‘Evolution doesn’t explain everything’

EVOLUTIONARY theory should be taught to science students, but it alone cannot explain complex biological phenomenon, said a biochemistry professor who is a leading advocate of “intelligent design.”

Lehigh University Professor Michael Behe was the first witness called by a school board that is requiring students to hear a statement about the intelligent design concept in biology class.

Lawyers for the Dover Area School Board began presenting their case yesterday in the landmark federal trial, which could decide whether it can be mentioned in public school science classes as an alternative to the theory of evolution.

Mr Behe, whose work includes a 1996 best-seller called Darwin’s Black Box, said students should be taught evolution because it’s widely used in science and that “any well-educated student should understand it.”

He argues, however, that evolution cannot fully explain the biological complexities of life, suggesting the work of an intelligent force.

The school board is defending its decision a year ago to require students to hear a statement on intelligent design before ninth-grade biology lessons on evolution. The statement says Charles Darwin’s theory is “not a fact” and has inexplicable “gaps.”

Eight families sued to have intelligent design removed from the biology curriculum, contending the policy promotes the Bible’s view of creation and violates the constitutional separation of church and state.

Mainstream scientists have rejected intelligent design as scientifically untested and contend that its supporters focus on attacking evolutionary theory rather than providing evidence for design.

Lehigh’s biology department sought to distance itself from Mr Behe in August, posting a statement on its website that says the faculty “are unequivocal in their support of evolutionary theory.”

He earned tenure at Lehigh before becoming a proponent, which lets him express his views without the threat of losing his job.

The trial began September 26 and is expected to last up to five weeks.

The plaintiffs are represented by a team put together by the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

The school district is being represented by the Thomas More Law Centre, a public-interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that says its mission is to defend the religious freedom of Christians.