A while ago, I posted a rant about creationism versus evolution and the brilliant Project Steve.
Today, I was on my favourite astronomy blog reading Phil Plait’s most recent tirade on the same subject, and I think it’s important reading for anybody concerned about critical thinking and what we are teaching our kids. He says, “[Creationists] want to turn our classrooms in a theocratically-controlled anti-science breeding ground, and I’m not going to sit by and watch it happen.” There are a lot of comments on the post, but they are worth skimming through. Trust me on this one.
I read on the weekend that a stunning 55 per cent of Americans believe in creationism over evolution, a statistic stuns me and frankly makes me want to weep.
Please, take a minute to inform yourself about this, and do what you can to support the cause. Speak up, the time is now.
Check the citizen today, or yesterday. They opened a creationist museum in the states. Adam and Eve and dinosaurs frolicking together.
Why does this make you want to weep?
To me know one really knows how the world was created. And no one ever will.
I don’t believe religion or creationsim should be toaught int he class room that is a home thing. But I don’t believe that the world started with a BIG bang either..Guess I’m one mixed up chick…and I’m married to a phyicis Major.
OH now I see…I guess I am on the wrong sid eof the fence meaning I’m no creationist…I believe in God and science…Damn Knew I was going to be told I was wrong. LOL… I guess I should hve read the article first and then responed. heat stroke.
My kids will have a blend of the bible and science. No doubt that will leave them with questions. If they walk away believing in the values (not value) of Christianity, treating others and themselves with respect, I will have done my job. I think you can “respect” the doctrines of organized religion without accepting their absolute truth.
And I do believe in evolution. How can one book refute thousands of scientific studies?
Thanks, UG, for reminding me what I was reading when I saw that stat. Here’s a link to a similar story in the Observer: http://observer.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,1489520,00.html.
Sharon, it’s not a matter of being told you are wrong, not at all. I don’t want to offend anyone with my posts on this, and based on the (relative) lack of responses maybe I have. You’re right in that no one was actually there to see how life and the universe began, but we can use science as a tool to extrapolate that truth, just the same way we can use a radio to pull invisible waves out of the air and listen to a broadcast.
It’s just that when someone as powerful as George W says “the jury is still out on evolution” I can’t help but feel a little bit – a lot – nauseous. The ‘intelligent design’ people would prefer to take literally a two thousand year old parable than give credence to the product of several thousand years of scientific analysis and discovery.
Yvonne, after reading your comment, I’m wondering if I am coming across as anti-religion, which was not my intention at all. I have no problem with kids learning about the Bible, but just not in science class. And I totally agree with you about the importance of the value system respected by most Christian religions – and most other organized religions, too.
I’m interested in people’s viewpoints on this. It’s rare that I wrap my head around big-picture debates, but this one I feel passionate about. My addled little brain doesn’t argue nearly as eloquently as my hero Phil Plait, so the best I can do is genuflect in his direction. What do you think? Did you go over there and read his post, or did you just skip on and roll your eyes? What do you think about the idea that some schools are not allowed – NOT ALLOWED – to teach evolution?
xo Danigirl, on a rant yet again
I don’t think you’re coming across as anti-religion, but I probably will, even though I’m not.
Intelligent design is an anti-science in that it does not use the scientific method and does not adhere to scientific principles. It isn’t a scientific theory anymore than the theory that lizard people colonized the lost continent of Antlantis is a scientific theory. The sole purpose of pushing for its inclusion in school curicula is to introduce a religious doctrine into the classroom. It’s religion, not science, and it has no place in public schools.
The Skeptic’s Dictionary (www.skepdic.com) has a really excellent entry on this subject. I guess I’m a little touchy about this right now because I just discovered that my mom doesn’t believe in evolution, and that nearly made my head explode.
I guess it all comes down to faith in something, or both things. Interesting recent discussion with a minister–he said he believes that God created the world, and evolution is proof of that–something so perfect had to come from God, and his faith was reinforced. I sit the fence and adjust my beliefs fairly regularly, and all of these debates are fascinating.
Running2k…this is something that I agree with too. I do believe God created the universe and evoloution is part of that. As for the line in the bible God created us in his own image…well what image is that? He could be a single celled amieba for all we know and I’ll ask him about this if I am ever so lucky. My husband’s minster would freak if he heard me say this.(who I think is a total a-hole) people have to quit blaming religion for their own bigoties and single mindedness.
Funny you should write this Dani…this is something I have been thinking about for years and has been brought back to my mind in the last year. I go to church I hear the word, I teach my kids the bible but yet I don’t feel fulfilled. I do feel the bible is written by men and men tend to put their own spin on things. WHich to me has corrupted it. BUT I do try to live by Christian values.(yes even with my trucker mouth) I turn the other cheek and all that. I do believe people have the write to decide their own destiny and I don’t believe goverment should legiesalte this…No matter what I believe on it personally. As for George W…glad he ain’t here! We have our own idiots to deal with and that’s enough!
Ok I wrote enough…sorry. But ya asked! 😉