Evolution vs. Intelligent Design

I have never understood the ages-old debate about Evolution vs. Intelligent Design that is currently raging again in the US. All of this controversy about what to teach the kids at school, changing textbooks to reflect the sole teaching of one or the other theory, is nonsensical to me.

Here is what I propose:

If you don’t believe in God, study the science as you choose, but to become a well-rounded person, just learn about the other theory and be aware of it.

If you do believe in God, study the science as you choose, but to become a well-rounded person, incorporate your spiritual beliefs into the science.

(Note that studying the science took priority in both scenarios. This is my opinion, of course, that science is the effect and spiritual origins are the cause)

My high school biology textbook listed all of the various beliefs about how life began (including evolution, creation, parthenogenesis, etc.) in the beginning chapter. We all read the various ideas and made up our minds. What’s the problem?

Here is my personal belief that I have held since childhood, and the wisdom of age has only made this belief stronger: Obviously there are scientific rules that guide everything we do. There is no getting around that. We cannot change science facts to fit religious viewpoints. However, we can incorporate the idea of God (or whatever higher consciousness you believe in) into these rules and the Theory of Evolution. There is obviously intelligent design involved in everything we analyze. Did the human eye just get “thrown together”? I say “no” but I do believe God used his/her self created rules to slowly create the structure of the eye over time. So yes, there is evolution and yes, it is intelligently designed. What’s the problem?? Why does it have to be black and white? I detest extremes in any form. I prefer a continuum mentality and an ability to integrate science and spirituality.

Rather than float in the clouds or be glued to physical reality, let us all be present in both realms. Or not. If you don’t believe in a Creator, that’s your choice. But both sides must not coerce belief on each other. Believe what you will, evolution or creation in whatever form exists and will continue regardless.