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To: js1138
Generally speaking, I have no problem with prayer in school, or the use of school facilities by religious clubs, or a speaker delivering a religious message at commencement. (As an aside, I think prayer of sporting events is, well, a bit petty.) I don't have a problem with intelligent design/creationism being taught in philosophy class, or the topic being given as the subject of a writing assignment in English class, or debated in forensics club.

However, students receive precious few hours of science instruction as it is. There is simply not enough time to present any but the prevailing viewpoint. There are too many minority views and competeing theories in legitimate science to do anything but teach the prevailing view. Also, as most school curricula is designed as college prep, primary and secondary schools should approach science education with the goal of teaching what they need to know to go on to further science education at university. This speaks to a need to teach the basics, and do so in such a way as to be useful later in education.

Despite the exclamations of some supporters of intelligent design/creationism, science and math class is actually one of the least politicized disciplines within the educational establishment. I can't see how a legislative or judicial victory for the intelligent design/creationism movement could improve the situation. Basic science must be taught, not science with a eye taken towards cultural sensitivity. If the intelligent design/creationism movement succeeds politically, this sets a precedent for other non-scientific theories to do the same. Wait until the Raelians, or Scientologists demand to have their "science" taught, as well. Wait until the Council or Islamic-American Relations gets its finger in the pie.

308 posted on 10/11/2005 11:54:51 AM PDT by Liberal Classic (No better friend, no worse enemy. Semper Fi.)
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To: Liberal Classic

If ID is ever taught in science class, the people who pushed for it will ber horrified.

First of all, the methodology of science will still be taught, exposing the claims of religion to scrutiny.

Second, if we assume that all living things were designed, that would include diseases and parasites. The (not God, of course) designer will be held responsibile for what looks like the work of a psychopathic sadist.


327 posted on 10/11/2005 12:37:53 PM PDT by js1138 (Great is the power of steady misrepresentation.)
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