Posted on 08/30/2008 7:09:59 AM PDT by chessplayer
(more from the 2006 Alaska debate)
Palin and Creationism [Jonathan Adler]
One charge that’s rapidly making the rounds among Palin critics is that she’s a supporter of creationism and wants it taught in public schools. From what I’ve been able to find, however, this is not quite true. As detailed here, Gov. Palin stated in a 2006 gubernatorial debate that she has no objection to “teaching both” evolution and creation. After the debate, however, she clarified that she did not think the state should require the teaching of creationism or other anti-evolution theories alongside evolution in public schools. I dont think there should be a prohibition against debate if it comes up in class. It doesnt have to be part of the curriculum,” she said. Beyond other statements reaffirming her belief in God, I have seen nothing that would indicate she supports making creationism part of school science curricula. (And, just in case anyone forgets my views on the subject, that’s a good thing, because there’s nothing scientific about creationism or “intelligent design”).
It seems she has a reasonable position. She’s pro-discussion on this one, too.
That seems fair to me. If the kids are likely to run into the discussion in reasonable contexts (media, news, etc.), then it’s a fair discussion in school.
(interview with Alaska newspaper in 2006)
“I don’t think there should be a prohibition against debate if it comes up in class. It doesn’t have to be part of the curriculum.”
She added that, if elected, she would not push the state Board of Education to add such creation-based alternatives to the state’s required curriculum.
Members of the state school board, which sets minimum requirements, are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Legislature.
“I won’t have religion as a litmus test, or anybody’s personal opinion on evolution or creationism,” Palin said.
Palin has occasionally discussed her lifelong Christian faith during the governor’s race but said teaching creationism is nothing she has campaigned about or even given much thought to.
“We’re talking about the gas line and PERS/TERS,” she said Thursday, referring to the proposed natural gas pipeline and public employee and teacher retirement systems.
“There was no heaven in Judaism of David’s time, just Shoel. Post Babylonian (Messianic) Judaism speaks of Olam Ha-Ba (the World to Come) or Gan Eden (the Garden of Eden) as a place of spiritual reward for the righteous, butr doesn’t go into any details.”
David would have been aware of Jacob’s dream from Genesis and also discusses “ascending the Hill of the Lord” from the 24th Psalm. “and who shall ascend the Hill of the Lord and who shall stand in his Holy place;he that hath clean hands and a pure heart, who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity nor hath sworn deceitfully. These are the generations that seek thee, that seek thy face, O Jacob...selah”
Genesis 25:11-19
“Jacob left Beersheba, and went toward Haran. He came to the place and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! And behold, the Lord stood above it [or “beside him”] and said, “I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your descendants; and your descendants shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and by you and your descendants shall all the families of the earth bless themselves. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done that of which I have spoken to you.” Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place; and I did not know it.” And he was afraid, and said, “This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”
There certainly was a concept of heaven among learned Hebrews, the question was did men actually get to go there. The NT spoke of the factions that believed in the resurrection and those who said there was no resurrection. Of course Christ said he “was the resurrection and the life”. So from the Christian perspective, we understand that there is a Heaven and Christ was going there to prepare a place for us.
How about a duly-elected, God-ordained Orthodox President. Would you have an objection to that?
LOLOL. I didn't realize the Orthodox did not live their faith in all aspects of their lives.
Politicians are not called to be irreligious. They are called to be faithful to God's word and the laws of the land, the latter hopefully resting on the former.
Our coins and currency don't read "In Ourselves We Trust."
And actually I've enjoyed a lot more of it than not. I have always thought that despite our strong theological differences we thought of one another as peers ie., equals. Now the ugly side has appeared that because Palin is an Evangelical Christian she can't be trusted to be VP. Obviously you don't view us as peers and think Evangelical Christians are inferior. You can dress it up any way you want, but that is bigotry.
I'm sure you won't want to vote for McCain because he is a Baptist.
Bigotry is a choice.
AMEN, wmfights. My thoughts exactly.
Those who do renounce the world and find refuge in monasteries where they unceasingly prayas the Bible tells us. They don't join Crusades.
Politicians are not called to be irreligious. They are called to be faithful to God's word and the laws of the land, the latter hopefully resting on the former
They are called not to preach God but to deliver on their promises (fat chance). America was founded on separation of Church and State and evangelical fundamentalists are set on destroying that wise decision and start religious wars by bringing God into politics.
Our coins and currency don't read "In Ourselves We Trust."
Last time I checked money doesn't have party affiliation. The "In God We Trust" is probably unconstitutional (as much as it is unnecessary) just as it is in the Pledge of Allegiance, but because of so many religious nutcases it is practically impossible to remove.
That which is form the government (such as coins) has no business advertising God. Jesus told us to pray in dark corners. God has no place in Congress, the Courts, on money, or public schools.
Would you trust a Muslim for a VP who said she was on a mission from Allah? Last time I checked the Republican party ditched Romney because he is the "other Christian." How about a staunch atheist who wants to remove God from the Pledge of Allegiance (which was added in the 1950's)?
Once you start mixing religion and faith you have religious wars. Look at the Northern Ireland. Two Christian groups killing each other to this day over Reformation!
No it wasn't. It was founded on a number of philosophies and among them was religious tolerance and the principle exposed in the 1st Amendment of the Constitution that the state shall not designate an official 'state religion' (as in The Church of England.) Hint: It's the 'Establishment Clause' not the separation clause.
The "In God We Trust" is probably unconstitutional
Nothing in the Constitution would make that unconstitutional because nothing requires the government to be 'agnostic,' indifferent or hostile to religion. The Constitution only prohibits a religious test for citizens and the "establishment' of any particular religion or denomination as the official state religion.
We aren't confronted with that are we?
We are confronted with an Evangelical Christian who is the VP candidate and you have declared that you can't support her because of it. If you don't like being called a bigot then don't act like one.
All things belong to God, whether or not men admit to that fact.
America was founded on separation of Church and State
America was founded as a Christian nation which was tolerant of other faiths. Neither church nor state are subject to each other; but both church and state are subject to God's law, each having its own God-ordained purpose.
Church and state are separate, but they are not equal. The state exists, among other reasons, to protect the church.
Here's a cure for your apparent liberalism, Kosta...
“How about a duly-elected, God-ordained Orthodox President. Would you have an objection to that?”
If that person believed that he/she had been chosen to lead this country according to the dictates of the Orthodox Church, I’d be howling my objections from the roof tops, unless the American people understood that what he/she was proposing was to scrap our form of government in favor of an Orthodoxy theocracy or some sort...which likely would mean an Orthodox empire a la Constantinople. Even then I’d fight it.
You are avoiding the issue.
We are confronted with an Evangelical Christian who is the VP candidate and you have declared that you can't support her because of it
It is a big deal me. I think Evangelicals are dangerous because they are pushing for politics based on religion and a theocracy. In a country with a mix like ours that is the last thing we need.
America was founded as a nation aware of the Creator. I don't think the Declaration mentions Christ.
but both church and state are subject to God's law, each having its own God-ordained purpose
Whose God and whose interpretation of God? I don't recall ever seeing anyone with God's purpose imprinted on their foreheads.
Ditto.
"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads."
- Deuteronomy 11:18
So, the puprose is to....obey commandments. That's why we exist. God was so bored he had to create people to obey him? Do you wear a headband with your purpose inscribed on it? If not, you are not obeying the Lord! LOL!
Ancient Orthodox secret. :)
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