should creationism be taught in public schools?

Answer 1

yes in mythology class with all other religions

Santa is returning soon, are you prepared?!

Answer 2

Not in science class. In social studies it would be important to note that there are people in this country who want to impose religious beliefs into school curricula. Students need to know that this is happening, but creationism must not be taught even as an alternate theory, because it does not meet the criteria for scientific theory.
Lud, just because evolution doesn't have a perfect answer--and you might not know enough about it to be sure of that; I know I don't--does not make it invalid. The nice thing about science is that it does not claim to have all the answers, all the time.
And, hey, how abourt teaching that you can stop the sun in the sky, as Joshua did? It's only a theory, I guess, that the sun stays put in the center of the solar system, huh?

Answer 3

I don't think there's anything wrong with teaching about any religion, as long as it is taught in the right context. Maybe a class that presents different cultures and philosophies would be appropriate. Creationism should be taught along with lots of other religious and spiritual beliefs to give students a broad view of the many cultures our world is made of. A better understanding of different cultures can lead to a more peaceful world.

Answer 4

It may be appropriate as part of a current events course or in a class on religion, but it's probably not appropriate as part of a science curriculum.

I don't think there's anything wrong with presenting creationism as an alternate view of the origin of the universe, but it must be taught in the appropriate context as a religious or philosophical idea and not be given an impression that it has merit or mainstream acceptance scientifically. That would be misleading, especially when you're speaking to impressionable minor students who may not be able to distinguish the nuances required to make informed decisions.

Answer 5

creationism is a movement specifically designed to refute evolution. it is cult thinking. The earth is not young.

raci above has an incorrect view on what a scientific theory is. That is the type of thinking that damages science education in the US. calling something scientific theory is an honor reserved for ideas that have massive evidence and connections to many other fields.

cell theory, atomic theory, plate tectonics, quantum field theory. all theories, no one ever wants to debate those.....

creation stories are compared in many world history and comparative religion courses. Often creationist thinking argues that it should be in science class.

I have asked a few IDers - if the design is perfect, what need for a reboot? why the permian extinction>? Answers vary, but usually to the effect of - that never happened, earth is only 6k years young. How can you possibly teach science with that mindset?

Answer 6

No, if you mean 'to make it compulsory' by 'should'

But I've no objection if it is left to individual schools to decide whether they want to teach creationism / intelligent design and what not (presumably, in relation to evolution in science classes).

I don't think evolutionists have explained to our satisfaction how we get to be human from ape, as there are just too missing links and insufficient time for the jump. So I think it's still not settled science, and alternative theories should also be taught.

Answer 7

No, public school is a place of learning (well supposed to be), dogma should be taught in the home or church

Answer 8

It's conjecture based on a set of diaries written 3000-1500 years ago, and not even followed closely.
You can't use a book to verify itself, so what are you teaching?

Answer 9

There is a fairly significant lack of evidence supporting evolution, which is presently categorized as a "theory," which may at some point may be down-graded to a "hypothesis" due to this lack of credible evidence. Honest scientists have acknowledged that there is more evidence in support of a creation model, therefore, it the spirit of teaching children "critical learning" skills, and the ability to weigh alternatives and select the correct answer, I think we owe it to students to offer education that is open and hoenst about all of the competing theories and let them make up their own minfs which one is correct.

Answer 10

Since 60% of the world accepts it to a degree it should at least be mentioned as an alternative concept.

Answer 11

Yes