OT- Evolution

[Sanjuro]

For as long as it lasts:
sometimes I challenge posts on this forum. I will try never to attack the poster.

If Creationism is to be taught in science classes, churches should be giving readings from Darwin...

That's the same kind of argument of asking someone the question, "When did you stop beating your wife?"

With all due respect, I disagree. There is a religious-led argument to use science classes to teach a religious POV with NO scientific evidence: balance would require giving science the same access to the religious platform.

[Fusilier]

Originally Posted by natehale1971

You should teach each of the theories EQUALLY. If you teach one theory, you should teach the others along with it.

This isn't correct. Only one of these is a theory, and its evolution. In science a theory is not used in the same fashion as common speech. It doesn't mean a guess or a hunch.

In science, a theory is an explanation of facts. In that sense, evolution is both a theory and fact. Creation has no facts, therefore it is not a theory - it's what we call an untested hypothesis.

Theories also must be falsifiable and with evolution it is, and creation isn't.

Remember, gravity is "just" a theory.

Originally Posted by natehale1971

Evolution does happen, but there is evidence that 'human evolution' from the various hominds are actually false since many of the hominds that we are suppose to have evoloved from, actually existed at the same time as homo sapiens sapiens.

Ahh... you do realize that evolution is not a ladder? It is not linear. Of course they existed at the same time or evolution wouldn't be possible. You don't outgrown an evolutionary path.

[Raellus]

I am a practicing Christian with a degree in anthropology. I am also a public school [history] teacher. I like to think that I am a thoughtful, well educated, rational person of faith.

Evolution is a theory, but one for which a lot of scientific evidence exists.

Creationism, on the other hand, is a belief. It doesn't really meet the criteria of being a theory because it can't, at present, be tested at all.

Intelligent Design is a theory for which very little, if any, hard scientific evidence exists [yet].

Does that mean that there is no God or that he/she/it did not design the universe? Not necessarily.

Should Evolution be taught in public schools? Yes. It should be presented as a theory for which much evidence currently exists.

Should Creationism be taught in public schools? In a world religions class, sure. In a science class, no, not until compelling scientific evidence comes to light.

[pmulcahy11b]

If you're going to teach Christian creation myths in school alongside evolution, and remain Constitutional, then you have to teach ALL creation myths. Every last one of them. That's a ridiculous mess, as is choosing one religion's creation myth and forcing it on all kids.

That's my say. Out here.

[95th Rifleman]

A friend of mine has a saying about evolution, it's tongue and cheek and very British so my American friends, please don't be offended.

"If Evolution is true, why does America still exist?"

Jokes aside, I'm a pagan (I follow Nordic tradition). Being a member of a polytheistic faith gives me a different, more open, mindset than the monotheistic big three. We acknowledge that our traditions, myths and sagas are not literal truth, but a different kind of truth.

Did Odin really hang from the tree of life, on his own spear, for nine days and nights to learn wisdom? Is this truth? maybe, maybe not. What is true is the moral that all tings must be earned, that wisdom can not be attained easily or without sacrifice, this is truth.

We take this attitude to other religions, other creation myths and sagas. We don't see them as literal truth but encourage followers of those faiths to see the moral truth within their faith.

Evolution isn't a faith, it's science. In the UK it is taught in science class while the religous stuf is taught in R.E, we prefer it this way. Allot of British people find the religous extremism in Amerian christianity to be very, well, silly.

[simonmark6]

Not all religious extremity in Christianity comes from America and not all American Christians are extremists, I've seen a lot of strange ideas come out of sects here too, most of the "American Extremist" myths come from uneven reporting rather than truth.

When I was younger I was involved in a group called Operation Friendship and I had the privileged to visit with several American families. All had a quiet, gentle faith and all were among the most rational and tolerant people I have ever met.

I agree, however, that Evolution belongs in the Science class and Creationism is part of the Christian belief system that in schools belongs in the Religious Studies classroom.

[Fusilier]

Originally Posted by 95th Rifleman

Jokes aside, I'm a pagan (I follow Nordic tradition). We acknowledge that our traditions, myths and sagas are not literal truth, but a different kind of truth.

Not the truth? Don't be so sure...