Why do Conservatives want to teach "creationism" in schools?

Answer 1

Because they believe that Darwinian, human evolution is not true and/or it dilutes the faith of literal interpretationists. According to creationists, when only Darwinian evolution is taught, then their children are confused. In school, they hear that humans evolved over millions of years, from the tinist single celled organisms. In church, they hear that God took clay and made one human, and then two, and then somehow other humans existed (that weren't part of the original story.) Kids might be confused, or they might "wrongly" question the creationism story.
Thus, by showing "creationism" as an "alternative" to evolution, they can (a) reaffirm their religious beliefs as fact, even contrary to the scientific record and the scientific method, and (b) perhaps get other children to convert. After all it's one more way of practicing decipleship -- "go ye therefore into all nations..." to reach new potential followers of Christ.

Answer 2

Although others are quick to state that they as conservatives do not agree it is hard to make a case for claiming this to be a liberal movement. They are offended at the suggestion that they are descended of apes and not special each with their own sparkle of divinity. There are many competing creationist theories though they cannot meet the definition of what constitutes a theory in scientific method. To truly understand the issue I recommend giving the creationists a shot, read their material online and then get a copy of the book "The Tower of Babble" for the opposing view. The author debunks creationism and then makes some pretty compelling arguments that Darwinism is not incompatible with a life of faith. Of course this will take more effort than posting this question but I think you will feel far better informed when you are done.

Answer 3

Not all conservatives wish to do this, it is mostly the far right wing religious righters who push this agenda, calling it "Intelligent Design," which is nothing but a pig dressed up in a pretty outfit. Their main argument is that since evolution is a theory and creationism is a theory that both should be taught. The problem is that they either don't understand, or don't wish to acknowledge, the vast difference between scientific theory and the layman's use of the word "theory." It's all the same to them and as happens with this crowd very often, they stubbornly resist education on the subject of how the word "theory" differs when you are talking science and religion. It's hard dealing with people who wish to remain purposely blind.

Answer 4

I think they should present both concepts to students, so that they can understand the debates that are always going on about this topic, and react accordingly with everything considered.

Creationism should be presented in schools, but not shoved down the students' throats. They should know enough about it to understand more about those people who believe it.

If it was a Cultural Anthropology class, I'm sure it would get mentioned in the class.

What's wrong with learning about what some people believe in?

Answer 5

We don't, so let's try to approach this with facts, not hyperbole.

Yes, some fundamentalist Christians think creationism and/or Intelligent Design belong in science class.

Most of us, however, do not agree. We mostly believe that religion belongs in church or parochial schools, or in comparitive religion classes, but not in science class.

The only scientific theories of how we got here are the big bang and evolution, so only those belong in science class.

Answer 6

Even though I believe in creationism, it is a religious theory and does not belong in science curriculums in our schools. Most conservatives have no love for scientific theories and their minds are too small to embrace them. Just look at George W. Bush for a good example.

Answer 7

Not all of them do not. I lean more to the conservative side and I do not want creationism in the school system. That is a religion based theory and has no place in schools.

Answer 8

I don't see any issues with teaching both the Darwin theory and creationist theory in school. I was taught both by my school and I understand both topics.

I think both of these theories have a place in our society and should be taught in school. Education is defined by Dictionary.com as:

the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life.

Shouldn't we be doing our children a favor and take the emotions out of this topic and allow them to use their "powers of reasoning and judgment" so that they can be prepared for life outside of the classrooom?

By limiting the scope of the education, you are basically not giving them the power of reasoning.

Answer 9

The Republicans/Conservatives have been very shrewd by aligning themselves with the Evangelical Christian movement and religious right. So- they use this, as well as the other emotional issues such as Gay marriage and abortion to coalesce their voting block.

It has more to do with having a populous power base than it does with actually believing that god created the world 6,000 years ago.

Answer 10

all conservatives huh? I can think of a few and one of them is a devout catholic who doesnt think a public school should teach that. why dont you try not to be totalitarian.