British Tories pledge to stop creationism in school

by cofty 42 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  nugget

  I want schools to give my children the tools to evaluate information for themselves. What biologists say should be taught in biology lessons, there is even room for more than one viewpoint. They should be given the theory and the the evidence on which the conclusions were based. They can be made aware that others disagree with the specifics and be encouraged to review the evidence for themselves.

  What the Bible says should be taught in RE. Since even the writer of Genesis was not around when the events happened teaching the account as fact is not helping children to learn critical evaluation. Teaching the Bible as science is inappropriate and ignorant and for once I agree with the Conservatives.
• 

  besty

  Should we encourage the debate on Holocaust Denial revisionism as well? Make sure the 'controversy' is covered from all sides? Perhaps suggest that we need more research?

  There are some credible historians who publish Holocaust Denial revisionist works.

  Does that entitle them to a platform and a place in the textbooks?

  Incidentally Metatron this thread is not about solving world hunger, peak oil and climate change - its a commentary on a specific subject of concern.
• 

  cofty

  This reference from The Telegraph is a year old but it illustrates the problem.

  A recent poll of science teachers found that one in three believe creationism should be taught in science classes alongside evolution and the Big Bang theory of the origin of the universe.

  However, Michael Reiss, a biologist and Anglican cleric, was forced to resign as the Royal Society's director of education after suggesting that creationism should be discussed in lessons "not as a misconception but as a world view".

  Speaking at the British Association Festival of Science at the University of Liverpool last year, Professor Reiss estimated that about one in 10 children was from a family which supported a creationist rather than evolutionary viewpoint.

  He said his experience had led him to believe it was more effective to include discussion about creationism alongside scientific theories, rather than simply giving the impression that such children were wrong.

  In Dawkin's documentary "The Root of all Evil" the same attitude was evident among the science teachers he spoke to. They felt it was not their place to tell the children of religious families that their belief in creationism was wrong. I think they ought find another job.