'Evolution for the Catholic Student' - Preview

Evolution for the Catholic Student – Preview

Evolution for the Catholic Student is a recently released ebook designed to help homeschooling parents, Catholic educators, and anyone who is interested in truth, to understand the issues surrounding evolutionary theory and their relationship with Catholic theology.  It is targeted as an educational program to Catholic students in grades 7-12.  (The reading level may be difficult for some junior high students.)  It is completely faithful to Catholic teaching regarding both Creation and evolution.  It also presents scientific evidence and inquiry on both sides of the question of evolutionary theory far beyond what can be found in mainstream text books.  Finally, the inclusion of logic, philosophy, and faithful Catholic theology make it completely unique as a tool for Catholic students and educators.  To find out more or to purchase the program, click HERE, or on the graphic above.  The following is the program’s introduction:

 

Chapter One: Introduction

One of the great challenges for Catholic homeschooling families, and Catholic educators in general, is how to handle the topic of the Theory of Evolution.  There are plenty of secular approaches to the topic, but they usually accept the theory uncritically, and give it an atheistic slant.  This, of course, is not only bad theology and totally unacceptable to a Catholic, it is also bad science.

            Many Christian approaches to the Theory of Evolution set it up as diametrically opposed to God, and therefore, it and its adherents are anathema.  Or they ignore the issue altogether.  Both of these approaches are problematic as well.  The former is inconsistent with the Church’s approach, which allows great intellectual freedom on the issue (within certain guidelines given us by Revelation).  And the latter leaves children unprepared to defend their faith.  When they are confronted with the theory, they sometimes assume they were not taught it particularly because it is a threat to the Faith.

            Though there surely are good resources available, they are hard to find.  The purpose of this program is to provide Catholic parents and educators a supplement to their regular science curriculum, for the purpose specifically of dealing with the Theory of Evolution.

            The first goal of this program is to break apart the false dichotomy of “evolution vs. God.”  There are certain dogmatic statements the Church has made regarding the origin of man, which God has revealed (and which, incidentally, science has confirmed).  These are to be adhered to.  However, because the Church acknowledges the validity of wide differences of opinion regarding evolutionary theory, this program does as well. 

            The truth is that evolutionary theory does not undermine a belief in God, the divinity of Christ, or the Catholic Church as His Body.  Students will be encouraged to recognize that, so they need not be afraid of it.

            As a scientific theory, evolution should not be accepted uncritically.  It is important to remember that the Church has made no dogmatic statement in favor of evolution.  To say that one’s opinion on this topic determines whether one is a “true Christian” or “orthodox Catholic” is simply false.  That is a foundational principle.

            The next goal of this program is to define the Theory of Evolution for students, which is not an easy task, as it takes many different forms and is constantly being revised.  They will learn the basic principles of the theory and the scientific history that has led to its development.

            They will even be taught some of the erroneous atheistic conclusions that many people come to, and why those conclusions are wrong and unsupported by science as well as divine Revelation.

            Students will also be presented with the many weaknesses in the Theory of Evolution.  Often students are taught to simply believe in evolution, while not learning about the many highly accomplished scientists who believe it is a fantasy.  In this program students will receive a clear understanding of the many problems with the theory.  They will be encouraged to explore evolutionary theory critically, and given the freedom to come to their own conclusions without fear that their faith is at stake.

            These are the aims of this program.  Please supplement it with other materials that meet your family’s specific needs, and most importantly, with prayer.

It might be fairly asked, “Why do we even bother studying evolutionary theory?  First of all, even the most devoted of its advocates can not claim that it has been proven to be true.  Theories of macroevolution do not seem to have any real practical application, such as to the fields of medicine, etc.  And evolutionary theory doesn’t really enhance our understanding of Creation at its deepest level, or our ability to know, love, and serve God.  It seems to be a trivial pursuit, whose only purpose is to satisfy curiosity, which can be a dangerous motive for seeking knowledge.”

Those are extremely valid points, but ask yourself this question: Do you know anyone who has given up their faith, at least in part, because of evolution?  Very likely, you do.  That is a tragedy.  The only reason one would lose his faith over evolution is because the theory had been presented wrongly, possibly as a propaganda tool specifically aimed at undermining faith.

Evolutionary theory is a part of our national consciousness.  It is at the heart of many controversies in education, as well as the fabricated “war” between science and religion.  It is in text books, on documentaries, and a part of political discussion.  We must be equipped to encounter this theory, which is so often propagandized, on a secure footing.  That is the purpose of this program.

After finishing this program, students will know more about evolutionary theory, and the science on each side of the debate, than almost anyone they encounter.  They will be able to analyze it critically and logically, and recognize common fallacies that are present in secular text books and documentaries.

It is important, also, to understand what this program does not accomplish.  It approaches evolutionary theory through the lens of physical science, which is the lens through which our children will likely encounter it, and basic logical thinking.  However, that is not the only valid lens through which to evaluate evolution.  A thorough understanding demands a metaphysical as well as theological evaluation as well.  For a philosophical treatment of evolution, using Scholastic principles, try Father Chad Ripperger’s The Metaphysics of Evolution.  There are numerous worthy theological treatments of the issue.  Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn has written a book called Chance or Purpose? on the topic; Father Michael Chabarek has written essays which approach it from a somewhat different angle; and Pope Benedict’s In the Beginning is another good resource.  Of course, no study of Creation would be complete without the words of the Angelic Doctor, St. Thomas Aquinas, on the topic, some of which can be found in the Summa Theologica.

Common Core vs. Classical Education

Common Core vs. Classical Education

As a teacher in a school that is adopting the Common Core standards, I was introduced to them rather early and with a decidedly positive bent.  I have also, in preparation for opening (God willing) a classical academy, been learning as much as I can about classical education, not having been educated according to that method myself as a child.

          I am not an expert on either Common Core or classical education, although I expect I could discuss them both with reasonable knowledge and intelligence.  There is plenty to say about them, but what I want to contrast in this article are certain key philosophies underlying both, at least as I understand them.

          Anyone who has been paying attention to the Common Core controversy has heard the complaint that, among other things, Common Core steers away from literary texts, and toward non-fiction, technical texts.  Another complaint has been the supposed lowered expectations for math in the higher grades.

          These things are products of a basic philosophy of education that the Common Core standards put into practice.  It sees education almost exclusively as a means for economic achievement.  The purpose of education, the philosophy says, is to create citizens with the ability to contribute to the economy and provide for themselves financially as adults.

          Therefore, Shakespeare and trigonometry, for most people, are superfluous.  “Why does a truck driver need to know Shakespeare?” I’ve heard it said.  College is the time to specialize.  Those interested in literature will explore it then.  Those who pursue a career with higher level mathematics can master trigonometry; the rest of us need not be bothered with it.

          To be fair, these opinions are not universal among educators, even those promoting the Common Core.  And many districts may choose to go beyond the standards.  Certainly Catholic dioceses will have more freedom to decide how to implement the standards, if they do.

          The philosophy, however, is in stark contrast to that exemplified by classical education.  To a classical educator, education is about much more than economic achievement; it is about human formation.  He believes that there is a certain education that is fitting for all people, necessary for responsible citizenship, and worthy of a child of God.

          The liberal arts, as taught in classical education, should create well-rounded students. A comprehensive education is necessary for all students, regardless of their future profession.  A classical educator would answer the question, “Why does a truck driver need to know Shakespeare?” with, “It may not benefit truck driving to know Shakespeare, but it benefits human persons.” 

          A career is what we do.  But everyone deserves the opportunity to be an educated person.  This is the philosophy behind classical education.  (The addition of Catholicism to classical education completes the program.)

          This is not to say that modern “Common Core” educators are not interested in their students being truly educated people.  But the system in which they are operating, in my opinion, does not encourage it.  Parents have many things to consider when it comes to the education of their children, and the philosophy behind that education is one of the fundamentals.  All parents would do well to learn about the Common Core, inquire as to how their district or their diocese will be implementing it, and prayerfully consider supporting a return to the classical approach to education.

 

Note:  Though I do not support the Common Core standards, I recognize that Catholic dioceses, with more freedom than public schools, may use what they find profitable from the standards, discard what they find objectionable, and supplement with other beneficial materials.  This post is meant as a reflection, perhaps even a challenge to parents and educators alike, but not as a criticism of any diocese or school district.

Link - It's Time to Take Screen Time Seriously

Link – It’s Time to Take Screen Time Seriously

          Given the insane race among many schools to increase students’ screen time as much as possible, the following article is worth serious consideration.

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/06/26/new-digital-dementia-plaguing-young-tech-users/?intcmp=obnetwork

Link - Tide Turning Against Common Core

Link – Tide Turning Against Common Core

          I’ve written a couple of times on this blog about the Common Core national education standards.  As a teacher, they were presented to me as a wonderful thing.  However, the more I learned, the more I began to get concerned.  Now, enthusiasm is waning for the standards.  Indiana is the first state to reject the standards after previously accepting them, and it may not be the last.  See the link below for more details.

http://catholicexchange.com/two-moms-vs-common-core/

What is the Common Core?

What is the Common Core?

          As a teacher, one thing that has been dominating our professional development that last two years has been the Common Core.  For those not familiar with what the Common Core is, it is a set of national standards for K-12 math and language arts instruction.

          It seems very non-threatening, and it certainly hasn’t been presented to us as anything controversial.  Even for someone like me, who believes in local control of education, since our standards are already created by the state, it seems like it wouldn’t be problematic for different states to be consistent regarding what skills they are teaching in math and language arts.

          So it surprised me to learn that there is a movement to stop the Common Core.  There are a series of five videos on Youtube encouraging people to oppose the plan.  I have the first at the bottom of this post so people can hear the other side and make up their own minds.

          I find some of the concerns a bit overblown, while others seem quite reasonable.  The most serious concern, in my mind, is that what we are now receiving with the Common Core is the camel’s nose in the tent that will lead to a host of other national regulations on our schools, including a liberal rewriting of history, permissive sex education, and social engineering with regard to gender and sexuality.

          That may seem conspiracy theorist, but I believe it is quite realistic and demands vigilance.  Opponents of Common Core claim that much of the support behind it is from liberal social engineers who are unable to nationalize their agenda in one major step and see the math and language arts standards as a non-threatening first step to an incremental grand plan.

          Whether or not that claim is true, and whether or not Common Core grows beyond this initial stage, the controversy should serve as a reminder to all of us that we must remain engaged in education policy.  As Abraham Lincoln noted, the culture in the classroom today will be the culture of the nation in a generation.

The Bishops Speak - Link

The Bishops Speak

Link – Santa Rosa Bishop Requires Catholic Teachers to Teach Catholicism

http://www.catholicworldreport.com/Blog/2032/bishop_asks_catholics_to_affirm_church_teaching_catholics_freak_out.aspx#.UTlzVFfgzLI