"Evolution as an explanation of the multitude of species begs the question of origin of life such that most young students who have been exposed to it think it covers the issue of origins."
And that is exactly the point where a good Biology teacher should step in and explain that science cannot provide a REASON for evolutionary mechanisms and that the respective student should ask his or her parents about that.
Science is lot like "connect the dots" - it provides a hypothesis about what the lines in the picture might look like. What it does not provide is a statement about the painter or his intentions.
Therefore it is essential to point out to all students before discussing evolution that the theory of evolution is no more than the sum of certain mechanisms, such as natural selection - the same way calculus is a set of mathematic tools.
A teacher who tries to prove God's existence through evolution (which is basically what ID does) is the same type of fool as a teacher with a radical atheist agenda who tries to prove that God does not exist by quoting Darwin.
Yes, I am in favor of teaching evolution in schools. No, I'm firmly against presenting ID in Biology classes. But I also believe that every single teacher should be instructed, if a student should ask WHY there's evolution, to reply along the lines of: "That is not a question science can answer. Science doesn't cover the "why". You should discuss that with your parents instead!".
If every teacher acted thus - there would be no problem whatsoever with Darwin and the theory of evolution. That is exactly the modus operandi we should strive for - and NOT teaching ID in schools.
To believe the only motive for advocating ID in schools was to present an "alternative explanation", is naive. No such thing is needed. Purpose is no scientific category. Or does any of you really think a Physics teacher should discuss WHY such a thing as nuclear fission exists. To kill all infidels? Or should we also teach animal-rights-activist bullcrap in Biology, just because it is an alternative view?
And that is also why the judge is right about the discussion being dishonest.
I've always believed that Evolution is based on Hypothesis with a lack of proper observation (that would be documented through out the ages).
Whereas, If I totally rely on historical writings/documentaries, I could (if needed) properly support all written observations in the Bible.
Thus being said, I too agree that (1) If there is going to be a public School system, they should teach a simple line of basics: Science can be taught thru Physics, Chemistry, biology, health, anatomy and much more without ever bringing up the "Evolution Theory"... One may however be inclined to use the "term" evolved [Etymology: Latin evolvere to unroll, from].
I also believe (2) This is why Homeschooling should be more accurately supported by all people.. because that is where parents need to be encouraged to answer those questions on Evolution vs Creation. If parents are encouraged to Home school their children (even if it's after public school), maybe then we can pull the responsibility of Theorism Learning off the shoulders of our paid teachers!?
Purpose is no scientific category
Without insult to your individual intellect, I couldn't have said it better. You are So right with that statement!