[r9etb]

then we're talking about a problem with the public schools (and you won't find a bigger critic of publc schools than me), rather than a problem with the theory of evolution.

Actually, I think we'd be talking about a problem with the theory of evolution itself, since the basic assumption -- which both teachers and Richard Dawkins teach -- is that bunches of molecules somehow randomly assembled themselves into living organisms.

The problem here is not that molecules became assembled, it's the assumption that they did so randomly.

[PatrickHenry]

... bunches of molecules somehow randomly assembled themselves into living organisms.

That's not quite what the theory of evolution says. Rather, it's what the theory's detractors claim that it says. But you're correct, of course. Organism certainly don't appear because zillions of stray atoms randomly fly together and then start walking around. However, you score no points for shooting down an incorrect statement of the theory.

[balrog666]

The problem here is not that molecules became assembled, it's the assumption that they did so randomly.

Complex molecules self-assemble all the time - it's called organic chemistry. Your complaint hinges upon how you define "random".

[Modernman]

the basic assumption.....is that bunches of molecules somehow randomly assembled themselves into living organisms.

I think the word somehow is the basis of the disagreement here. The theory of evolution does not seek to answer the somehow question. I don't think we CAN answer that question, barring the discovery of time travel. I would have no problem with a teacher glossing over this part and saying that this somehow happened and we can't exactly answer the question. However, the failure to answer this question shouldn't really be an obstacle to accepting evolution as a mechanistic explanation as to how species evolved.

[Modernman]

Having lurked on a lot of these crevo debates, I think the biggest conflict between the two sides is the fact that many creationists approach the topic as just a part of a bigger battle to bring religion instruction back into schools. The battle doesn't seem to be over evolution per se (or, not exclusively over religion) but rather just another skirmish against the secular nature of our society.