Before the days of media frenzy, it was called the trial of the century. The 1925 Scopes "Monkey Trail," pitting religion against science, brought evolution to the forefront of education. Now state senator Chris Buttars (R-West Jordan) has vowed to promote legislation promoting "intelligent design" as part of our public school's science curriculum. Last week President Bush endorsed similar plans in other states. Interestingly, John H. Marburger, the president's own science advisor stated, "Evolution is the cornerstone of modern biology. Intelligent design is not a scientific concept." Although it may be argued that a great deal of faith is required to believe geometry will have a bearing on one's future happiness, God and spirituality are best left to philosophy classes.

Even the biblical creation story found in Genesis can be hotly debated by people of faith. Was the world created in six virtual days or six periods of time? Was Eve actually fashioned from Adam's rib or is that merely symbolic of their uniquely human similarities? Utah health teachers routinely dance around human reproduction; can you imagine the intricacies of explaining God and the creation in such a watered down version that no one is offended?

Intelligent design and evolution are not mutually exclusive. The beauty of religious belief and scientific knowledge is the awareness that there are many mysteries. Acceptance that there are still unknown frontiers is the bedrock of intellectual curiosity. The acknowledgment of the greatness of God is the foundation of spiritual faith. Not having all the answers is the comfort of our puny mortality and the impetus for scientific research.

Years of scientific study has collaborated the facts of evolution. Calling it a "theory" is to deny the facts. In the same vein, faith is a deeply held belief that should not be debated in a science classroom. The logic and complexities of science surely reinforce the grand plan of a higher being. Martin Nowak, a Harvard professor of evolutionary biology states, "Science does not produce any evidence against God. Science and religion merely ask different questions."



Raised in Davis County, Brandvold is employed in the financial industry--and proud to be a Utah Democrat.