But it is not a question for courts to decide, is it? By attempting to use the courts to disqualify a scientific theory because it has religious overtones sets a very bad precedent. IOW you are relying on the courts to validate your own scientific theories and to invalidate the theories of those with whom you disagree. Is that what you want?
Or would you prefer to just have an open no-holds-barred discussion in the schools and let students use their minds, instead of their lawyers, to resolve these conflicts?
Hmmmm?
What the hell are you afraid of?
You have the reasoning backwards. Creationism and ID are no more scientific theories than angels holding airplanes aloft or the Flying Spaghetti Monster creating everything from his tendrils. The scientific community is the one who weighed in as far as TToE being a scientific theory. This is NOT "religious overtones." This is religious dogma.
Or would you prefer to just have an open no-holds-barred discussion in the schools and let students use their minds, instead of their lawyers, to resolve these conflicts?
There is no conflict in the scientific arena. There is absolutely no way to apply the Scientific Method to any religion-based "argument." If you can show how any Creation Myth can be gauged a "theory" with evidence and proper reasoning (none has yet to emerge), sure. There are some emerging theories on the origins of the Universe -- but they are based on the Scientific Method and use fact-based reasoning to come to their conclusions. CRIDerism is just {poof}
In the philosophical arena, sure - have at it. But you have to be ready to discuss ALL Creation Myths -- not just the Biblical one.
What the hell are you afraid of?
It is not a question of fear. If someone came into a math class and said "the Flying Spaghetti Monster has decided that Pi will now be 3.15" I would have a real problem with that. The argument "but yours is just a theory since Pi can't be calculated" wouldn't hold much sway with me.
America's greatness is in our youth. Teaching them that mythology is interchangeable with science can only weaken us.