Turns out, this is hot once again. A Federal Judge in Atlanta Georgia ordered one school to remove stickers from their science text books stating that evolution "is a theory, not a fact". MSNBC has an article about the decision, as well as a poll. The results of the poll as they stand now really surprise me, since MSNBC tends to be read by a more liberal audience. There is pretty much a statistical tie when it comes to either allowing the stickers, or declaring them unconstitutional. As I said in a previous post, I disagree completly with schools trying to show religious based alternatives to evolution.
Posted by doug at January 14, 2005 08:04 AM | TrackBackI spent 10 years in Catholic school. I personally don't understand why both views can't be taught. I think that schools should acknowledge that they are other views out and stop teaching ignorance. If a student's religious beliefs or lack thereof leans them in one direction versus the other, at least they know both sides to the story.
Posted by: stacey at January 14, 2005 09:37 AMboth?! there's not really a "BOTH"! every religion has its theories on the origins of life, so teaching only the christian alternative amounts to state sponsorship of christianity. if they're not about to teach them all equally, then they have to refrain from touching it.
one should go to church to absorb religious doctrine.
Posted by: john at January 14, 2005 03:14 PMwhile i agree with the people who mount legal battles against these infringements of religion into state-run institutions, i think it's a bit far-fetched for these parents to claim it distresses their kid to hear the word "creationism", or to see a disclaimer sticker in textbooks stating that evolution is a theory, not proven fact.
i'm pretty sure i was much more distressed over my complexion and the girl sitting next to me than the thought that some people don't agree with the theory of evolution.
they should be fighting the infringements, because they're plainly against the rules. that's reason enough -- they don't need to involve the children to make it legitimate.
Posted by: john at January 14, 2005 03:26 PM