In defense of science

People's Weekly World ^ | 09/29/05

[Tailgunner Joe]

Oral arguments began this week on a lawsuit by 11 parents in Dover, Pa., seeking to reverse the local school board’s decision to teach “intelligent design” in the system’s biology classes. The school board argues that its decision is an issue of “academic freedom.”

But the 11 parents reply that the “intelligent design” curriculum is a strategy by the Christian right to repackage “creationism” in order to smuggle it into the public schools in violation of the First Amendment requirement for separation of church and state.

The trial in a Harrisburg, Pa., court is being called “Scopes II,” referring to the famous trial of classroom teacher John Scopes in Dayton, Tenn., in 1925. Scopes had dared to teach his students Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. Scopes’ case was brilliantly argued by civil liberties lawyer Clarence Darrow and the teaching of evolution as the pillar of modern biology was upheld.

Today, the ultra-right has launched a renewed war against science. George W. Bush claims that global warming is “unproven” even as hurricanes like Katrina and Rita are linked to rising temperatures in the Caribbean. He blocks funding of stem cell research, which could lead to cures to Parkinsons and other diseases.

In the nation’s schools, intimidation is so serious that a survey by the National Science Foundation found that a majority of high school biology teachers fear reprisal if they teach evolution.

Meanwhile, proponents of “intelligent design” plead that they simply want their “science” taught on an equal basis. They are lying. If they get their foot in the door, their next step will be to outlaw the teaching of evolution.

Even more is at stake here than science itself. The ultra-right has seized on the teaching of evolution as a wedge issue to advance their overall ideological agenda.

In defending science, these 11 parents in Dover are defending democracy.

They deserve all the solidarity we can give them.

[CarolinaGuitarman]

"And after all these years, so many still aren't buying it. Gives me great hope."

The ones who actually know what it says agree with it. The vast majority of scientists agree with it. Most American's can't explain what a molecule is, so it's not surprising that they are easily led by charlatans in the creationist/ID camp.
The science itself very encouraging, even if scientific illiteracy is far too high.

[mlc9852]

Doesn't matter. We have had how many years of teaching Darwin? A lot of us don't believe it and it can't be proved so there really is no reason to believe it. And the "vast" majority of scientists have done how much independent research or do they just read what someone has written? Given the choice of evolution or God, most Americans believe in God.

[so_real]

We enjoy a special relationship with the Communist Party USA, founded in 1919, and publish its news and views.

Apparently this Communist sympathetic organization supports the suppression of ID thought. Our friends over at democratic underground appear to overwhelmingly support the suppression of ID thought. Through articles like this one, I gather the homosexual community supports the suppression of ID thought.

It might be time to get hold of an ID curriculum and see exactly what they intend to teach. With groups like these trying to suppress it, it might just be a "good thing" for our children. After all, we haven't been too impressed with what they'd prefer to have filling our youths' minds. Anybody have a link to a proposed curriculum addendum for ID?

[toadthesecond]

Given the choice of evolution or God, most Americans believe in God.

Then why try and have warnings when teaching evolution in biology class? If most Americans believe in god, such warnings won't be needed.

[mlc9852]

Do you mean warnings telling students that evolution is just a theory?

[toadthesecond]

Indeed so (and I'm sure you are aware that 'theory' has a different meaning when used in science).

Would you be happy to have churches forced to read out a statement that god may or may not be real and that other belief systems are available?

[balrog666]

Ping to ignore later

BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[mlc9852]

I think people who attend church know there are other belief systems so it probably isn't necessary. But if it would make you feel more comfortable, it's fine with me. My belief in God is strong enough to withstand challenges. Can you say the same for your belief in evolution?

[balrog666]

And after all these years, so many still aren't buying it. Gives me great hope.

And after all these 2000 years, so many still aren't buying it. Gives me great hope.

[mlc9852]

Well, may you be comforted in your hope.

[balrog666]

Well, may you be comforted in your hope.

I am.

[toadthesecond]

You're right - if they're already going to church then it's too late - maybe a warning about god being a potential fairytale read out in religion classes.

[CarolinaGuitarman]

"A lot of us don't believe it and it can't be proved so there really is no reason to believe it."

By that logic there is no reason to believe in any scientific theory, none of which can or have been proved.

"Given the choice of evolution or God, most Americans believe in God."

That's not the choice. That's your straw man.

[mlc9852]

In what way would you classify that statement as a strawman?

[CarolinaGuitarman]

"In what way would you classify that statement as a strawman?"

You said given the choice between belief evolution or belief in God, most Americans believe in God. This is a false dichotomy and a false statement; most people who believe in evolution also believe in God. It's not an either or proposition. Only in your mind.

[mlc9852]

Believing that man evolved from apes leaves no room to believe God created man. It is either one or the other so I don't see it as a strawman - I see it as a choice of faith.

[CarolinaGuitarman]

"Believing that man evolved from apes leaves no room to believe God created man."

According to you.

"It is either one or the other so I don't see it as a strawman - I see it as a choice of faith."

Sorry, most people who agree with evolution believe in God too. They balance the Word of Scripture with the Word of Creation.

[mlc9852]

What exactly is the "word of creaton"?

[Just mythoughts]

"Sorry, most people who agree with evolution believe in God too. They balance the Word of Scripture with the Word of Creation."

JOKE and a total fabrication of what evolutionists do. I have yet to see any evolutionists be balanced. Oh I have no doubt there is a belief in a "god", evolutionists are very disciplined in their "god".

[CarolinaGuitarman]

"What exactly is the "word of creaton"?"

No idea. The Word of Creation on the other hand is the revelation from the physical creation of God. In other words, the world. Most Christians can balance what they read in the Bible with what they see in the world of nature. They are both considered Revelations. Sorry you never heard of it.