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Posted 12/21/2005 8:10 PM

Ruling on 'intelligent design' is one for the history books
The 1925 Scopes "monkey trial" is a staple of American history courses. Although Tennessee high school teacher John Scopes was convicted of teaching evolution, the backlash helped open classrooms nationally to Charles Darwin's scientific theory.

On Tuesday, a federal judge in Pennsylvania handed down another court decision on evolution that merits inclusion in the history books. Judge John Jones' 139-page ruling contains far-reaching wisdom that school boards everywhere can draw on when pressured to inject religion into science courses.

Jones, a Republican appointed by President Bush, delivered a stinging rebuke to advocates of "intelligent design," who argue that some forms of life are so complex they must be the product of an intelligent designer. Bringing remarkable clarity to the debate, Jones found that intelligent design, or ID, is "a religious view" and "a mere re-labeling of creationism."

The case originated in Dover, Pa., where ID advocates had prevailed on the school board to require that ninth-grade biology students be read a statement critical of evolution and suggesting intelligent design as an alternative. After local parents sued, Jones presided over a six-week trial that evoked comparisons with the Scopes case 80 years earlier.

Last month, when Dover voters replaced eight school board members who had adopted the policy, the Rev. Pat Robertson warned that God might forsake their community. We can only wonder what Robertson thinks will happen to Jones, whose courageous opinion sizzles with memorable rhetoric. To wit:

• "The breathtaking inanity of the (school board's) decision is evident when considered against the factual backdrop."

• "It is ironic that several of these (school board members), who so staunchly and proudly touted their religious convictions in public, would time and again lie to cover their tracks and disguise the real purpose behind the ID Policy."


The problem with comparing evolution with intelligent design is that ID is a matter of faith, not science. It can't be tested. Evolution, by contrast, is backed by overwhelming scientific evidence.

Some intelligent design advocates also suggest that embracing evolution leads to spurning the church. They tend to not mention people like Brown University cell biologist Kenneth Miller, author of biology textbooks and a devout Roman Catholic.

Just as evolution and religion needn't be in conflict, there's no reason the controversy over intelligent design and creationism can't be discussed in school. It's part of American culture and history. Just don't present ID as a scientific alternative to evolution.

Here's a suggested lesson plan for social studies teachers: Make Judge Jones' decision required reading. Discuss.

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