Only by seeing that all organisms are related can we begin to fruitfully investigate the origins and functions of all characteristics. The fast-growing fields of molecular biology and genetics are predicated on the common denominators life forms share because of their common ancestry. Our progress against organism-borne diseases is based in large part on evolutionary modeling. Even the study of animal behavior, including that of humans, has as its framework the theory of evolution. Evolution is not just a part of a biology education, it is the fundamental biological principle.
Teachers simply fear the response of religious fundamentalists in their communities.
Even though Pope John Paul II and the mainline Protestant denominations have affirmed evolution as compatible with the Christian faith, many Christians continue to oppose it in the public schools. In every recent court case in which the place of evolution in the public classroom has been tested, the law has sided with science. It is time teachers and school boards sided with science as well. We can no longer afford to handicap our children in science education. If we want to continue as a scientifically literate country, evolution must be taught.