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<p>See, but this is essentially happening on the other side in “top-tier” institutions, and high schools everywhere. Let’s take the example of teaching about evolution. Government funded teachers are required by law to not present Creationism as an alternative to Evolutionism, in the interest of separation of church and state. Since there is no other viable alternative, evolution is taught uncontested; in many cases students who raise questions - not about Creationism, but about facets of the Theory of Evolution - are scorned and ridiculed by their teachers. Hardly an open-minded, intellectually stimulating environment.</p>
<p>On the Wikipedia page about PHC, an article is cited complaining that macroevolution is presented in a critical light in the classroom. But isn’t that how science is supposed to be approached and conducted: from a critical standpoint? I read the [actual</a> article,](<a href=“http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg19225776.100]actual”>http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg19225776.100) which goes on to insinuate that homeschoolers are unfamiliar with the scientific method. Hmm…</p>
<p>There are essentially two schools of thought on the subject of the origin of species, both of which satisfy observed phenomena according to their proponents: Creationism, and Evolutionism. Fundamentally, both arise not from science but from religious beliefs. (I say “religious beliefs” in a broad context, including atheism. Maybe “worldviews” is better word choice). One is based on the belief that God created life according to the Genesis creation account, the other on the belief that there is no God (or that no higher power was responsible for creation).</p>
<p>If you don’t buy that belief in evolution is based on worldview, just look at the controversy the debate has caused. As far as I know, the validity of macroevolution has no practical benefits. However, it does provide a logical explanation for the diversity of life surrounding us, which would otherwise seem to be irrefutable evidence for the existence of a Creator. Now, if evolution were shown to be false, atheists would have a lot of explaining to do. Since most attempts at an alternative to evolution without invoking a higher power are incredibly far-fetched, many people who want for God not to exist (often for accountability reasons) have a vested interest in defending evolution/lambasting Creationism.</p>
<p>So, if a college (and a private one at that) is promoting Creationism, in contrast to the large majority of institutions which don’t even acknowledge it, they are merely espousing science based on belief just like everywhere else.</p>