Re: paleonet Good news for evolution and science teaching

[baldwin <baldwin@xxxxxxxx>]

I watched on British TV (ITV on News World International) some 
interviews with the biology teachers in PA who are subject to the ID 
statement. I wonder what we might do to help them (How about the same 
medal that George Tennant received?)? There position that they will not 
even be in the classroom when the ID statement is read is precisely the 
sort of measured response that is needed.

On the other hand the ID chair of the School District seemed awfully 
slippery to me - and quite incapable of seeing beyond his particular bit 
of the Wedge. Perhaps a Rush Limbaughesque e-mail slam would help his cause?

Chris Baldwin

Jere H. Lipps wrote:
> 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