Scary Stuff
Today in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a Bush-appointed US District Judge ruled that "intelligent design" is not science, and so should not be taught in high school science classes (Judge Rules Against 'Intelligent Design').
I couldn't agree more.
It honestly scares me that this question is even under debate in the US. Is there any other developed nation where evolution is the subject of attack in the way it is here? I feel like the war on "Darwinism" (the name "intelligent design" proponents tend to use for evolution) is yet another sign of how fearful, narrow-minded, and egomaniacal our culture has become. It's right up there with the so-called (non-existent) "War on Christmas."
Considering the overwhelming scientific evidence that supports evolution, it seems to be a major feat of public relations that this debate is even taking place. Despite the ruling today (which has very little impact outside of the schools in Dover, PA), I feel that a nation that turns its back on science and reason is a dangerous place. Would a case like this even have been possible fifteen years ago? How does a culture regress so much in such a short time?
It's scary.
I couldn't agree more.
It honestly scares me that this question is even under debate in the US. Is there any other developed nation where evolution is the subject of attack in the way it is here? I feel like the war on "Darwinism" (the name "intelligent design" proponents tend to use for evolution) is yet another sign of how fearful, narrow-minded, and egomaniacal our culture has become. It's right up there with the so-called (non-existent) "War on Christmas."
Considering the overwhelming scientific evidence that supports evolution, it seems to be a major feat of public relations that this debate is even taking place. Despite the ruling today (which has very little impact outside of the schools in Dover, PA), I feel that a nation that turns its back on science and reason is a dangerous place. Would a case like this even have been possible fifteen years ago? How does a culture regress so much in such a short time?
It's scary.
2 Comments:
Amen!
Hey cousins!
Evolution is about the one thing in schools that teaches against some religious views, so it shouldn't be too suprising that it's at least a little controversial. It could be said that to exclusively teach evolution in a public school is to have the government take an official stand that a religious view is incorrect, which could be considered a violation of the loose interpretation of the establishment clause. Personally, I think all would be enriched if opposing views were discussed (awareness...not belief training), or at least acknowledged, perhaps more in the context of a social studies class, or an appendix in biology texts. I grew up, as Marty knows, in a strict Baptist school environment, and did not have the benefit of evolutionary education. I'm more wise now, but wish I had at least been taught the theories others held. How will one debate the issue either way without knowing both sides. Frankly, I think the biblical account of creation is just evolution on a different timetable...the order of development is the same. They are more in line with each other than people think. Nothing in the bible discounts evolution specifically. If creationists would look at it more openly, I think they would find that out, and realize you can embrace evolution without sacrificing their beliefs. Perhaps one day evolution will finally find its place within even Christial beliefs. (Sorry to jump in as the devil's advocacte...it's just in my nature.)
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