The foundation for evaluating any science textbook begins with a
consideration of the textbook author’s approach to studying the
natural world. That methodology will guide how the data is
presented and analyzed. Christian curricula generally adopt
three different approaches to understanding the relationship
between science and Scripture. 1. Compartmentalism: This view
considers science and religion as two legitimate realms of
knowledge that are best kept apart, with science rooted in facts
and religion grounded in faith (see figure 1). Illustrator
(figures 1-3): Phil Chien In this perspective, science supplies
information about the “how” and “what” of the natural world,
while theology provides the “why.” Keeping these realms detached
eliminates any pressing need to figure out how biblical details
fit with the record of nature. Christians who affirm theistic
evolution often favor compartmentalism. They generally promote
the use of mainstream science textbooks and prefer religion be
taught as a separate subject