Is the recent discussion regarding the teaching of evolution in US schools more about the role of the "expert" within a democracy? Should elected, accountable, democratic governments - from school board to president - necessarily privilege the "scientific community" over other associations, perhaps more numerous, within the community they serve? And if so how? And who else gets the privilege? Should, for example, diplomats and lawyers have a privileged voice in foreign policy? Or are we to rely solely on the ability of our particular community to represent ourselves within society?
I realize there are issues concerning the Constitution of the United States and the separation of "Church" and "State" - but whence the Constitution?
There are fascinating avenues within natural theology that have, are and will be pursued by both theologians and scientists. IF one starts with the proposition that "God" exists, what can then be said about this (B)being given the (presumably) created order that we perceive. However, I suspect that this has little to do with a literal reading of the Genesis creation narrative.
Tom Dunkley Jones
PhD student - Micropalaeontology
University College London
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