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I’ve always thought the difference between a civil discussion/ disagreement and a down and out argument is based on 2 things – a mutual respect between the parties and some common ground to fall back on. I am struggling looking for common ground in some of this (to take up Alex’s point).
Doug, teaching self-esteem, human dignity, moral values has nothing to do with the Evolution vs. ID debate. Any more than a mathematics class should attempt to address the woes of society (unless anyone would like to argue against 1+2 = 3). In fact some people might argue this is in the realm of the family and church responsibilities (whichever faith one believes in), not school. I, like MOST (religious or otherwise), had an upbringing which didn’t need ID to have socially acceptible ethics.
There is even a much more fundamental issue – Jesus Christ either was or wasn’t the Son of God (no in between). So whichever it is there are an enormous number of religious people in the world following the wrong concept of God. They might be all wrong. Instead of attacking science and picking on the holes, with purely faith based assumptions, how about the religions getting their house in order first and work out what is the true faith! Well you can’t anymore than you can prove ID.
Ving, I think there are good reasons why ID shouldn’t be taught in schools (I stress along side of Evo in Science).
1) I think the 2 side by side would be confusing and difficult for young people to grasp.
2) Part of Creationism is the young Earth assumptions. Just about every branch of science has rejected this 6-10,000 year concept. An old Earth/Universe is as fundamental as the gravitational laws mentioned by someone earlier. I know a number of teachers, with some scientific training, that are uncomfortable with presenting the ‘young’ idea.
3) ID has its roots in Christianity and why should people of other faiths have it forced on them?
4) Evolution is the best theory science has without evoking the supernatural. It promotes critical thinking, which is basic to the school system concept.
Glenn
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