Re: The Dangers Of Creationism In Education
Originally posted by Storm
The theory of evolution is being attacked by religious fundamentalists who call for creationist theories to be taught in European schools alongside or even in place of it. From a scientific view point there is absolutely no doubt that evolution is a central theory for our understanding of the Universe and of life on Earth.Creationism in any of its forms, such as “intelligent design”, is not based on facts, does not use any scientific reasoning and its contents are pathetically inadequate for science classes.
The Assembly of the Council of Europe calls on education authorities in member States to promote scientific knowledge and the teaching of evolution and to oppose firmly any attempts at teaching creationism as a scientific discipline.
The Parliamentary Assembly is worried about the possible ill-effects of the spread of creationist theories within our education systems and about the consequences for our democracies. Creationism could become a threat to human rights, which are a key concern of the Council of Europe.
The prime target of present-day creationists, most of whom are Christian or Muslim, is education. Creationists are bent on ensuring that their theories are included in the school science syllabus. Creationism cannot, however, lay claim to being a scientific discipline.
Creationists question the scientific character of certain items of knowledge and argue that the theory of evolution is only one interpretation among others. They accuse scientists of not providing enough evidence to establish the theory of evolution as scientifically valid. On the contrary, they defend their own statements as scientific. None of this stands up to objective analysis.
The Council of Europe has highlighted the importance of teaching about culture and religion. In the name of freedom of expression and individual belief, creationist theories, as any other theological position, could possibly be presented as an addition to cultural and religious education, but they cannot claim scientific respectability.
Why are you so daunted by the Biblical account of the origin of life being taught in schools? I do not believe that evolutionary theory should be taught in schools but do you see me complaining (as such)? Yet evolutionary theory is being taught in schools and universities all over the U.S. as a proven fact. However, the truth of the matter is that there is no evidence of (macro) evolution. I firmly believe (just like everything else in life) that students should be presented with both views concerning life's origin so that they can make up their own minds instead of being unlaterally brainwashed and indoctrinated by the evolutionary explanation about the origin of all life. Either don't teach creationism or evolution or teach both.
Originally posted by Member.Sure, but you have to teach it as what it is, one a scientific theory, the other a philosophical concept.
i agree, either teach both, or none at all. i'd rather have schools teach both, as it opens up a world of thought to the kids.
I mean, we could start talking about binomials in English class and Run a few laps in Music education...
Re: Re: The Dangers Of Creationism In Education
Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
Either don't teach creationism or evolution or teach both.
Yeah, teach Evolution, which is science, in a science class.
If you want, teach Creationism in a religion class, and only a religion class, creationism is not scientific. Creationism has no place outside the realm of religion.