The issue is cut and dry. Creationism depends on the existence of god, and His existence is untestable. therefore, one must have faith in his existence.
If creationism is a faith-held belief, it is religious, and furthermore unscientific.
this is important because
a) it is unconstitutional to teach religious faiths and beliefs in a literal sensein public institutions
and
b) because creationism is based on faith and not science, it cannot be taught as such.
What do you tell the Muslim who claims the Qu'ran is historically accurate and the Bible is false? Do you tell him that America is Christian, and if you don't like that, tough?
no
if this Muclim is a law-abiding, tax-paying citizen, he is entitled to the same rights as any white historian. He is also considered a legal American, a Muslim American I might add.
To teach creationism as fact in public institutions would define America/americans as Christian... what do you say to that Muslim American now? And the Jew... And the Chinese, Korean, Atheist, African, etc, etc, etc.
The US and its citizens are not defined by the religion they practice. That is layed down in the constitution. Any American is entitled to his right to freeely practice his or her relgion. ANY AMERICAN...
It is quite simple, or at least to the rational person...