Originally posted by: blackangst1
Why must creationism include religion?
I repeat...
Creationism is the creature of religion. Specifically, it is the creature of fundamentalist christian dogma, and it's only purpose is as a piss poor attempt to substitute their dogma for real, demonstrable knowledge that challenges their fairy tale.
There are really only two "theories" as to the universe-created or big boomed (or some variation).
NO! Between evolution and creationism, only evolution meets the criteria of a scientific
theory.
the·o·ry
n. pl. the·o·ries
- A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena.
- The branch of a science or art consisting of its explanatory statements, accepted principles, and methods of analysis, as opposed to practice: a fine musician who had never studied theory.
- A set of theorems that constitute a systematic view of a branch of mathematics.
- Abstract reasoning; speculation: a decision based on experience rather than theory.
- A belief or principle that guides action or assists comprehension or judgment: staked out the house on the theory that criminals usually return to the scene of the crime.
- An assumption based on limited information or knowledge; a conjecture.
The first of these definitions describes a scientific theory. It isn't until you get to the last, least relevant of these definitions that you even come close to the word as it applies to creationism.
It takes only ONE inconsistancy between a scientific
theory and observable facts to disprove it.
Got even one? I didn't think so. :roll:
Why shouldnt BOTH be taught?
Because evolution is the only current explanation of the origins of biological diversity that doesn't fail the criteria of a valid theory. Creationism fails dismally. It does nothing to "to explain a group of facts or phenomena," in any rational manner, it can't be tested even once, let alone repeatedly, and it's useless as tits on a boar to "make predictions about natural phenomena."
If one is taught without the other, is it not brainwashing of sorts?
No. Brain washing would be presenting evolution and creationism to students as co-equal concepts when they are not. Evolution is a valid scientific theory. Creationism is dogmatic religious mystery oil.
What happened to letting young adults make up their own mind?
Educators are authority figures, and their words are intended to inform and influence their students. Their job is to teach students how to evaluate facts and apply critical thinking to reach valid understanding of the universe we inhabit. Mandating that science teachers must present unsupportable bullshit like creationism as co-equal to a valid scientific theory is inconsistant with that mission.
In the OP's Florida case, the school board of Taylor County, Florida went further than that. They explicitly opposed standards for science education that include the explicit teaching of evolutionary biology. That's not just stupid; it's criminal.
It would be altogether fitting and just if the Taylor County, Florida school board became future recipients of Darwin awards. :laugh: