Should zoos include Christian creationist exhibits?

August 12th, 2009

There has long been a debate on the separation of church and state and how, on publicly owned property, we should refrain from anything to do with any religion. We can’t have the Ten Commandments in our courthouses or other public buildings, even though most of our laws are based on them. The Supreme Court has upheld that public or government buildings or land should remain religion neutral. But, what if it is called education instead of religion? Is it okay then?

Anna Falling, candidate for mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma, has resurrected a debate over a Creationism exhibit at the Tulsa Zoo. In fact, according to an article by News on 6, she has made it a big part of her platform. Apparently, this debate began about four years ago when an exhibit telling the story of creation was rejected. Falling is bringing it back to life saying the zoo has other religious icons there, including a Hindu god. Supporters belife that if Hindu religion can be represented, then so should Christianity.

Friends of Religion and Science take the stance that the religious references at the zoo are there for education of different cultures, not for a promotion of a certain religion. I’m all for education or religions because I believe that someone who knows more about what they believe in can believe much more strongly and be able to defend their beliefs. If we change it from religion to theory, then the Christian belief of creationism can be taught as a theory instead of a religion. That should fit in nicely.

If the zoo includes other religions for educational purposes, then what is the harm of including Creationism as part of the education? A well-rounded education should include all sides of an argument so the student can then apply his or her own values and make a decision as to which is right and which they want to believe.