should creationism be taught in schools?

No, I don’t believe creationism should be taught in public schools. I don’t believe any effort should be expended to teach or say anything at all about creationism. At most, the textbook should include a brief paragraph stating that evolution has not been accepted by some religious groups. Period.The reason is because no single view of creationism would be acceptable to everyone. Consequently, there is no satisfactory common curriculum that could be developed. One might say, well just teach it as described in Genesis. But which Bible? Which translation? From which religious denomination? Who does the Biblical interpretation? What about the theory of a Creator God who allowed biological evolution as the preferred method for development of species then latter breathed the soul of mankind into the vessels that we call bodies?There are simply too many divergent creationist theories to make it worthwhile to teach in public schools. IMO, this issue should be resolved by creationist bent on inclusion in public school curriculum before the whole subject of separation of Church and State is ever raised.

yes the problem of which creation story to teach: Hindu, Buddhist, Shinto, American Indians (several), Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Norse, Sikh, Baha'i, Jain, Cao Dai, Rastafarian, Tenrikyo, Aztec, Confuscian, Taoist, Pagan, Bantu, other African (several), Zoroastrian, Deist, Mayan, Inca, Australian Aborigine, Weaver, Crocthor, Southern Cross and Beer, Oz, Gog\Agog, Hotentot, Nefruscan, Dirtechian, Vulcan, Romulan ...... have I left anybody out?

---

we are limited in our ability to understand
by our ability to understand RebelAAmerican.Zen[Deist
{{{Buddha walks off laughing with joy}}}

quote:

---

....have I left anybody out?

---

You're not even close. Just looking at Christians, there are 9,000 denominations.

---

My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind. ---Albert Einstein

absurdist reductionism is like that ...HAIL CROCTHOR the bringer of twist-off beer caps and triple ply toilet paper!!!

Why??? Can we expect to see this statement in physics, chemistry and geography textbooks as well? Also in every history, art, english literature and french textbook? There are religious groups who disagree with all of these fields of study, please explain what makes biology so special?

It's special because it's a high profile and controversial subject. I wouldn't expect to see that statement in other science texts. Not because it is less valid, but because evolutionary biology is the focus of the debate. This forum is a testament to that public discourse. Ever debate on any Christian vs Geography forums?

and a similar sticker in bibles?after all, it's just a concept ...

---

we are limited in our ability to understand
by our ability to understand RebelAAmerican.Zen[Deist
{{{Buddha walks off laughing with joy}}}

quote:

---

and a similar sticker in bibles?

---

Nope, not the same thing. In the US, Bible publishers do not receive public tax funds. They are private corporations and can print whatever they legally desire.

Organizations that have the right to object, damn, condemn, or whatever they like the scientific teachings. But our publicly funded schools have an obligation to teach that which can be observed, tested, modeled or experimented in science class not philosophy.

Agreed, no argument from me.

What the ID supporters don't seem to realize is that the separation is in place for them. They seem to be extremely and grossly short-sighted on the issue by assuming that Christianity is the only theological option that opposes evolution.What would they prefer? Let's make churches fully federally funded and have a statement at the beginning of each sermon that explain that this is just one opinion and doesn't necessarily represent the opinion of the American people as a whole. Other options might be [all those religions listed in the above post].Are there any prominent Christian ID leaders that are FIGHTING for separation of church and state among their ministries? If anyone knows of any I would appreciate some information and/or links, I have been curious for some time.

Come on, get serious. As far as I know, anybody in the US is meant to be able to publish anything they desire. It doesn't matter whether you receive public tax funds or not![added in edit] in any case your point is completely incorrect. The churches receive massive tax credits and by your logic should include a disclaimer saying that a large number of atheists believe that the content of the bible is a load of bollocks.This message has been edited by mick, 04-24-2005 08:48 PM

I don't see your point. Are you saying that the government should treat religious organizations the same as public institutions?

I'm saying that they most definitely should not. The separation of church and state is to protect faith from political-fueled initiatives, it's unfortunate that the Christian organizations fighting for prayer and religion in public schools can't see that.

quote:

---

Come on, get serious. As far as I know, anybody in the US is meant to be able to publish anything they desire. It doesn't matter whether you receive public tax funds or not!

---

It does matter. Public schools, (high school and lower), receive government financial support via taxes. As such there are limits on what they can and cannot do. There are restrictions on the type of books that can be used in schools. Religous books that teach a specific doctrine are prohibited.Bible publishers on the other hand are not tax funded institutions so they are free to publish anything they desire as long as it is legal. If they wanted to publish a disclaimer or sticker as RAZD suggested, they could do so but are not obligated to do so. But why should they? Isn't it common knowledge that atheist do not believe in God?But a more practical reason is the lack of public outrage. Until there is a large outcry by atheist directed at Bible publishers in such a way as to interfere with the sales of Bibles, then don't hold your breath for an atheist disclaimer in Bibles.

quote:

---

in any case your point is completely incorrect. The churches receive massive tax credits and by your logic should include a disclaimer saying that a large number of atheists believe that the content of the bible is a load of bollocks.

---

Wrong. Tax exempt status is not at all the same as receiving tax funding. The only reason I suggested the disclaimer is because the issue is so devisive. I said "at most", a small disclaimer could be added to the biology text used to teach evolution. Most places where evolution would be taught is at the local level either middle school or high school.You speak of getting "real", Ok, then let's examine the issue in the "real" world. Let's examine the environment in, and context which, these biology text will be used. Schools are governed by school boards that make decisions regarding things like curiculum and the type of books that are used among other things. These board members are generally elected by the public they serve and are subject to the desires of their constituency.I suggest the disclaimer as a compromise solution in communities where religous activist wield significant influence on local school boards. This is the case in my area of the world and a small disclaimer as I have suggested would be a victory for the evolutionist.