The lawsuits are against attempts to teach religious doctrines in public school science classes. That's quite a different thing from what Stein's movie complains about.
As to other attempts to censor free religious expression in public (i.e. Christmas, the 10 Comandments, etc), I stand with you in opposing them. But this is a completely different issue.
Nobody is even trying to deny those who espouse ID a public pulpit.
The issues are quite different, and I do understand if some poeple have trouble differentiating.
This issue is actually quite specific. Must ID be taught as science?
It’s clearly not science (at least not yet, in deference to tpanther), even if its conclusion is accurate, so that answers that question.
I think it’s mostly a different issue, but not COMPLETELY as you assert.
While I think there are some that are hell bent in making this a theorcracy or hi-kacking science and/or politics and trying to present religious doctrine in science class, I ALSO think believers are growing pretty damned tired of sheepishly tip-toeing around having to hide God, forced to deny God, be it science class, the courtrooms, pretty much public in general. I personally see God’s hand in science, but that’s because He’s omnipotent and everywhere. I don’t think YOU have to agree with that, and I don’t even think you should have to care, but on the other hand I don’t have to HIDE it either! NOT from ANYONE.
Am I saying to pass out ID tracts in science class? No.
What I’m saying is most deserve a voice in their belief that God has a hand in Creation that transcends ALL human understanding.
In other words, the only faith that people are allowed to acknowledge isn’t JUST matter from no matter, big bangs, unpurposeful existence, etc. etc. etc.
I don’t want children forced to learn ID, OR evolution for that matter, against their will, I think it would ENHANCE learning ANYTHING based on their value sysem, OR AT LEAST NOT COUNTER TO IT!
I would favor evolution of course presented as theory, as well as simple acknowledgement without ridicule that many if not most people believe in ID, God, creation. I don’t even care what terminology is used, as long as it’s respectful.
I always heard the argument that Christianity had to be removed from public because so many kids were uncomfortable if they were Jewish, muslim, atheist and teased for not conforming etc. etc. etc. I think that’s a cop out, but nonetheless, since it does happen should be monitored.
Well, the ANSWWER to that is NOT a kneejerk 180 degree turn back on Christianity/theists, etc!
As much as anything, I’m simply not much for banning, or censoring those we disagree with but rather let the process work itself out, and I TRULY think it WOULD work itself out much faster that way, since if it TRULY isn’t science, it would work itself out, THROUGH people submitting experiments, papers, what have you.
But to scream that’s not science from kindergarten on will do nothing but clog up courts and set honest scientific debate BACK by postponing such a conclusion IMO.
If people are wrong, let ‘em PROVE it! :)
LET students challenge it! LET them discuss it!
AND let freedom ring!