open the door to real discussion

While Schneider stressed that he is not a scientist and that he cares deeply for those who take the Bible as a literal guide to history, he said that it is impossible for him at this point not to treat research based on eve isk   evolution "with great respect."
Harlow, who like Schneider has tenure and considers himself a committed Christian, said that the backlash reflects the views of fundamentalists within the Reformed denomination, not what most people think. "I work in the mainstream of Biblical scholarship, and we believe that the early chapters of Genesis are divinely inspired stories which imagine the human condition and creation of the world. Their intent is to make theological statements. They weren't written to provide geological or biological information," Harlow said. "My college freshmen seem to be able to handle this, but fundamentalists get all bent out of shape over this."
At Calvin, the biology department tries to show respect for science, while also affirming church teachings. "While we understand that the term 'evolution' can mean different things to different people, we accept the biological theory of evolution (descent with modification over time) to be the best explanation for understanding the diversity and commonality seen among all living creatures on Earth. We find the evidence in support of this theory to be convincing, and we reject any notion that suggests the acceptance of this scientific theory precludes God’s existence and creative activity," says the introduction to the department's statement on evolution.
The statement goes on to say: 'The theory of evolution is one of biology’s key unifying principles. It integrates and explains observations in all areas of biology, including the DNA sequences in genomes of creatures past and present, the emergence of resistant strains of disease, similarity of molecules in widely divergent lineages, hybridization events between different species, elegant camouflage coloration in insects, and the uniqueness of species on tropical islands. We believe God brings forth the creation through evolutionary means. While no biological theory is ever beyond revision, we affirm the scientific consensus that life has existed on Earth for billions of years and that it has changed, and continues to change over time."
While that explanation may sound confident, several science faculty members at Calvin declined to comment on Schneider's departure, citing concerns about their job security in light of what happened to their colleague.
One faculty member in the sciences, who agreed to talk only if his name would not be used, said that he is bothered by the suggestion that those who back Schneider don't take the Bible -- all of it -- seriously. He said that he believed the first chapters of Genesis, where creation is described, "are the underpinnings of our understanding of human nature and the cosmos." And believing that there may not have been a literal Adam and Eve does not change that, he said.
This faculty member said he is not sure what the future holds for colleges like Calvin. While it may be more difficult to reconcile science and faith, he said that he sees some Christian colleges that "are thriving by ignoring the scientific evidence."
This faculty member said he hoped Schneider's work would "open the door to real discussion" on these issues. Some faculty members were encouraged that the joint statement between Schneider and the college specifically said that his work could be discussed on the campus. The statement said, "The college will continue exploring issues of faith and science with vigor and such exploring may mean mentioning the work of Dr. Schneider in professional and respectful ways."