Should creationism be taught in school...and why/why not

[demorgan]

Im eager to hear people's opinion about this one.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

I believe it should be taught as part of Comparative Religion (as it is the UK), but it scares me that it appears to be taught with the same emphasis as Biology in some places.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Todash]

Not unless you're talking about a private religious school, where the parents are paying for, in part, religious instruction. To teach Creationism is to teach about God, and that is not something I, as a parent, would want a state-run school doing. Imparting a belief system is part of the parents' job.

For the record, I believe in God. I believe he created the world. But my answer to the question would be the same even if that were not the case.

[rjt65]

I like the separation of state and church-- to many issues--if we all agree on the science stick to science.

more challenging question is do we force our beliefs on others? so if we leave this decision to locals versus federal gov't--than a local school may choose creationism and leave off darwin... hmmm

IMO we should enforce the science be taught all over and if a local school has backing of the local municipality and is ok with adding in the religious side I am ok with it... for their choice.

prefer religion be taught in religion science in school

thought peeps?

haha this could have been redirected to the inpolitically correct thread ;-)

[Roseasharn]

Sure. I think comparing and contrasting theories is an interesting way to get people thinking. The crux of the matter is that we don't know what the truth about the initiation of the whole of existence is as of yet. We have some good ideas, some bad ideas, some so-so ideas. But nothing concrete. This might be because none of us were there, but I could be wrong about that. :p
The only thing you can't ignore is the adaptation (evolution) in the multitude of species on the planet when dealing in science lessons. It would be stupid to do that and I would have a problem with that. The idea that god said "hey, we need some light in here" and started things moving is perfectly fine with me. The idea that species don't change is not. Because it is obvious that they do.
I think the creation stories of all cultures have a place in history lessons for sure. After all, they are very good at helping to explain the some of the key beliefs in those cultures. They also help to outline our similarities. Which is also good. And they show something else that I think is very valuable. We, as a species, have been looking for the answers regarding our origins almost since we showed up on the playing field. That gap was filled by various religions that worshipped invisible or sometimes visible gods for a very long time. Then it was replaced by some with a god we call science. Because you can treat anything like a religion. I think its almost as crazy a leap of faith to think that the universe exploded into its current incarnation for no reason as the leap of faith that someone told it to and it did.
But that's just me.

[aptpupil]

No surprise that "Creationism" should be such a big deal in the USA, the most extreme fundamentalist Christian nation in the free world. I guess until the existence of God is either finally and irrevocably proved or disproved, there is an argument for the teaching of Creationism, as there is for all other plausible options.

I'm not a fan of this "halfway-house" of Intelligent Design though. That just comes across to me as a ploy by a certain section of Christian Creationists who, fearing that they are losing the battle with the Evolutionists, have gone back to the drawing board and come up with something a little more acceptable to the Science community, and to the "God sceptics" in general.

[Kim L.]

In comparative religion, yes. It has no place in a scientific curriculum, however. It would be similar to teaching that alchemy is a science (true in Discworld, of course).

[coolambindang]

I do not mind my kids knowing the story of Adam and Eve and other bible stories but they also know that evolution is the accepted school of thought on origin. It is scary about those who reconcile creationism with actual scientific fact, there is even a musuem where you can go and learn about creationism, you see "first Man" right next to dinosaurs and wolly mammoths. You get to see the whole 4000 years of the history of Earth. Those that work there treat the bible as actual historical fact! D'oh!

[JRLauer]

Science can't explain how all this came to be, not conclusively so why not tell the whole story. I think all views should be heard in a case like this and let the student make up his/her own mind.

[OhmyGod!]

No. I think it shouldn't be taught in schools at all. Specially not as the 'truth'. It can be taught like all religions: How they influence culture and how they work and the basic facts about those religions. I think it's pretty sad some schools teach children the earth is like a couple of thousand yrs old.

[PatInTheHat]

No.
(unless of course, in due course, Prof. Flintstone taught the course...why then of course:wink2:.

That Creation Museum mentioned by coolambindang, is just a hop skip & little jump away from me in Petersburg Ky., between Big Bone Lick State Park, and Beaver Lick Ky....I think Fred & Barney have the X on the Rockola Cola & DinoDawg Concession:laugh:.
It's been pretty popular...lots of pilgrams.

[BlackThorn]

Sure. Teach it in mythology class.

I read an article in the paper a week or so ago, explaining that Texas just changed it's laws a bit... they used to have to teach the flaws in every scientific theory they explained, in order to back up theories of creationism and such. It was seriously a law, that when they explained evolution, they had to also explain why we might be wrong about it. That twisted my gourd a bit to read, I must admit.

Creationism is a strange one. I mean, isn't it so damn close it's scary, to the way things worked back in the middle ages? It was common knowledge back then, that if you left raw meat out on your table, after a few days or so, it would just magically produce maggots. They had absolutely no clue, it was the flies landing on the meat laying eggs. They thought it just happened.

Christianity, I honestly feel, is just a bunch of legends. They align, don't get me wrong. But I can't invest my everything into those stories. A boat, with every animal, one of male, one of female? And about three families on it? Polar bears and desert lizards too? For days and days and days? And we're all their descendants? Or, better yet, the bible explains to us that Noah and his family lived to be over 900 years old. Everyone used to live that long. But God decided we were undeserving, and reduced our lifespans to 50 or 90 years instead?

I think some people are taking this stuff too literally.

[Terry B]

If kids need to be taught about Adam and Eve it should be in Bible studies or Sunday School, not tax-payer funded public schools.

[phidgt]

I have a serious issue with Creationism, but then I am an atheist, so no shocker there. I think Todash said it best. Public schools, absolutely not. But if you are sending your kid to some private religious school than it is probably something that may be taught alongside evolution. It would be nice to think that parents would allow their children to decide for themselves which theory they wanted to believe in.

[Dana Jean]

No --

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Was just discussing this thread with my daughter - does anyone happen to know what Islam's stance on this issue is?

Or Judaism's?

Long days and pleasant nights

[Kim L.]

Not unless you're talking about a private religious school, where the parents are paying for, in part, religious instruction. To teach Creationism is to teach about God, and that is not something I, as a parent, would want a state-run school doing. Imparting a belief system is part of the parents' job.

For the record, I believe in God. I believe he created the world. But my answer to the question would be the same even if that were not the case.

Me, too, exactly.

[Roseasharn]

I'm not really sure why this is such a big deal. When the topic of creationism came up in school when I was in the sixth grade, we had a lengthy discussion about it and moved on. When it came up in high school biology, we talked about it and moved on. Same with Physics. It's a theory, just like all the rest. And there are flaws in all of them. And yeah, I think that it is a weak theory, but kids are in school to learn how to make up their minds through analyzing data just as much as they are there to learn the hard facts. They can't do this if every single thing is introduced as concrete fact with no contrary views given representation.
If someone said to me tomorrow "Science has proven God does not exist" I would likely say: "Since my belief in God is a matter of faith and not science, science can't disprove God. Just like just because there might be a God doesn't mean that science has no merit."
It's just ridiculous the way people of science and people of religion go at eachother. It's like watching a mormon and a catholic argue about the fine points of Revelation. (no offense to mormons or catholics. I've just seen it. It ain't pretty.) But maybe I like that metaphor because I think people treat science like a religion, argue about it like its a religion and don't realize it.
I guess maybe the main issue here is that people don't want public schools paid for by their taxes teaching anything that remotely resembles religion. And I get that. I would be 100% behind it if my kid ended up at a public school that taught creationism exclusively. But as far as I can tell, that isn't happening around here. Besides, its a slippery slope. Make it so we can't discuss creationism and BAM! All texts with religious themes are yanked out of public school libraries. Bye-bye Hawthorne.
I guess how I really feel is that there is no reason why creationism can't have it's own paragraph and why our kids can't discuss its weaknesses or possible strengths like grown ups. They'll probably do better than most grown ups who have the discussion.

[Roseasharn]

Hi,

Was just discussing this thread with my daughter - does anyone happen to know what Islam's stance on this issue is?

Or Judaism's?

Long days and pleasant nights

I had a lengthy conversation with a rabbi about this, actually. According to him, the garden of eden and all that jazz is a metaphor/myth.

[CorbinKale]

Creationism and evolution are not incompatible. Why do people put the two concepts into opposite warring camps? If God can do anything, why couldn't he use evolution as his creation mechanism?

[Liselle]

As with part of religion is should be taught in balance with other religions or beliefs. I'm not religious, haven't had my children christened or anything like that because I believe it is up to them decide what they want to believe.

I feel that in this country we are getting scared of teaching anything remotely christian for fear of offending other faiths. I was taught christian religion in primary school and secondary and I personally thought it was a load of twaddle, but thats my belief.

If its not taught or mentioned then that is wrong as well, i feel its all about balance.

[Kim L.]

I had a lengthy conversation with a rabbi about this, actually. According to him, the garden of eden and all that jazz is a metaphor/myth.

It may also depend on the branch of Judaism--Reform, Conservative, Orthodox. Some Christian denominations adhere to a literal 7-day interpretation, while other churches see the creation story as a way of telling about our origins and our relationship to God, more like what you're talking about, Roseasharn.

[SKfan2006]

not in a public school. i find this stuff hard to believe. for example, all records and stories before the bible indicated that people lived shorter lives than us. then when the bible comes along people are suddenly 500 to 1200 years old? i don't buy it since anything that takes place immeditaly afterwards show people living barely to their 60's.
and if creationism is supposed to be made by god who is perfect then why is everything that is made by him so contradictory? you would think a perfect god wouldn't any contradition through.

[BlueCeleste]

My answer is yes and no, Yes to private catholic schools, no to public school. Yet even so I have my hesitations, I do not think Darwinism is essential teaching in catholic schools and that can be dangerous.
On a personal note, my mother was taught by nuns in a all girl catholic school (even tough her parents were buddhist) I was taught about Evolution in public school, it was a point of contention for us at the dinner table, we faught over it constantly, I kept reminding her there were proof, she kept pointing out it was planted by god...I eventually suggested that maybe evolution is God's plan...(altough I am now what might be considered an atheist), it was no use, till this day her childhood education is so deeply seared into her mind, she can no longer consider other possibilities...

[Bryan James]

Should Creationism be Taught in School?

Yes. If, and ONLY if, the teacher can adequately debate Stephen Hawking about both Cosmology and Quantum Mechanics.

I'm tired of the short-sighted debate over Darwinism v. Creationism.

Turn off Jerry Springer and think, oh, just a little bit bigger.

Most teachers are goofy tools. Many Doctors are charge 'em and churn 'em idiots. Many lawyers are completely Clouseau.

BJS

[psj77]

No how ever you belief we got here, it should be up to you to teach that to your kids. There are too many different beliefs for the schools to try & teach them all.

[smooth operator]

It is like walking a tight rope, isn't it? As a tolerant person, I believe everyone has the right to their own beliefs. But as a rational person, I do not believe that it should be taught as "fact." I do not want to try to force others to believe as I believe, and I want the same treatment myself. There is a reason that Church and State are supposed to be kept separate.

[tillyn]

Leave the religion to the church and teach our children had to read , write and do their math. A good percentage of kids these days can't read at a high school level when they get out of high school.

[Leighjavu]

Classes should focus on evolution brought to us by facts that We have solid proof of!
If one teacher chooses to use creation as a topic, some students may get confused as to what the truth really is, then parents get upset and insist that their book needs to be read as well! Then the arguments start. ( and never cease )
As We all know there is some really bad shtuff going on in our world. BUT We always have a book to excuse that away. If it's a good thing that happened then "why" it was
from God. If it was a bad thing, then it must be that God let us choose to be rotten evil.
They are afraid of the permanance of death for themself nevermind the scores of other creatures that share this planet.

[Matticus]

I think the idea of an all powerful should be taught at home. I don't consider it a big deal in "religious studies" but it is in fact not hard science.

You should learn love and the very deep, complex ideas of universal creation from your family imo. Then go from there.

In the end, it doesn't really matter. Harsh religious upbringings produce atheist and the opposite produces fundamentalists at any given time. I sure don't go nuts if someone mentions God to my kids in school.

[Danivan]

I think both theories should be presented, they are theories after all neither one is hard science.

If intelligent design was good enough for Einstein to seriously consider, it's good enough for me to do the same.

I have to admit I am proponent of a combination of the two. Until further notice at least.

I'd like to qualify my statements by saying that belief in intelligent design does not constitute affiliation with any religion.

[LadyPain]

Yes, of course, in parochial school.

Absolutely not in public school unless it is within the confines of a religious study course.

[Tooley]

I'm a follower of Jesus Christ. I've been raised to believe "if you are not for it, you are against it". I don't believe this is true. I believe as God believes - free will. So, no, I don't believe creationism should be taught in schools unless it is taught in a very objective manner. I don't believe it should be taught to young children - because they usually rap what they learn around their heads from a young age and live it out.

[Drawn to Ka-tet]

Teach it in Sunday School.

Leave it out of public school. It isn't scientific theory, it's religious theory.

[jamconsulting]

Im eager to hear people's opinion about this one.
A person believes in Creationism or in Darwinism or in Mayan Time Cycles or in whatever one believe to be truth. We are a product of the social order we come from and evolve as we add knowledge and experience. I believe in God but less and less about what organized religions teaching about him. I do not oppose others believing as they will but draw a line about what I will tolerate from fundamentalists. We should know what others believe but have the character and the freedom to decide for ourselves. My mother was shocked by my choice a while back. Do you believe in predestination or preordination? It's a favorite question of mine. Never could answer that one - but I mumbled something and they stopped asking me so I passed. Do you believe the world is 7000 years old or much older? Yes - the earth was created. Yes man has been here longer than 7000 years. No I don't know when but I have my own beliefs - some science based and some from other idealism's. Teaching Creationism is OK, but there is more to creation than what is written. That's why I enjoy SK's books. :laugh: There is may be more to the story than what is written.

[Tery]

Absolutely not in public schools. In a parochial school, they may teach whatever they like.

In Comparative Religion courses (in public schools), all creation theories must be taught.

[poisonbat]

Some things are better taught by the parents to their children. I believe in God, but I don't believe or belong to ANY organized religion. I would rather teach my children my own beliefs and then let them make up their minds on what THEY believe. It should not be taught in public schools. My son went to a private "christian" school, and was taught what THEIR religion states. It is far from my beliefs and my sons. Keep it at home, that is where it belongs. :bat:

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Just while we're on the subject, I find Genesis a deeply dubious, misogynist book.

Man's love for gold is mentioned twice before Eve even puts in an appearance, and then she immediately gets the blame for everything going wrong.

For wanting to know the knowledge of good and evil?

Surely it's the knowledge of good and evil that (should) make us a higher species, not blissful ignorance?

Sorry if that offends anyone.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Kim L.]

A scientific theory is hard science. What most people think of as a theory ("This sounds like a good idea") is, in science, a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a scientist's idea of how something MIGHT be; it is then tested rigorously, with the goal of proving it NOT to be true. (Called "proving the null hypothesis.") If statistically significant results are found, they are then published, and other scientists then run their own experiements to see if they come up with the same results. Only after many studies are done, with similar results, can the hypothesis be called a theory.

[EXISTESS]

Creationism and evolution are not incompatible. Why do people put the two concepts into opposite warring camps? If God can do anything, why couldn't he use evolution as his creation mechanism?

My thoughts exactly. Well put.:smile2:

[King Jacob]

No to public schools teaching about religion unless it's in a unbiased comparative religion class.

Yes to private schools teaching religion if they so choose.

[Sweet One]

Hi,

Was just discussing this thread with my daughter - does anyone happen to know what Islam's stance on this issue is?

Or Judaism's?

Long days and pleasant nights



I found this page while looking for info on ambulocetus, the prehsiotric walkign whale:

http://us1.harunyahya.com/Detail/T/7EZU2FZ0164/productId/3378/A_WHALE_FANTASY_FROM_NATIONAL_GEOGRAPHIC

It's a creationist article, offering the familair anit-evolution arguments. But I was surprised to foind out it's on a Muslim site. Here in the U. S., we're used to creationists beign fundementalist Christians. But there are plenty of MUslim and Jewish creationists as well. Judasim? Go see Ben Stein's Expelled.

This is the sort of subject found on the Sam Harris board. Only most board members there are atheists, who don't even accept moderate religion. I believe in some sort of theistic or deistic God, and I am often criticised on that forum, even for this. I beleive in theistic evolution, and growing up, I just kind of assumed God was behind it all--I didn't know the term "theistic evolution", and did not hear of the Biblical creation story until fairly late in my childhood. I was recently a Christian, but I found that scripture is just too condradicotry to be trusted.



Hi,

Just while we're on the subject, I find Genesis a deeply dubious, misogynist book.

Man's love for gold is mentioned twice before Eve even puts in an appearance, and then she immediately gets the blame for everything going wrong.

For wanting to know the knowledge of good and evil?

Surely it's the knowledge of good and evil that (should) make us a higher species, not blissful ignorance?

Sorry if that offends anyone.

Long days and pleasant nights

I once had a Christian friend (deceased) who was one of the nicest guys I ever knew--much more so than many non-beleivers. But he held the opinion that women should not be allowed to teach sunday scool or hold postions of authority in the church. Since he beleived God wouldn't have anything in the Bible He didn't want there, this had to be true. He got this from writings of St. Paul in the Bible, who clearly beleived women were to be subservient to men. so how do we reconcile teaching like this with modern ethics?

[Anton177]

I have two words for the original thread question.

The first word begins with F, and the second word is off. I am not a antagonistic atheist, more of a cold-hearted cynic, and I don't think stupidity should be taught as formal education.

Don't forget, you can be educated without being smart.

[Q'smum]

The interesting thing about this thread is that I went through this some 20 years ago in high school. We were not even allowed to breath any form of creationalism. I was quite the scientist in high school, so for me to challenge the science teacher on evolutionism was a shocker. Our discussions took over the class for nearly a week. Conclusion - Evolution is still just a theory, it is a plausible explanation of the physical evidence we can find. Now, this theory keeps getting updated the more information is received, especially as we watch new universes being created (oops, but yeah they do use the term) deep in space. Problem, very few scientist have qualifications to teach Creation theory; and even fewer theologians are qualified. It is more than just religious belief, although that is what it begins with. As one person already noted, Einstien held a great interest in it, there's a reason for that. What is interesting is that the more science advances, the more Creation theory is being supported, not detracted. This doesn't detract from Evolution theory. The problem is that many of those arguing seem to think they are exclusive, when they are not. One theory actually supports the other if you look at the big picture. Just as we have come to a certain level of full understanding about such things as quantum physics, we are coming to a certain level of understanding about other aspects of our world and being. So as long as the teacher is truly qualified to teach creation theory, which is a great deal more that quoting the bible, torah, or quran. To those who thinks it should be taught as "mythology", I used to agree with you, but not anymore. Creation theory crosses many religious arenas, many of which are still popular and kicking (Christianity, Buddism, Hinduism, Islam, Judisim, just to name a few). As long as a religion is actively and openly practiced by a designated people, it is a "religion." When that religion is no longer practiced, then it move into "mythology." Creation theory doesn't qualify.
Oh my this is long... forgive me but just one more thing to say. It is amazing to me that people on this board that can understand and accept the idea of Ka-Tet are so aligned against the melding of science and faith. Notice I said 'faith' not religion, they are separate entities.
Finally, let's end this with a quote from Carl Sagan's Contact(hope I get it about right, don't have the book here with me, so it's from memory): God, above all is a mathmatician.

[Sweet One]

The interesting thing about this thread is that I went through this some 20 years ago in high school. We were not even allowed to breath any form of creationalism. I was quite the scientist in high school, so for me to challenge the science teacher on evolutionism was a shocker. Our discussions took over the class for nearly a week. Conclusion - Evolution is still just a theory, it is a plausible explanation of the physical evidence we can find. Now, this theory keeps getting updated the more information is received, especially as we watch new universes being created (oops, but yeah they do use the term) deep in space. Problem, very few scientist have qualifications to teach Creation theory; and even fewer theologians are qualified. It is more than just religious belief, although that is what it begins with. As one person already noted, Einstien held a great interest in it, there's a reason for that. What is interesting is that the more science advances, the more Creation theory is being supported, not detracted. This doesn't detract from Evolution theory. The problem is that many of those arguing seem to think they are exclusive, when they are not. One theory actually supports the other if you look at the big picture. Just as we have come to a certain level of full understanding about such things as quantum physics, we are coming to a certain level of understanding about other aspects of our world and being. So as long as the teacher is truly qualified to teach creation theory, which is a great deal more that quoting the bible, torah, or quran. To those who thinks it should be taught as "mythology", I used to agree with you, but not anymore. Creation theory crosses many religious arenas, many of which are still popular and kicking (Christianity, Buddism, Hinduism, Islam, Judisim, just to name a few). As long as a religion is actively and openly practiced by a designated people, it is a "religion." When that religion is no longer practiced, then it move into "mythology." Creation theory doesn't qualify.
Oh my this is long... forgive me but just one more thing to say. It is amazing to me that people on this board that can understand and accept the idea of Ka-Tet are so aligned against the melding of science and faith. Notice I said 'faith' not religion, they are separate entities.
Finally, let's end this with a quote from Carl Sagan's Contact(hope I get it about right, don't have the book here with me, so it's from memory): God, above all is a mathmatician.


I'm not sure what you mean by "creation theory". Please specify. Do you mean that a supreme being or designer exists? As far as I am aware the only creation"theory" thought in shcool is simply attacking evolution. That's about all that creationism amounts to. Ditto with "Intelligent Design" theory. There are Young Earth and Old Earth Creationists. The former challenges virtually all of science, but both types seem to beleive in spontaneous generation of large complex lifeforms via miracles. There is no scientific evidence at all for this ever happening--well, there are reports of "rains of frogs" what SK based his story "Rainy Seaon " upon, but I don't hear creationists menion that.

[Shasta]

Hi,

I believe it should be taught as part of Comparative Religion (as it is the UK),



I couldn't agree with John more. ABSOLUTELY! But teach it with everything else as well! Teach beliefs as beliefs and facts as facts. Kids learning about other people's beliefs can only lead to tolerance.

[Shasta]

I once had a Christian friend (deceased) who was one of the nicest guys I ever knew--much more so than many non-beleivers. But he held the opinion that women should not be allowed to teach sunday scool or hold postions of authority in the church. Since he beleived God wouldn't have anything in the Bible He didn't want there, this had to be true. He got this from writings of St. Paul in the Bible, who clearly beleived women were to be subservient to men. so how do we reconcile teaching like this with modern ethics?

According to the bible, homeosexuals should be stoned to death and women should be killed for going outside during their monthly friend. Awesome. :eek2:

And anyone that doesn't see the connections between Jesus and mythology should read the story of Prometheus.

[poisonbat]

The interesting thing about this thread is that I went through this some 20 years ago in high school. We were not even allowed to breath any form of creationalism. I was quite the scientist in high school, so for me to challenge the science teacher on evolutionism was a shocker. Our discussions took over the class for nearly a week. Conclusion - Evolution is still just a theory, it is a plausible explanation of the physical evidence we can find. Now, this theory keeps getting updated the more information is received, especially as we watch new universes being created (oops, but yeah they do use the term) deep in space. Problem, very few scientist have qualifications to teach Creation theory; and even fewer theologians are qualified. It is more than just religious belief, although that is what it begins with. As one person already noted, Einstien held a great interest in it, there's a reason for that. What is interesting is that the more science advances, the more Creation theory is being supported, not detracted. This doesn't detract from Evolution theory. The problem is that many of those arguing seem to think they are exclusive, when they are not. One theory actually supports the other if you look at the big picture. Just as we have come to a certain level of full understanding about such things as quantum physics, we are coming to a certain level of understanding about other aspects of our world and being. So as long as the teacher is truly qualified to teach creation theory, which is a great deal more that quoting the bible, torah, or quran. To those who thinks it should be taught as "mythology", I used to agree with you, but not anymore. Creation theory crosses many religious arenas, many of which are still popular and kicking (Christianity, Buddism, Hinduism, Islam, Judisim, just to name a few). As long as a religion is actively and openly practiced by a designated people, it is a "religion." When that religion is no longer practiced, then it move into "mythology." Creation theory doesn't qualify.
Oh my this is long... forgive me but just one more thing to say. It is amazing to me that people on this board that can understand and accept the idea of Ka-Tet are so aligned against the melding of science and faith. Notice I said 'faith' not religion, they are separate entities.
Finally, let's end this with a quote from Carl Sagan's Contact(hope I get it about right, don't have the book here with me, so it's from memory): God, above all is a mathmatician.

This is a perfect example of why it should NOT be taught in school. I have my faith, I have my ideas, I have my beliefs. I do believe that humans have evolved over the years, that is apparent in today's sociaty. But faith should be a personal choice. So many believe different things and there are no "professionals" who can teach FAITH. :bat:

[JohnDalglish]

According to the bible, homosexuals should be stoned

Hi,

Most of my gay friends usually are, Shasta LOL.

Straight ones too, I hasten to add, politically correctly.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Shasta]

Hi,

Most of my gay friends usually are, Shasta LOL.

Straight ones too, I hasten to add, politically correctly.

Long days and pleasant nights

That, dear John, was awesome.

[Autumnlyn]

Why not teach creationism along side evolution? What a great discussion starter. Some of my favorite and most fondly remembered teachers are the ones that posed "The Great Questions" and opened a forum of ideas for us to explore and find our own answers.

I think children should be exposed to any and all questions of the universe. Broaden your mind is my thought. While I am not Christian, I still have discussions about religion with my children. I ask their opinions as they as mine.

[marew1]

Hi,

I believe it should be taught as part of Comparative Religion (as it is the UK), but it scares me that it appears to be taught with the same emphasis as Biology in some places.

Long days and pleasant nights
I agree that creationism be taught as a Comparative Religion. Science teaches the Big Bang Theory. People should also be taught how else the world was created in comparison.

[Anni M]

I'd like my kid to learn something about all beliefs...then he has the fodder to make up his own mind about what he wants for his spirit down the road...

[killyerdarlings]

I'm all for the exploration and discussion of Creationism in a Philosophy Class, and we used the Bible in high school as a Historical Reference Text because realistically you can't adequately discuss a lot of history--or even Literature--without discussing the religions of the times. However Creationism is not science and has no place in a science classroom. I don't think it's harmful for kids to discuss their belief systems in the appropriate setting, but biology or any of the physical science classes would be completely inappropriate, for the topics in those classes are subjected to rigorous testing and examination. What, someone's got an Angel's feather for Biology class? Fine. Otherwise, keep them separate.

[jules17330]

Mmm, no. Creationism is a biblical belief and belongs in church. Individuals have a right to teach their children as they see fit and not everyone believes in God or a God or any God. If creationism were to be taught in schools then churches should have to pay taxes and allow scientists to teach evolution in church.

Just my two cents.

[psj77]

Here's a quote from the movie Dogma...


RUFUS

(Jesus) still digs humanity, but it bothers Him to see the **** that gets
carried out in His name - wars, bigotry, but especially the factioning of
all the religions. He said humanity took a good idea and, like always,
built a belief structure on it.

BETHANY

Having beliefs isn't good?

RUFUS

I think it's better to have ideas. You can change an idea. Changing a
belief is trickier.

[Q'smum]

I'm not sure what you mean by "creation theory". Please specify. Do you mean that a supreme being or designer exists? As far as I am aware the only creation"theory" thought in shcool is simply attacking evolution. That's about all that creationism amounts to. Ditto with "Intelligent Design" theory. There are Young Earth and Old Earth Creationists. The former challenges virtually all of science, but both types seem to beleive in spontaneous generation of large complex lifeforms via miracles. There is no scientific evidence at all for this ever happening--well, there are reports of "rains of frogs" what SK based his story "Rainy Seaon " upon, but I don't hear creationists menion that.

I have been offline for a while, so forgive my not-so-prompt response. True creation theory begins with a being or entity starting the creation ball. What most creationists then do is go to the bible, quran, torah and fix in their mind that this was all "spontaneous". True creationists theory is based on sequencial events, and the understanding that the term "day" is not our 24 hour day (since the earth and sun didn't exist, then they could not be the pivot of time); rather if you research ancient languages, you will find the terms commonly translated into latin and greek etc. as "day" refers to different time periods, some meaning a generation, others and age (such as the stone age), others denote time on a millenial level or greater. And just to get into some of the basics, look at the order of flora and fauna, in the bible and torah for example, and you will notice it is the exact same order as evolution theory.. sea, land, air, etc. I promised myself I would keep it down,:oo: but as short as I can do it, that is what I mean.

[ram623]

We are sitting on a ball of dirt and water floating around in the middle of nowhere. I personally don't think we are really qualified to lecture anyone about anything. I used to tell people that I was a Buddhist. I had read once that in order to become a Buddhist all you had to do was say out loud, "I am a Buddhist." There is a religion for almost everything that you can imagine and a handful and one in particular against almost everything you can imagine.
The question is really beyond comprehension. "The chicken or the egg?" "Who made God?" I've been reading a book by Bill Bryson called "A Short History of Nearly Everything." I recommend it to everyone who has ever contemplated the Cosmos. As pertains to this conversation is Part V, "Life Itself."
At the start of this section is a quote by Freeman Dyson which says, "The more I examine the universe and the study of its architecture, the more evidence I find that the universe in some sense must have known we were coming."
The last two chapters in this section are "Darwin's Singular Notion" and "The Stuff of Life." Anyone who has a chance should check it out. As for me, I personally think we know less than _ _ _ _ about anything. The Buddhist simplified; Do right, be good and be good to others. Everything else is purely academic and mostly bull _ _ _ _!

RAM

[demorgan]

If everything is bllshit like ram said. then we wouldnt have nice laptops and cellphones and lcd tv to watch our blu rays on. Not everything is bullshit.

[aliphil]

we get this taught to us in school. but i dont think this should be cos religion is suppost to be taught in the church where it belongs.

this school where my kids go has just had a bad report from the goverment and that they are not teaching things like reading righting and maths enough and we xelled in the religious edducation. what to me and every1 in my village is rong. what happened to the day where you were taught the 3 r's in school?