America... Sigh...

[Sventek]

Indiana Senate passes bill putting religion in science class

Yesterday, after almost no debate, the Indiana State Senate approved a bill that would allow its schools to teach the origin stories of various religions when a class touches on the origin of life. It now moves on to the state's House, where one of its cosponsors is currently the Speaker of the House.

Although the bill as written could be used to create a comparative religion class, its sponsor, Senator Dennis Kruse, has made it clear that he hopes to see it foster the teaching of creationism in science classes. The original text of the bill explicitly mentioned creation science; it has since been modified to mention a variety of religions, including Scientology. In a brief interview, Kruse expressed disdain for evolution, calling it a "Johnny-come-lately" theory.

As with many sponsors of bills of this sort, Kruse is apparently unaware of what evolution describes (hint: it's not the origin of life) and of the scientific meaning of the word "theory," which is not broad enough to encompass religious teachings. Unlike many of those other legislators, however, Kruse seems to be aware that legal precedent, in the form of Edwards v. Aguillard, prohibits the teaching of creation science in classrooms. Instead, he hopes that some school district in his state will shoulder the cost of returning the issue to the Supreme Court, which he thinks may choose to ignore precedent and revisit Edwards.

[Shady7/8]

My head hurt reading that.... Bloody god botherers!!

[Brougham]

Cool.

[51 New West]

From Tim Minchin -

"Science adjusts it's views based on what's observed. Faith is the denial of observation so Faith can be preserved."

and -

"People who place ideology above evidence at the cost of others. Alternative-med practitioners who discourage clients from seeing doctors, anti-vaccination campaigners, those who try to impose biblical morality onto modern law-making…I’m happy for people to have non-evidential belief systems, but please keep them out of my government, hospitals and my children’s schools."

I agree completely

[Bukefal]

urgh this shit doesn't end..

[Scoundrel]

Fuck.

We need to find another planet to live on, ASAP.

[Kickass Koolridge]

>American Politics
>reasonable logic

Pick one.

>Religious political zealots
>Fucking idiots

Pick two.



>mfw not my country, couldn't give a fuck

[agrid]

I can't understand how a country that produces so much good porn is so religious.

[andymac]

Fuck.

We need to find another planet to live on, ASAP.

Why the fuck should the sensible people leave? The god-bothers want to be closer to God, well fuck off and leave the rest of us alone.

[Para045]

As was stated this already went to the US Supreme Court and was tossed out so I can't see anything coming of it, unless someone wants to spend a shitload of money to fight it

[Zaffira]

I adore practical demonstrations of the stupidity of American politics at work. It's ok we only have to put up with this drivel for another few months...what with the end of the world scheduled for Dec 21 2012.

[shmoo]

America is such a strange beast. In the same breath I both absolutely love and am terrified of the place.

What really struck me about the place is just how varied it and its people are, from area to area. People from NYC, Alabama and LA might as well be from different planets, yet they are from the same country. It's an exciting, bewildering place.

[out_in_front]

I can understand that christian, muslim, jewish etc schools would want this law passed - I think it is also wise that in most science classes the other theories are discussed so that people can understand why others have different beliefs, it also caters for people that may not accept the scientific viewpoint.

[xphread]

I can understand that christian, muslim, jewish etc schools would want this law passed - I think it is also wise that in most science classes the other theories are discussed so that people can understand why others have different beliefs, it also caters for people that may not accept the scientific viewpoint.

No... that discussion is for philosophy classes or similar. (and I think it would be a good idea to have this, especially instead of RE classes)

Discussing opposing religious beliefs in a science class is the equivalent of making time in maths classes to hear about people who don't believe in calculus.

[Bukefal]

No... that discussion is for therapy sessions or similar....

fixed.

[GreenMeanie]

I've always thought the American religious right wing was as dangerous or more dangerous than the Moslem extremists. At least the Moslem extremists don't have THE BOMB yet!

[agrid]

Religion has been a very important part of our history and therefore some teaching about it fair enough in religious education/philosophy/history classes ... just not in science class.