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Author Topic:   Creationism in science classrooms (an argument for)
cavediver
Member (Idle past 3643 days)
Posts: 4129
From: UK
Joined: 06-16-2005


Message 16 of 66 (481671)
09-12-2008 3:27 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by Modulous
09-11-2008 5:37 PM


quote:
Prof John Bryant, professor emeritus of cell and molecular biology at the University of Exeter, agreed that alternative viewpoints should be discussed in science classes. "If the class is mature enough and time permits, one might have a discussion on the alternative viewpoints. However, I think we should not present creationism (or intelligent design) as having the same status as evolution."
[My emphasis] I find this bit scarily pathetic - "I think we should not" !!! - although tone is difficult to transmit through the written word, this should read "Never should we" whether creationism is discussed or not. As others have pointed out, evolution is science and creationsim is not. Period.
In my mind, there should be an introductory lesson that discusses as many origin stories as possible, and then describes how evolution/abiogenesis/geology/cosmology arise simply through application of the scientific method and that the results do seem to run counter to the origin stories. Emphasise that "Last Thursdayism" is the great get-out clause, and that it is still possible to believe any of the origin stories, while still studying, learning, and understanding evolution and the other sciences. Also point out that many (majority of) adherents of the multitude of religions behind the various origin stories actually accept science's take on origins, and relax the literal reading of their texts to allow this. Explain the fallacious and weak-faith-inspired reasoning behind intelligent design, and offer a faith-based theistic science approach as the obvious choice for those religiously inclined.
This should be presented as a cross-discipline lesson involving the science departemnts, geography (for the geology element), history, and religious education (if they have one) - and why not have a member of each department present to take just a few questions - no big debate. One double lesson (80 minutes) should be sufficient.
Edited by cavediver, : No reason given.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Modulous, posted 09-11-2008 5:37 PM Modulous has not replied

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