Freethought & Rationalism Archive

crazyfingers · 09-28-2002, 05:58 AM

<a href="http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/271/nation/Ga_district_allows_teaching_of_creationism+.shtml" target="_blank">Ga. district allows teaching of creationism</a>

Quote:

The proposal, approved unanimously by the Cobb County school board, says the district believes that the ''discussion of disputed views of academic subjects is a necessary element of providing a balanced education, including the study of the origin of species.''

Opponents said it was a backdoor way to bring religion into the classroom.

''Let them believe in God. Let me believe in God. But how can they deny that this is bringing religion into classrooms?'' asked Jeffrey Selman.

RufusAtticus · 09-28-2002, 06:46 AM

Dear Dr. Cartwright, (sic)

Never in my experience has an issue been so persistently misrepresented in the press. Science should be taught in the classroom and religion taught at home. Sensationalistic media reporting has contained misleading and inaccurate information. The School Board has not restricted nor is it considering restricting the teaching of the theory of evolution in the school district's science classes. The Board is not considering requiring, permitting or promoting the teaching of creationism or other faith based ideas of origin of the species in science classrooms. According to the current U.S. Supreme court rulings, creationism/scientific creationism/ intelligent design can not be taught alongside evolution in public school classrooms. This has been ruled as favoring the religious beliefs of particular organized religions, particularly since many organized religions perceive no conflict between evolution and the existence of a Creator. It is our job in the public school classroom to teach science at the current state of knowledge. Our practice is for our teachers to acknowledge controversial issues and refer students to their parents and churches for a discussion of the issue from their particular faith or moral perspective. As a board member, I want to respectfully acknowledge the diversity of strongly held belief
s in the community, but can and should favor no one belief above another in teaching in a public school classroom. Many of our high schools have elective comparative or world religions classes. A discussion of varying religious beliefs concerning creation would be appropriate in that setting.

Thank you for taking the time to voice your concerns and opinions

Laura Searcy
Cobb County School Board, Post 4

tgamble · 09-28-2002, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by crazyfingers:
<strong>The theory of evolution, accepted by nearly all scientists, says that evidence shows life developed from earlier forms through variations over time and that natural selection determines which species survive. Creationism credits the origin of species to God.
</strong>

Is it just me or does this make it sound like an atheism vs. theism thing?

Of course they aren't going to mention creationism directly. That tactic failed. So now they're putting in nonsense about "disputed views", which of course includes giving the view that evolution is NOT permitted by thermodynamics, that there aren't transitional fosils blah blah blah.

I have no problem with problmes with evolution being discussed. As long as their are real problems based on real evidence. They can discuss IC, if they do it honestly. problem is, the creationists are not honest.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

09-28-2002, 06:46 AM	#2
RufusAtticus Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: NCSU Posts: 5,853	Dear Dr. Cartwright, (sic) Never in my experience has an issue been so persistently misrepresented in the press. Science should be taught in the classroom and religion taught at home. Sensationalistic media reporting has contained misleading and inaccurate information. The School Board has not restricted nor is it considering restricting the teaching of the theory of evolution in the school district's science classes. The Board is not considering requiring, permitting or promoting the teaching of creationism or other faith based ideas of origin of the species in science classrooms. According to the current U.S. Supreme court rulings, creationism/scientific creationism/ intelligent design can not be taught alongside evolution in public school classrooms. This has been ruled as favoring the religious beliefs of particular organized religions, particularly since many organized religions perceive no conflict between evolution and the existence of a Creator. It is our job in the public school classroom to teach science at the current state of knowledge. Our practice is for our teachers to acknowledge controversial issues and refer students to their parents and churches for a discussion of the issue from their particular faith or moral perspective. As a board member, I want to respectfully acknowledge the diversity of strongly held belief s in the community, but can and should favor no one belief above another in teaching in a public school classroom. Many of our high schools have elective comparative or world religions classes. A discussion of varying religious beliefs concerning creation would be appropriate in that setting. Thank you for taking the time to voice your concerns and opinions Laura Searcy Cobb County School Board, Post 4

Freethought & Rationalism Archive

The archives are read only.