Miller '70 honored for advocacy of evolution

Recently dubbed a "class act" by the New York Times Magazine, Professor of Biology Ken Miller '70 is receiving yet another honor - the 2008 Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Biology Teachers.

The organization recognized Miller for his involvement in promoting and protecting the teaching of evolution in schools. The co-author of a textbook used in biology classes nationwide, Miller served as lead witness in a 2005 trial in Dover, Pa., where the school board had tried to mandate the teaching of intelligent design.

He has also written two books about the relationship between science and religion, in which he argues strongly against the theory of intelligent design while maintaining that evolution does not conflict with belief in God.

In a congratulatory letter, the association also recognized Miller for having "engaged millions of students in the exploration of biology and assisted thousands of biology teachers in their practice."

Miller's most well-known work inspecting the relationship between evolutionary theory and religion is his book "Finding Darwin's God," which he described as a "point-by-point defense of evolution and evolutionary theory" against common arguments raised against evolution such as, "The world is only 6,000 years old" or "The fossil record does not support evolution."

However, Miller said he in no way believes that evolution disproves the existence of God. Rather, he said he believes that evolution is a biological theory that addresses the how species have arisen, and that "it doesn't address the theological question of whether a God exists."

"There are very good ways to understand evolution through a religious context," he added.

Miller said that first, evolution is a natural process, and second, that God is the creator of all natural processes. Thus, Miller said he believes that evolution would fit in the "sphere of that God's creative work."

Being a Catholic, Miller does not think that believing in evolutionary theory refutes any of the beliefs of the Church. "I don't think most Christians, myself included, read the Book of Genesis as a book of science," he said. "Rather, it is a book which describes the Hebrew people's understanding of the relationship between God and humanity."

Miller said his new book, "Only a Theory: Evolution and the Battle for America's Soul," which was published in June, has a different focus. It argues two main points. First, that the battle over evolution is not over, and second, that it is important for the country because "the battle will shape the way Americans view science," he said.

The U.S. stands to lose its position as a leader in science, he said, "if we raise up a generation of kids that are hostile to science because of what they are told about evolution."