University of Kansas Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor David Shulenburger has issued the following statement in response to media coverage of a planned religious studies course on intelligent design.

Lawrence, Kan. - infoZine - "Teaching about controversial topics is a role all universities play, and the current debate over intelligent design certainly qualifies. We would be remiss to ignore it. We believe it is especially appropriate that intelligent design and creationism be treated as academic subjects in a religion class. This class will study intelligent design and creationism along with other explanations of human origins that come from various religions and belief systems.

At KU, we instruct our teachers to create a classroom environment that encourages intellectual inquiry and civil discussion that helps students master the subject matter. This religious studies course will be held up to the same standard. All views will be respected and rights to freedom of expression will be fully observed. This university welcomes students of all religious faiths and prides itself on maintaining a climate of openness and tolerance.

It is unfortunate that the course title's reference to 'mythologies' has been misconstrued. The terms 'myth' and 'mythology' are common in the academic study of religion and not an affront. A myth refers to the common use of stories or rituals to symbolize in a meaningful manner the core beliefs of a religion; it does not refer to any religion as a whole.

Religious studies, a department at KU since 1907, examines the forms in which religious experience has been described, organized and practiced in history and in varying cultures. The courses are designed to give students the appropriate methods for the objective study of religion. The topics and titles of courses in religious studies are not intended to promote or debunk any particular beliefs but instead encourage students to explore religion and its place in the world.

Professor Paul Mirecki joined the KU faculty in 1989 and is presently chair of religious studies. He has a doctor of theology degree from Harvard University and is an expert in ancient Mediterranean cultures, languages and religions; and ancient Greek and Coptic manuscripts. He found an ancient manuscript in 1991 in Berlin's vast Egyptian Museum and verified it as an authentic early account of the teachings of Christ. The manuscript offered 'lost gospel' containing conversations between Christ and his disciples written in Coptic, an ancient Egyptian language that uses Greek letters."


Related article in infoZine

Religious Studies Intelligent Design Class Withdrawn, E-mail Controversy Cited

Departmental Faculty Approve Intelligent Design Course