OT- Evolution

[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.

[Legbreaker]

Originally Posted by simonmark6

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.

Absolutely agree with that. Personally the best description for me would be Agnostic with Atheist leanings - until I can see some cold hard facts and evidence of a higher power, I'll go with physics, chemistry, etc all the way. Yes, it would be nice if there was something after death, but since nobody can actually prove it, I'll just content myself with the decades I know I've had and hope to have in the future before snuffing it.

Humans are animals. We exist simply to procreate and continue the species, or more specifically, our individual line of the species, just like every other living organism in the universe. Just from a logical "continuation of the species" standpoint, it makes more sense for evolution to be correct than any other philosophy.

Sure, teach creationism as an alternate viewpoint, but without evidence there's no way it should be given any more weight in the syllabus than say the works of Shakespeare or Impressionist art. At best it should be taught as a part of history classes as a way people thought and how it influences today's society, right alongside sun worship and the Aztec human sacrifice.

[Targan]

Wow. Reading the posts in this thread has honestly been a joy. Thank you, above posters.

I am an atheist and I am very strongly of the view that in a democratic country with freedom of religion, religion should be kept entirely out of government, judicial processes and the science curriculum in education. Creationism, intelligent design, they are fine to be taught in the home, in churches, even in religious studies classes in schools (as long as those classes aren't compulsory). But I'd fight to my last breath to prevent any children of mine being forced to attend classes where myths are taught as facts.

I don't want to see any religious symbolism in government or judicial institutions. I have no issue with people believing in any kind of mysticism they like in the privacy of their own homes or in churches and other houses of worship. Just keep it out of public, taxpayer-funded institutions.