Current challenges to teaching Evolution in our public schools misses one very important point. It really does not matter whether you "believe" in Evolution or not. Evolution is a "tool" that is used by scientists to understand life. It is not a belief system. It has certainly been an effective instrument! Many of the medical advances since Darwin are a direct result of applying Evolution to the study of life and life processes. The other biological sciences also have their foundation firmly seated in Evolution.

Much of the rancor could be removed, over time, from this debate if the general public would start referring to the "Law of Evolution." The evidence is overwhelming and there is precedent; Physicists consider Gravity to be a theory. The evidence supporting Evolution, like the proof sustaining Gravity, is pervasive and overwhelming. Let scientists call these processes theories. These observable phenomena should be considered Laws of Nature by the general public.

Finally, we should understand that as soon as a new explanation (i.e., a better tool) surfaces that more thoroughly explains empirical observations, our current laws/theories will be dropped like hot potatoes and traded in on the new models. Science is in the business of explaining, not believing.

--Wayne Wilson