'Divine design' should join evolution in biology, Buttars says

One Utah senator hopes to protect students from learning only one scientific-based theory for the origin of life on Earth by presenting an opposing theory that includes the involvement of a "superior being."

Sen. Chris Buttars said Monday on the KUER-FM call-in show "Radio West" that he is concerned enough about the presentation of evolution as a fact, not a scientific theory, that he may take legislative action to ensure other viewpoints are presented.

Most likely, that would be in the form of a bill requiring that science classes include discussions about "divine design" — sometimes called "intelligent design" that states certain aspects of the universe and life are directed by an intelligent, superior force — in tandem with evolution.

"If they taught evolution as a theory, not a fact, I would not have a problem," Buttars said. "But they are teaching it in our schools . . . as if it's a fact that we evolved from a lower species."

Similar attempts to incorporate "divine" or "intelligent design" into classrooms are being tackled in eight other states, and a similar law was passed in Louisiana in 1997. However, that law was eventually overturned, and no laws exist that have been upheld by the courts, said Brett Moulding, curriculum director for the state Board of Education.

An additional problem would be that the schools, if they taught "divine design," would then have to start including many other theories for the origins of life.

"It doesn't appear to be in the best interest of what we have in mind for biology education," Moulding said. "We wouldn't include things in science education that are not scientific."

What he will not do, Buttars said, is introduce any bill which seeks to introduce "creationism" into classrooms, be- cause "it would have no chance" of passing constitutional muster. Nor would he attempt to prohibit teaching about evolution, which he said is a viable theory within species. But he said it does not make sense that humans could have evolved from monkeys.

Although he is a practicing member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this issue is not being driven or endorsed by leaders of the church, Buttars said. Nor, he said, is it of great importance for LDS students to hear the alternative theories because they get them in church, and more important, in seminary classes. It is important, however, to make sure that other students are also presented with the "divine design" solution.

"What about all of the other students" who may not receive additional religious instruction? Buttars asked. "They have to hear that evolution is fact without any other teaching."

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