Evolution...?

Question

This isn't a question, so I'm not too worried about answers. However, I've seen a lot of arguements about evolution on here, and I thought people may be interested in reading the following article:

http://www.newscientist.com/channel/opinion/mg19225776.100-homeschooling-special-preach-your-children-well.html

If this trend continues, America will find itself controlled by extreme religious conservatives. This will lead to America's downfall. It will be like when all science was herasy!! I just hope that Americans who aren't blinded by religious pseudo-science will act to make sure science stays as science, and religious beliefs stay in the philosophy classroom, and not be taught as 'scientific fact'.

Everyone is entitled to their beliefs, but please let's keep the distinction between science and religion clear.

Answer 1

The undisputed emerging prominence of biological sciences in the next century will be driven by accelerating public concern over threats to environmental quality, increasing need for improvements in food production due to population pressures, demands for new approaches in human health prompted by the emergence of antibiotic resistance and novel diseases, and the explosion of new technologies in biotechnology and computation. Evolutionary biology in particular is poised to make very significant contributions in the coming "Century of Biology;" it will contribute directly to pressing societal challenges as well as inform and accelerate other biological disciplines.
Evolutionary Biology has unequivocally established that all organisms evolved from a common ancestor over the last 3.5 billion years; it has documented many specific events in evolutionary history; and it has developed a well-valued theory of the genetic, developmental, and ecological mechanisms of evolutionary change. The methods, concepts, and perspectives of evolutionary biology have made and will continue to make important contributions to other biological disciplines, such as molecular and developmental biology,

Answer 2

It is not only in the United States that this issue is a problem. Religious fundamentalism is pervasive around the world. The view is that religious texts are the word of God and not to be disputed. The catch word that I have heard is "biblically correct". Meaning that for every conclusion that science is able to justify through study and measurement, "biblical correctness" would dictate that the conclusion be stated as a supposition or an estimate in sensitivity to those who view the religious text as being the accurate historical record. Unfortunately, religion has had to accept some scientific facts. The world is round and not flat. The earth revolves around the sun not the sun revolves around the earth. So by religion accepting these scientific facts the boundary between religion and science has become blurred.

Answer 3

The problem doesn't necessarily stem from Joe and Jane Doe, who believe in the bible, go to church, believe in the bible, and accept it as literal. The problem is with people like Carl Baugh, Kent Hovind, Duane Gish, and others, who have enough of an understanding about science to make their arguments palatable and believable to those who don't have enough of a working knowlege about science to be able to spot when THEY ARE BEING LIED TO!!!

Pious fraud is still fraud.

Another problem is that these people tell christians in their audiences that if they don't believe that Genesis is literally true, then they can't be christians, and aren't saved.

I think they do much more harm than good.

Answer 4

You need only to look back in history to see what effect religious straight-lining can do. Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Charles Darwin, were all famous people who struggled against the religious heretics of their times. What if their thoughts and accomplishments were destroyed or banned ........

Education should be taught in schools and religion taught in churches, BUT you can't condemn someone who gets religiously educated or someone who calls evolution an act of God. The thoughts of anyone can never be put on trial.

Answer 5

Amen to that! (pardon the irony)

I don't live in America, and i can tell you how wondrous it is to live in a country where education is secular! We don't get any watered down version of evolution. Everyone is taught the full darwinian deal, and after reading about how ignorant some religious conservatives can be, I am so greatful for it. I'm strongly for the teaching of facts in schools, with all the religious mumbo jumbo left to the places of worship. It's only fair to the children to teach them to differentiate science fom religion, facts from beliefs, rational and critical thinking from blind faith.

Don't preach in our schools, and I won't think in your church. :p

Answer 6

I have better things to do right now so I'm not going to waste a bunch of my time answering your "question". I would suggest that you have a look at some of the videos available to download (free) from the following web page.
http://www.bible.ca/tracks/videos-quotes.htm
After you have watched a couple we'll talk about pseudo-science vs fact. I think you'll be surprised which one is which.

Answer 7

Wow, that's really scary that these parents want to mis-educate their children. It makes me angry that they're so willing to accept the medicine and all the other benefits of science, but they won't accept the facts that make those benefits possible. Thank you for sharing that.

Answer 8

Omg that is really scary. I'm glad I live in Canada. Then again, with Harper in power things could go in that direction here as well....