Creationism versus evolution has been a hot-button issue long before Bill Nye and Ken Ham’s recent debate. In science courses across the country as well as at LSU, there is always a question of which theory is most valuable. Isaac Rodriguez a computer science major and Theistic creationist explains that it seems that evolution is the theory mostly presented in schools because of the stigma associated with the stereotypical idea of creationism.
He states that if he says he is a creationist, people immediately place their biases or preconceived notions on his beliefs, but just like there are different types of evolutionists, there are different types of creationist too. Rodriguez explains that he personally believes that God uses evolution as a tool.
In contrast Aaron Smith states that he thinks there is no debate between creationism and evolution because evolution has so much evidence supporting the theory.
However, Dr. Jeremy Brown an Assistant professor in the department of biological sciences claims that evolution and religion do not have to conflict but often do because the debates we hear are reduced to sound bites. However he stresses the importance of continuing to study and teach evolution.
He explains that evolutionary principals apply to a variety of areas related to health or well-being. He believes that studying evolution is important for advancements in medicine, conservation, forensics as well as agriculture.
LSU has no official policy on evolution or creationism. The way the subject matter is approached is typically at the professor’s discretion. While there has not been a recent debate on campus, the subject matter is still alive in not only the religious community on campus, but also in several classes.
Whether or not creationism and evolution can be reconciled is up to the individual, but we can be sure that extremist on both sides of the argument will keep the debate alive.