries need to confront these questions
more honestly. Nothing will change if Pastoral leadership doesn't begin to
change. I do think some people at some places, like Gordon Conwell,
Westminster, and Fuller, have made great strides in thinking about these
things, but there still seems to be a sense in which the Evangelical
seminaries are isolated from the world outside. It seems to me, though
still a newbie here, that this is something the ASA should and could try to
influence.

On 4/4/06, Keith Miller <kbmill@ksu.edu> wrote:
>
> 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/<http://www-personal.ksu.edu/%7Ekbmill/>
>
>
Received on Wed Apr 5 09:40:17 2006