National Academy of Sciences updates publication on Creationism in Science Classes

[MadAsHell]

NAS Releases Third Edition of Science, Evolution, and Creationism

On January 4, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released Science, Evolution, and Creationism, the third edition of a publication first issued in 1984 and updated in 1999. The updated version provides a comprehensive and up-to-date picture of the current scientific understanding of evolution and its importance in the science classroom.

The publication documents the overwhelming evidence in support of biological evolution and evaluates the alternative perspectives offered by advocates of various kinds of creationism, including intelligent design. It also presents the scientific and legal reasons for not teaching creationist ideas in science classes. "Teaching creationist ideas in science class confuses students about what constitutes science and what does not," states the Committee on Revising Science and Creationism in a press release on the publication.

"As Science, Evolution, and Creationism makes clear, the evidence for evolution can be fully compatible with religious faith. Science and religion are different ways of understanding the world. Needlessly placing them in opposition reduces the potential of each to contribute to a better future," the book says.

For more information on the book, visit www.nationalacademies.org.