Practical theological research into education and evolution in South African High Schools – teaching learners to think!

Abstract

The author examines the problems and opportunities provided by the recent introduction of the teaching of the neo-Darwinian theory of evolution into the South African secondary education curriculum from a practical theological perspective. The Darwinian theory is described and the pros and cons of the evidence that supports it discussed. The various Christian attitudes towards neo-Darwinian evolution are used as a springboard to provide suggestions to aid educators teach what the curriculum demands whilst remaining within the parameters of their interpretation of the Genesis account and at the same time enabling learners to think intelligently about the faith and science in modern society.