The evolution/creation-intelligence design school issue
deals with only two points, although they are confused by both
sides:
1. Creationism-ID is a specific religious belief (i.e., Genesis is
literally true) and therefore cannot be taught in public
schools. This is the constitutional issue in the US designed
to protect people of all religions from domination by a few, and should
be resisted by all citizens and, particularly, religious people who hold
different views. This is the issue that the courts rule on
usually.
The constitution protects the creationists' right to believe anything,
however ignorant it may be judged by some, but not the right to force
their views on anyone else.
2. Creationism-ID is a belief without scientific support--an
untestable hypothesis--hence should not be taught as science or in
science classes. This is the pedagogical issue that all scientists
can address. But it is not the central issue that the courts deal
with.
The educational community at all levels must exercise its authority and
not allow non-science subjects in science classes.
Creationism and ID could be taught in religion and philosophy classes
without challenge as long as other religions are given equal hearing,
more or less.
The creationists should be very careful about forcing their views on
Americans, because America is changing in major ways with regard to
religion. One day, they will be without power and another
religion will have it, and that could be very bad for them.
They, as much as any other religion, should strongly support the
separation of state and religion for their own long-term
benefit. But they seem to be unaware of these things and so
intent on pushing their own views now, that they see nothing of the
possibilities that a Catholic or Buddist or Hindu president and/or
congress could come to power and treat them ill, based on the
precedent they themselves have set with this issue of evolution. It
does not show enlightenment. Let us all band together to preserve
state-religion separation for our own preservation. We don't want
an Iran here, do we?
JHL