Biology for Christian Schools

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Biology for Christian Schools
Author William S. Pinkston
Publisher Bob Jones University
Publication date January 1991
Media type Hardcover
Pages 693
Size and weight 1.40 pounds (0.64 kg)
ISBN ISBN 0890845565

Biology for Christian Schools is a controversial 1991 school-level textbook written by William S. Pinkston and published by the Bob Jones University Press. It espouses the idea of Biblical inerrancy that whenever science and Christianity conflicts, science is wrong.[1] The book promotes creationism. In contrast, the National Center for Science Education, the National Academy of Sciences, the National Association of Biology Teachers and the National Science Teachers Association consider creationism and intelligent design to be pseudoscience.[2]

Dr. Mike Dunford, Professor of Zoology at the University of Hawaii, wrote that the book contains "ridiculous" and "insane" claims including the claim that evolution is tied to "(1) Communism denies the existence of God. (2) Advances in technology will solve all of man's physical and social problems. (3) The ecumenical movement endorses humanism as the world religion. (4) Environmental control is overemphasized, and man's God-given command to exercise dominion is deemphasized."[3]

[edit] 2008 court decision

In 2005 the book became a subject in the lawsuit Association of Christian Schools International et al. v. Roman Stearns et al.. The book states, "The people who have prepared this book have tried consistently to put the Word of God first and science second."[4] ACSI sued the University of California for discrimination against its science courses that contain creationist ideas. In the March 2008 ruling the Judge quoted Biology for Christian Schools stating:[5]

Plaintiff's evidence also supports Defendants' conclusion that these biology texts are inappropriate for use as the primary or sole text. Plaintiffs' own biology expert, Professor Michael Behe, testified that "it is personally abusive and pedagogically damaging to de facto require students to subscribe to an idea. . . . Requiring a student to, effectively, consent to an idea violates [her] personal integrity. Such a wrenching violation [may cause] a terrible educational outcome." (Behe Decl. Para. 59.)

Yet, the two Christian biology texts at issue commit this "wrenching violation." For example, Biology for Christian Schools declares on the very first page that:

  1. "'Whatever the Bible says is so; whatever man says may or may not be so,' is the only [position] a Christian can take. . . ."
  2. "If [scientific] conclusions contradict the Word of God, the conclusions are wrong, no matter how many scientific facts may appear to back them."
  3. "Christians must disregard [scientific hypotheses or theories] that contradict the Bible." (Phillips Decl. Ex. B, at xi.)

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Culture war pits UC vs. Christian way of teaching: Religious schools challenge admission standards in court", San Francisco Chronicle, December 12, 2005. Retrieved on 2008-04-24. 
  2. ^ See: 1) List of scientific societies rejecting intelligent design 2) Kitzmiller v. Dover page 83. The Discovery Institute's Dissent From Darwin Petition has been signed by about 500 scientists. The AAAS, the largest association of scientists in the U.S., has 120,000 members, and firmly rejects ID.
  3. ^ "More Bob Jones "Biology for Christian Schools" Howlers", The Questionable Authority, September 29, 2007. Retrieved on 2008-04-24. 
  4. ^ "University Is Accused of Bias Against Christian Schools", New York Times, November 20, 2005. Retrieved on 2008-04-24. 
  5. ^ Association of Christian Schools International, et al. v. Roman Sterns et al: Order denying plaintiff's motion for summary judgement and granting defendant's motion for partial summary judgement, U.S. District Court, Central District of California, No. CV 05-6242 SJO (MANx); Case 2:05-cv-06242-SJO-MAN Document 164, filed 03/28/2008. Access date 04/04/2008

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