TX Board Gives Final Approval to Biology Books {Darwinist Theory}

Laredo, TX, Morning Times ^ | 11-08-03 | Castro, April, AP

[Theodore R.]

Board gives final approval to biology books

BY APRIL CASTRO Associated Press Writer

AUSTIN - Biology books in Texas will continue to present the origin of life according to the theories of Charles Darwin.

The State Board of Education gave final approval Friday to 11 biology books, among others, despite a major campaign to poke holes in Darwin's theory of evolution as presented in the textbooks.

School districts in Texas will be able to purchase books from the approved list for use beginning in the 2004-2005 school year.

Texas Education Agency Director Robert Scott said any factual errors in the books would be addressed by publishers before the books become available.

The decision could impact dozens of states because books sold in Texas, the nation's second-largest buyer of textbooks, are often marketed elsewhere. Texas, California and Florida account for more than 30 percent of the nation's $4 billion public school book market. Three dozen publishers invest millions of dollars in Texas.

Some alternative science groups had argued that weaknesses in the theory of evolution weren't adequately presented in the books. But scientists and educators argued that the theory is widely believed and is a cornerstone of modern scientific research.

The Seattle-based Discovery Institute was one of the most vocal opponents of including criticisms of evolution in the book.

"We were also hoping that the Board would require textbooks to include coverage of the peer-reviewed scientific weaknesses of evolutionary theory," said Bruce Chapman, president of the Discovery Institute. "Unfortunately, there wasn't a majority on the Board that was willing to enforce that."

Institute officials said they will continue to publicize what they call errors and weaknesses in Darwin's theory as presented in some books.

Board member David Bradley made an unsuccessful attempt to amend the adoption measure Friday to place all but two of the items on a "non-conforming" list. School districts would still have the option of purchasing the books, but use of non-conforming books in Texas is rare.

Bradley maintained that criticisms of the theory of evolution weren't religious. Bradley voted against preliminary approval Thursday, which passed in an 11-4 vote. Final approval came on a voice vote.

Despite the religious implications of evolution, several churches and ministers throughout Texas signed a letter to the board in opposition of "attempts dilute, distort or censor the teaching of evolution in biology textbooks."

"We believe religious convictions about the origin of life are sacred and should be cultivated and strengthened in homes and houses of worship," the statement said. "We further believe that efforts to insert religious beliefs into science textbooks misunderstand and demean both faith and science."

11/08/03

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[Ron H.]

Problem with the link you provided for the source.

[Poohbah]

Actually, no one knows, Ben Chad, if the earth is the center of the universe. All we "know" is that the earth is NOT the center of the solar system.

Which means, since it's revolving around something else, that it's not the center of ANYTHING--be it the solar system or the universe.

[Poohbah]

But evolution is a theory, not a scientific fact, no matter how many "scientists" want it stated as a fact.

It is a theory. It is a theory that does a better job of explaining how we got here than simply saying "Godidit!"

Please show us where creationist theories have led to successful predictions of what was NOT known when the theory was first offered.

[fiscally_right]

It is a theory, as Einsteins Theory of Relativity is a theory, and Reiman's Theory, etc. It may be called a theory, but that is only true until they are proven beyond any doubt. Reiman's Theory is an equation that has proven to be true up to a few trillion integers, but they still don't call it a Law because no one has proven it to be absolutely true. I see evolution the same way.

[Poohbah]

Yes, evolution is a "theory." However, it still does a superior job to accounting for the nature of life on Earth and predicting previously unknown facts than, say, "Intelligent Design" or relying on the first chapter of Genesis.

Also, "Darwinism" is the favorite perjorative of choice for creationists and ID'ers. Darwin's work was the first attempt to explain the overall process, and still serves as the basis of evolution theory; however, others have added much to the body of work, and Darwin's piece is much smaller than most creationists make out.