Persuasive Essay: The Creationism Question

For several decades, some segments of American Christianity have pushed for Creationism, the creation myth of the Bible, to be included in the country's public schools, either supplanting Evolution or, at least, presented with equal weight. They argue that Creationism is not only divinely-directed, but scientifically sound, and therefore, appropriate to be taught in schools. In reality, the issue is part of a larger continuing debate about the divisions between religious and secular interests in our society. What is the appropriate place, if any, for Creationism in a public school education? Does it belong in a science lab? A humanities classroom? Or not at all? What are the consequences of having Creationism in (or out) of American schools? Finally, how does Intelligent Design changes the parameters of the debate? In a clear and concise persuasive essay, argue for the most appropriate role for Creationism in an American education.

Cite from the texts below to support your thesis:

• "My Take: Jesus Would Believe in Evolution and So Should You' (CNN)
• "Evolution vs. Intelligent Design: Six Bones of Contention' (National Geographic)
• "Evolution is False: Public Schools Should Teach Intelligent Design' (PolicyMic)
• "Creationism vs. Evolution: An American Problem, an American Opportunity" (NPR)
• "Texas Public Schools are Teaching Creationism" (Slate)
• "The Growing Partisan Divide on Evolution' (Moyers & Company)
• "Creationism Versus Evolutionism: When Will this Debate Ever End?' (Huffington Post)
• "Public’s Views on Human Evolution" (Pew Research Center)
• "Creationists Cite ‘Academic Freedom’ to Teach Beliefs in Schools" (Al Jazeera America)
• "How Evolution Gets Used and Abused in the Science-Religion Debate” (Huffington Post)

All texts are located in the eR.

Requirements:

• Three pages minimum
• MLA Style
• Parenthetical citation
• Works cited page

The best papers will:

• Stay within the parameters of the prompt, focusing on the role Creationism should have in public schools
• Have a concise thesis
• Mount a convincing argument using the above texts
• Properly cite evidence using MLA's parenthetical citation method
• Conclude with a summation of your points
• Be in MLA Style

Due:
Sec 16—03.19.04
Sec 80—03.17.04