As far as teaching creationism and the bible for that matter. I believe we should also teach Lord of the Rings. I mean, they both contain issues for people to think about evil and good etc, and many kids would be far more interested in LOTR to learn these ideas. I mean, just because a majority believe in god doesnt mean that kids have to be taught from a young age about this 1 book and decide for 'thereselves'.
It a schools job to help children think, not brainwash (and by brainwash i mean that many MANY schools will imply that the bible is true, especially by christian teachers in the US). Not to teach them things that are read from a book that has no (well hardly any) scientific evidence. I mean lets face it, science is god. Christians who deny science are also denying that we cant land on mars and computers are tthe working of god. Christians who do believe in science deny the 'facts' of the bible (noahs arc, creation). Yet these christians also argue that the bible is still a model for their lives. I think that that line of thought is also invalid, considering that the bible being taught as fact was taught for the last 2000 years until recently (and in some circumstances still is), what makes the neo christians suddenly change there attitude? How much 'evidence' do they need? (for this last argument i am reffering to christians who do beliieve in scientific methods, carbon dating etc).
If we followed the 'true' christian way, we'd be stuck in the 1300's because we wouldnt be allowed to genetically enginneer plants/food etc for our growing population, no sex, holy wars (just look at the current muslims, sure they are oppressed but european society when goverened by christian kings/popes was the same as well aka. the crusades). I am certain that christianity will plague the earth with child molestering priests, cults, fanatics. I know this isnt the design for the religion, but the proof is in the pudding. Christianity had its chance, and look at what happened when it was followed.
Do you really want kids learning this at school? I believe it should be up to the parents to decide whether there child will learn about the bible at home, just as it is the same for every muslem, buddhist, hindu etc.
As far as evolution is concerned, it should be taught because even if the general idea is false, many scientific proofs can be found (ie how to distinguish phylum, common traits). Anyways, creationism is a story from a book. I mean if we are going to tech that why not teach the dreamtime? the Koran? i mean the possiblities are endless.\
IF religion is a subject of course it should be taught, but not in the general domain.
(let the flamers come!)
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