Creationism should be taught as science, say 29% of teachers (UK)

[grandpa]

Quote by: crimethinker You're right. They don't belong in the science classroom and they shouldn't be taught as science, which is what these teachers are advocating.

I also don't think religious debates belong in government schools. History classes should go over key religious movements in history, but that's it. Creationists lament how nasty evolutionists can get in defending "that theory," but religions (or, more importantly, non-secularist attitudes regarding religion) are known to inspire greater feuds.

Grandpa h.

[Sweet Katie]

I support such debate (Creation vs. Evolution) in an ELECTIVE class, for High School Seniors and Juniors. However, there doesn't appear adequate proof for a definite conclusion to be made on either side of this argument (IMHO) . . . Also, IMHO, at least in America, the schools have much, Much, MUCH more pressing concerns . . . The American Education System needs re-discover how to teach children the most basic elements of education! . . .

"Evolution! You're talking Evolution! We're just trying to pass basic math here!"

[Electric Hermit]

Quote by: Sweet Katie I support such debate (Creation vs. Evolution)...

There is no debate. These are not two alternative scientific theories. To suggest such a debate is to put flimsy myth and blatant lies on an equal footing with a comprehensive body of mutually supporting empirical knowledge.

[grandpa]

Quote by: Electric Hermit There is no debate. These are not two alternative scientific theories.

I agree. As I said, religion should only be assessed in class for its historical influences. I'm sure there will be questions asked, but it needn't be part of any mandated curriculum to address them.

Grandpa h.

[gela]

More importantly, 71% of UK teachers believe that creationism shouldn't be taught as science.

In Earth and Environmental Science, when discussing the origins of life, we [very] briefly went over religious theories. Our teacher chose to use the Taoism theory for origins of life.
Thats the issue, if Christian ideas are put into a class room, then shouldn't all the other religious ideas be discussed too?

Scientology in the Science classroom.. there's a scary thought.

[Jack]

there doesn't appear adequate proof for a definite conclusion to be made on either side of this argument

That sort of belief is either the result of schools not teaching evolutionary biology well enough or of students not paying close enough attention. To suggest that science has ever provided "proof for a definite conclusion" of anything shows a lack of understanding of scientific inquiry.

[grandpa]

Quote by: Jack That sort of belief is either the result of schools not teaching evolutionary biology well enough or of students not paying close enough attention. To suggest that science has ever provided "proof for a definite conclusion" of anything shows a lack of understanding of scientific inquiry.

Not only that, but whenever Intelligent Design is proposed as part of a curriculum, it has always been a question of whether religion should be taught in the public schools. It is a religious idea, not one that deals with the natural sciences. When you're learning about natural sciences, go to science class. If you want to read about ancient myths that require "faith" and not evidence, go to a church. Frankly, if I had never heard a
single word of the Creation Story, I would probably be better off. It's just not releveant to today's world. That's why Creationists want to force schools to make it relevant.

And creationist arguments are incredibly flimsy. They've already been thoroughly debunked. A standard objection to evolution is as follows: "...there is no concrete evidence proving that life forms have ever changed radically enough to be a new species" (as argued in Google Groups).

In response, some noted:
"That's a null argument; since 'species' is a human label,
you can simply claim that any given change doesn't constitute
a change in species. Numerous strains of organism have
evolved into strains that meet the accepted criteria for
the label of 'new species' -- for example, there are
strains of bacteria that can ONLY live in the presence of
synthetic antibiotics."

"Intelligent Design" is not a proposition about some purely materialistic phenomenon. It is supernaturalism. If superstitions were not being steadily debunked, we would still think the physically and mentally diseased were demon possessed.

Grandpa h.

[Walrus]

I do wonder about the reliability of this poll. The Poll carried out by Teachers' TV, emailed 10,600 education professionals, of which only 1,210 responded, so it would be probable that only those teachers with the strongest views would have replied, which may have favoured the creationists more than was warranted.

[Electric Hermit]

Quote by: Walrus I do wonder about the reliability of this poll. The Poll carried out by Teachers' TV, emailed 10,600 education professionals, of which only 1,210 responded, so it would be probable that only those teachers with the strongest views would have replied, which may have favoured the creationists more than was warranted.

And it is telling that, even with this favourable selection bias, the creationists could muster only 29%.

[grandpa]

Quote by: Electric Hermit And it is telling that, even with this favourable selection bias, the creationists could muster only 29%.

It's a favorable trait that we believe less in superstitions nowadays.

Grandpa h.

[Electric Hermit]

Quote by: grandpa It's a favorable trait that we believe less in superstitions nowadays. Grandpa h.

Most of us. But we should never be complacent about the insidious influence of the religiously deluded. The so-called "Christian Right" is not just an amusing oddity of US society. These bastards are everywhere.

[grandpa]

Quote by: Electric Hermit Most of us. But we should never be complacent about the insidious influence of the religiously deluded.

Religious delusions are common symptoms of schizophrenia, by the way.
Anyway, I agree with you. And the media is so focused on Islamic Theocracy that they fail (or refuse) to note attempts for one at home.

Grandpa h.

[Sonart]

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Wow... 29% of British teachers, eh?

I guess that means we should re-elect George Bush, since 29% of Americans now think he's doing a great job.

Quote by: Arawn t is sad day when a significant number of UK teachers are prepared to teach myths instead of facts

Not so sad. 30% of Americans would continue to support Bush if he walked into their homes and murdered their children. 29% is really pretty insignificant. Hell, 50% of Americans believe Bush and Cheney had something to do with 9/11.

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[Arawn-ap-Hywel]

Sonart Wow is that 29% of thoe in the US think Bush talks to God, who created the world?
Are they also qualified teachers?
Yes i suppose being nearly a third is quite a lot, probably a pass for some examinations ...