A Recommendation

I was called into my professors office so he could explain to me why he didn't want to recommend me to Grad School. I am attempting to obtain a M.Ed so that I can teach earth science in local public schools.

In the course of our interview I was told that while I was an exceptional student and person and a good candidate for the program, the fact that I am Christian and hold to theistic worldviews makes him nervous. He likened it to me being a wolf in sheep's clothing going among the students and undermining science.

This came about because he discovered that while I have exceptional recall (his words) and know the subject well, I don't believe what they say about origins and beginnings. He found out through my use of language, "Modern science believes... It appears that...etc." He said that even though I could teach the class exactly what they want me to teach, the way I preface things undermines the truth of them.

The conversation was not confrontational or aggressive, rather a friendly discussion on how I am a good person but bad scientist. It is interesting on that note how some people can say the cruelest things with a smile on their face. "I would not want my kids taking earth science from you." I took my recommendation from him (recommends with reservations) after class and went home mystified.

I have some thoughts on the matter:

At first I did not know how to respond to the accusations. I thought that I had really made a mistake in choosing to get my M.Ed in Earth science and how hard it would be to get a different endorsement now. (As after this semester I will have finished the 32 credit requirement. 4.0gpa) I am still not sure what the solution here is. I am realizing that no matter how good of a student, teacher, or person I am my life will be rather challenging in this subject area. I know that I can get an add-on Algebra 1 endorsement, but that requires remaining in a science field that is rather antagonistic to Christians.

Secondly I am rather frustrated at the personal slight that was his inference. You are not a good scientist if you start with the conclusion then seek the data. This is the second time I have heard this from a secular professor. The truth seems to elude them though, being a Christian does not make you a bad scientist, rather a different one. For what they are saying is that if you don't start with our assumptions and beliefs about the universe (there is no God, or the possibility of one) then you are stupid. They preclude the possibility of the supernatural, for if the supernatural is possible and true than a whole new realm of potential opens up.

They are also saying that my science and scientific conclusions exist to prove the existence of God. This is not the case, I am starting with the existence of God and looking at the data in a different frame of mind. I do not even attempt to prove the existence of God, I take it for granted. I can still follow the scientific method and come to legitimate conclusions, for my conclusions are not based on assumptions but data. (Really they are doing the same thing I am without realizing it. By insisting there is no God they look at the available data and come to a completely different conclusion.)

Finally my last thought on me being a wolf in sheep's clothing. I grew up a Christian, my parents are Christians and believe in a literal creation. I got my religion and faith from them. However, I did not attend private Christians schools. My father was in the military and we moved around quite a bit. I have seen the inside of many science classrooms with science teachers attempting to explain and prove their conclusions. I am not a robot, rather a 29 year old man. I had to make a choice about what to believe and who to follow. I looked at what I was being taught at home and at school, and my decision to remain a Christian was my own based on my own studies and research.

My professor is scared that students will be lead astray and I will do great harm to science by being a Christian teacher. He is afraid of my potential influence on young minds. Yet one of my ultimate goals as a teacher is greater than just teaching content. I want my students to learn responsibility, character, respect, and most importantly the ability to think critically. Science is about finding the truth, the scientific method is the way to find it. (hypothesize, test, test, test, find conclusion, reform hypothesis)

Showing students that science is an ever changing mass of theories and evidence seems to be the wiser course. Instead of solely telling them what truth is, make them discover and find the truth through scientific inquiry. If the only possible truth is what my professor says it is, then the students will eventually come to that conclusion as well.

My professor made the statement that if the world were filled with people like me, then there would be a lot less problems and issues to solve. This was the kindest thing anyone has ever said to me. Yet he is afraid that kids might harmed or mislead by my leadership and being a role model. The solution for me currently is to get another professor to recommend me to the grad school, but these problems there will never end.