That both Evolution and Creationism should be taught in schools

I can pretty much guarantee that this debate will be fun and interesting! Since con failed to specify which side he was on (that only evolution should be taught/vice versa,) I will present my arguments in a neutral stance. ==Argument I: Demand==The demand that creationism be taught in school is very evident. A recent poll showed that 46% of Americans believed in strict creationism [1]. The number has also just went up, from 40% to 46%. If this many people believe in creationism, then it should not be denied in educational systems. We have the power to implement creationism as a subject in school, and if so many people want it, there is no good reason that we should not take that step. A common argument that goes against this is that the people fail to see that creationism isn't scientific, so it has no place in classes. However, it does not necessarily need to be taught in science class. Creationism could easily be taught in an elective, a philosophy class, or even social studies. There is also an argument if we take the word "demand" more literally. Some parents may demand their child be taught creationism, as evolution would go against their own beliefs. While, of course, the child would still learn about evolution, the child could learn about creationism in an optional class, or an elective. Thus, we give religious people a choice about which theory (or fact, for you literalists) they would like to learn about. The same argument goes for evolution. An almost identical number, 48% of people, believed evolution is the correct theory, according to the same poll. Thus, we can see the demand for creationism and the demand for evolution are almost equal. Thus, there is no reason that only one of them should be taught in schools. In the unlikely event that there is a school that only teaches creationism, evolution could be an elective, also. ==Argument II: One of the theories is most likely correct==In reality, creationism and evolution are the only two viable theories that explain human life, or that they are the only two theories that have solid evidence whatsoever [2][3]. Polytheistic Gods have no evidence whatsoever, while monotheistic God has little evidence, but still some. So, the chances are that, most likely, one of the two theories is the correct one. So, with simple logic, we can see that if we only teach one of the theories, we have a good chance that we are teaching the wrong theory and the other one (creationism) is correct. Now, if we teach both of the theories, there is a minimal chance that we are teaching the wrong one. Thus, by teaching both evolution and creationism, we almost automatically give the child the right theory, as opposed to a possible 50/50 chance. This would also let the child learning have a choice as to which one he chooses, so he can live his life the "correct" way, in his mind. From both an atheist and a theist perspective, teaching one theory is bad. For example, a (monotheistic) theist would not like evolution because it does not relate to the Bible, Torah, or Qur'an, and would thus think that it would be the wrong choice for schools to teach that. As for creationism, atheists would think that the education system is leading kids to not have the right beliefs and be brainwashed towards a heavily flawed theory. Then, if we teach both, both groups are satisfied because they get at least one "right" theory. For one second, let's assume creationism is undoubtedly the right theory. If someone believes otherwise, they will likely not get into heaven, all due to the education system. Even though this is a stupid way to think, it is still existent, and we are not going to quiet those guys down any way other than teaching creationism and giving the child a choice. In all, it is better to be safe than sorry. ==Argument III: Children should know all sides of the story==My third argument will be that children should know all sides of the story. In these days, we usually see arguments sparked because people do not know two sides of the story, and stick with a one-dimensional point of view. We can somewhat cease these arguments by making both sides of the story well taught, or at least taught to some extent. We don't reserve the right to stuff your beliefs into your child's mouth. People need to have the right of choice. If people know both sides of the story, it does not only mean they are now more intelligent in the given story, but that diversity will increase. People will be able to have more insightful looks at the two theories alike and understand the counter's way of thinking. Of course, education is the most adequate way of doing this and sharing and expressing other people's beliefs. When children know all sides of the story, the can gain more knowledge and engage in more insightful debates or conversations. They then think deeper into the sides and can really choose which one they believe in. It teaches them social ways that can not simply be taught by academic education. If we really strive for good education, we would need to teach this. Since there is more than one round to submit arguments, I will stay with three for this round. I look forward to my opponent's response! [1] . http://www.huffingtonpost.com...[2] . http://evolution.berkeley.edu...[3] . http://www.answersingenesis.org...