Ken Ham (above), who says the universe is only 6,000 years old, is MIFFED at Jay Leno because of the comedian’s jokes about a $150-million creationist theme park, the Ark Encounter, that Ham plans to build in Kentucky.
In his blog post against Leno, Ham also argues that “Christianity has all but been thrown out of public education across the nation” and says secularization has led to the decline of schools.
That part of Ham’s diatribe brings to mind a post of my own regarding widespread myths about how even the mention of God is forbidden in public schools. Check it out HERE.
Anyone that maintains that the universe is only 6000 years old deserves to be laughed at. This type of mis-information should not be taught in public schools. I don’t have a problem with teaching the bible as a piece of literature or work of fiction. But if it should not be represented as an alternate explanation to science anymore than “The Lord of the Rings” is.
Idiots and morons on the right? Who do you think runs the worst school districts in the country?
@Expdoc
Americans.
As Quentink says, there’s nothing wrong with teaching the bible as a piece of literature or a work of fiction. However, children taught that creationism, or any other biblical fable, is historical fact, won’t be very well prepared intellectually to enter tomorrow’s modern job market.
Good answer dude. Try another, Who makes the most difference in the quality of a child’s education? I’ll give you a hint, it’s not the village.
http://www.amazon.com/How-Think-About-Weird-Things/dp/0767400135
I read this book and it answered my questions about evolution really well and made me more secular and science-minded.
People who believe in creationism aren’t actively lying — making a purposeful deception. They believe themselves. But they are wrong in the methods they use by trying to make the evidence fit a preconceived notion, like a holy book, rather than just let the evidence spell out the conclusion.
Critical thinking, reasoning and the scientific method are learned skills.
Creationism and evolution are both theories.
I see nothing wrong with teaching both in a public school system.
However, I will object when one theory is taught, and not the other.
We try to be a pretty even minded society and we do our best to write laws that promise (but may not deliver) equality. I haven’t seen a way in which we can have Christianity in the school system and not open ourselves up to other religions. I’d much rather have a school system free of religion than let it become a battle ground for various religions. The Taliban is a product of religious extremism left unchecked – and the fact that Islam is a form of government AND a religion hasn’t exactly made us fall in love with that system. I don’t believe we need to repudiate religion but we don’t need to incorporate it into our lesson plans.
I forgot to mention – Ken Ham is a first class whackado
I agree. If parents want a religious education for their kids they can pursue the parochial route.
Nelson,
Evolution is a fact. The theory part about it is HOW it occurs. That is, what are the mechanisms by which it takes place?
Please keep the study of religions in the discussion of morals and ethics, and the study of the historical and social impacts of religion.
I believe a different theory and like Nelson, I think we should teach it side by side with well established scientific theories. Like many Christians, I adhere to the theory that we were created by an Intelligent Designer, as our world is much too complex for mere chance over hundreds of millions of years. That Intelligent Designer is a flying spaghetti monster. My theory is no less credible than Creationism and as such should be given equal time in classrooms.
See! I tried to warn you about guys like Milton! But would you listen? Noooooo. No my kids are gonna have to listen to tales about the “flying spaghetti monster”. Thanks Milt – thanks a lot.
Although Milton’s Intelligent Designer is different from mine, a flying spaghetti monster makes about as much sense as religion and evolution.
Obviously tongue in cheek, but he makes a good point.
It’s all theoretical.
Evolution can’t be proven…no matter what trout believes.
Of course, religion can’t either.
I stand by my previous statement.
If public schools include evolution in the curriculum, they should teach the other theories, also.
Like idiots and morons who don’t use apostrophes? Welcome to American education!
Pennyln:
The problem isn’t people who DON’T use apostrophes, it’s that FAR too many people seem to think that an apostrophe is used when making something plural. One of my pet peeves.
Milton: The kind of misuse of apostrophes you describe can be found at almost every turn.
I’ve seen mailboxes inscribed with stuff like “The Johnson’s.” And I’ve received Christmas cards from “The Miller’s.”
The rule regarding the use of apostrophes is really quite simple. They’re only used for contractions (shouldn’t, wouldn’t, can’t, etc.) and possessives (Tom’s hat, Mary’s house, etc.).
All of this brings to mind the enjoyment I get when people employ bad grammar, misspellings and mispunctuation in their written complaints about how bad the schools are these days.
Milton – don’t you mean pet peeve’s?
Pat – maybe they meant “The Johnson’s Mailbox” and ran out of room?
Okay – I’m done now – try the veal.
Um…no, Milton had it right.
Milton, I’ve seen the problem go both ways
Its not something your going to change. (two of the most annoying mistakes!!!!)
Umm… pennyln
I made a joke – you missed it.
Get it? Pet Peeves? And I used it wrong? Get it now?
D’oh! Sorry kevin…I don’t know you, so it’s hard to tell.