Eleven Fla Counties forbid teaching of Evolution

Here's an interesting Article.

Apparently, the school boards of 11 counties in Florida have passed resolutions against the imposition of the teaching of evolution in their curriculums.

Do you have any other sources on that, other than a blog?

If this wasn't so pathetic, I could laugh.

Do you have any other sources on that, other than a blog?

The link in the story is to the OpEd article in the Miami Herald.

Never mind. Here's the article from the [ame="http://www.google.com/search?q=%22Taylor+County+School+District%22+evolution&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&client=firefox-a"]Herald-Tribune[/ame].

Why does this have to be such a bizarre, unintelligent, emotional debate? Stick to the ever-lovin' facts, and your butt is covered as an educator, whether you're teaching the theory of evolution, the theory of intelligent design, the Big Bang theory, or strict creationism (which suggests that the world is flat and has four literal corners.)

If I had kids, I would want them to know all of them. Intelligent design has holes in it that its adherents fill with faith. Evolution--there has been no evidence of a Missing Link (and the link we're missing is a pretty big one) so its adherents have quite a bit of their own faith. A theist science teacher can easily show what we know for a fact about evolution without ever teaching the kids that humans did evolve from the apes. There is plenty of evidence for evolution within the species without making a leap to evolution of the species.

Likewise it is easy enough for an atheist teacher to point out how perfectly the universe functions. It is no leap of faith to recognize that the universe has an intelligent design, whether that comes of a designer or if it has evolved that way.

Until we have a scientifically-proven LAW, the kids need to know the theories if only to know why none of them are laws. Maybe one of the little darlings will figure it out someday.

I personally think that the letter here should be forwarded.

I am writing you with much concern after having read of your hearing to decide whether the alternative theory of Intelligent Design should be taught along with the theory of Evolution. I think we can all agree that it is important for students to hear multiple viewpoints so they can choose for themselves the theory that makes the most sense to them. I am concerned, however, that students will only hear one theory of Intelligent Design.

Let us remember that there are multiple theories of Intelligent Design. I and many others around the world are of the strong belief that the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster.

This was even discussed at the American Academy Of Religion last year.....link here

Never mind. Here's the article from the Herald-Tribune.

Why does this have to be such a bizarre, unintelligent, emotional debate? Stick to the ever-lovin' facts, and your butt is covered as an educator, whether you're teaching the theory of evolution, the theory of intelligent design, the Big Bang theory, or strict creationism (which suggests that the world is flat and has four literal corners.)

If I had kids, I would want them to know all of them. Intelligent design has holes in it that its adherents fill with faith. Evolution--there has been no evidence of a Missing Link (and the link we're missing is a pretty big one) so its adherents have quite a bit of their own faith. A theist science teacher can easily show what we know for a fact about evolution without ever teaching the kids that humans did evolve from the apes. There is plenty of evidence for evolution within the species without making a leap to evolution of the species.

Likewise it is easy enough for an atheist teacher to point out how perfectly the universe functions. It is no leap of faith to recognize that the universe has an intelligent design, whether that comes of a designer or if it has evolved that way.

Until we have a scientifically-proven LAW, the kids need to know the theories if only to know why none of them are laws. Maybe one of the little darlings will figure it out someday.

But the difference here is between science and faith. Evolution is a theory, not a law, but there is enough scientific evidence that it qualifies as an actual scientific theory. Intelligent Design is an IDEA -- much like the idea of the flying spaghetti monster, or the parable of Anansi the spider and his sons helping create the moon. Now, I happen to have faith that some level of intelligent design actually took place, but it is faith, not science. Science belongs in science classes, and religion belongs in religion classes.

My son goes to an Episcopal school and they teach evolution. In religion class they learn the Bible. Public schools of course cannot operate this way, but I see no problem with teaching the gaps in the theory of evolution, and the fact that we have no idea what may have caused the big bang or what started everything in the first place. Citing ID or the flying spaghetti monster as possibilities or "ideas" of where it all started is fine. But ID is not science. I don't understand why it is so hard to make the distinction.

But the difference here is between science and faith. Evolution is a theory, not a law, but there is enough scientific evidence that it qualifies as an actual scientific theory. Intelligent Design is an IDEA -- much like the idea of the flying spaghetti monster, or the parable of Anansi the spider and his sons helping create the moon. Now, I happen to have faith that some level of intelligent design actually took place, but it is faith, not science. Science belongs in science classes, and religion belongs in religion classes.

My son goes to an Episcopal school and they teach evolution. In religion class they learn the Bible. Public schools of course cannot operate this way, but I see no problem with teaching the gaps in the theory of evolution, and the fact that we have no idea what may have caused the big bang or what started everything in the first place. Citing ID or the flying spaghetti monster as possibilities or "ideas" of where it all started is fine. But ID is not science. I don't understand why it is so hard to make the distinction.

Excellent post.

TFT ....


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But the difference here is between science and faith. Evolution is a theory, not a law, but there is enough scientific evidence that it qualifies as an actual scientific theory. Intelligent Design is an IDEA -- much like the idea of the flying spaghetti monster, or the parable of Anansi the spider and his sons helping create the moon. Now, I happen to have faith that some level of intelligent design actually took place, but it is faith, not science. Science belongs in science classes, and religion belongs in religion classes.

My son goes to an Episcopal school and they teach evolution. In religion class they learn the Bible. Public schools of course cannot operate this way, but I see no problem with teaching the gaps in the theory of evolution, and the fact that we have no idea what may have caused the big bang or what started everything in the first place. Citing ID or the flying spaghetti monster as possibilities or "ideas" of where it all started is fine. But ID is not science. I don't understand why it is so hard to make the distinction.

Good point. Since my high school avoided the problem altogether, I wasn't faced with the problem until my philosophy classes in college...

...where we would have thrown anyone out on his ear who compared ID with the Flying Spaghetti Monster or Anansi the Spider. Non sequitur...

Good point. Since my high school avoided the problem altogether, I wasn't faced with the problem until my philosophy classes in college...

...where we would have thrown anyone out on his ear who compared ID with the Flying Spaghetti Monster or Anansi the Spider. Non sequitur...

Actually, you're right, Anansi was a bad example. We do know that Anansi did not create the moon. I will have to look more into this flying spaghetti monster theory. My question is, Who created the spaghetti?

good post, TFT. I attended a private school, and our science teacher, who was a heavy smoker, was still able to teach us about the problems of smoking, and no one in my class was a regular smoker, at least until after graduating high school. The same lady was also our biology teacher, teaching us about things such as the Theory of Evolution. On the flip-side, every morning in homeroom during our Senior year, she rotated through the roll, asking us to read a short passage from the Bible. It IS possible to study both, with the idea that there are many questions left unanswered.

Actually, you're right, Anansi was a bad example. We do know that Anansi did not create the moon. I will have to look more into this flying spaghetti monster theory. My question is, Who created the spaghetti?

It evolved.

My question is, Who created the spaghetti?

I often make my own.

I often make my own.

And what does this tell us about SJ's metaphysical beliefs?

And what does this tell us about SJ's metaphysical beliefs?

They are based on many hours of watching cooking shows on TV.

I agree with you TFT..that the 2 are totally different subjects. But since public schools HAVE to separate school/church the issue should not even be an issue. They are just trying to find a way around the laws in order to teach religion in public schools. But the reason I brought up FSM is that who is to say which ID theory (God,FSM,Aliens,Allah,etc) do they want to teach? Since most proponents of ID believe the "designer" to be the GOD of Christianity, it is obvious to me that there will be no level playing field as far as the "designer" is concerned.

Here's an interesting Article.

Apparently, the school boards of 11 counties in Florida have passed resolutions against the imposition of the teaching of evolution in their curriculums.

I think man's thirst for knowledge, experimentation, development of theories, etc. is the definition of Intelligent Design.

God also gave us science, and the actual "unfolding" of a science-based theory of Evolution by man, to me, IS the devine, intelligent, and religious (or spiritual) experience of it.

I realize this may only make sense to me :roll:

I think man's thirst for knowledge, experimentation, development of theories, etc. is the definition of Intelligent Design.

God also gave us science, and the actual "unfolding" of a science-based theory of Evolution by man, to me, IS the devine, intelligent, and religious (or spiritual) experience of it.

I realize this may only make sense to me :roll:

It makes sense to a lot of people, but falls under the larger category of philosophy rather than physical science...

This sounds like a bunch of monkey business.

I find it interesting that a gov't school would ban scientific theories from being taught, especially since scientific facts stem from scientific theories. I thought school was supposed to help educate our children. Guess many County governments think otherwise. Let's keep dumbing down America.

I find it interesting that a gov't school would ban scientific theories from being taught, especially since scientific facts stem from scientific theories. I thought school was supposed to help educate our children. Guess many County governments think otherwise. Let's keep dumbing down America.

And we wonder why there is an increase in foreign-born scientists and physicians working in this country. :roll:

And we wonder why there is an increase in foreign-born scientists and physicians working in this country. :roll:

Absolutely! Excellent point! Are the roles scientist and physicians going to be just another group of jobs "Americans won't do." I hate what is happening here!

TFT - you da woman! you really know how to make an issue very understandable to all. that's cause you are a writer with good common sense and a big ass brain. thanks!

before I saw your post, I was going to just say this: please teach my kid science in science class, and science only. why do parents think that evolution teaches their children not to believe in God? I was taught evolution in school way back when and I never questioned my faith as a result. Of course, I was also taught "creation" but that was by my church and family. why in the world would school want to teach a religious-based idea in a science class? what in the world is happening in this state? and in this country?

I liked this guy's comment from FBB's link:

<LI class=alt id=comment-37866>Mike Says:
January 11th, 2008 at 4:01 pm Why do you never see scientists trying to muscle their way into church to alter what they say but the religious kooks think it?s fine to try redefining science?
The ones who are loudest against evolution are generally the ones with less education. Very telling.

TFT - you da woman! you really know how to make an issue very understandable to all. that's cause you are a writer with good common sense and a big ass brain. thanks!

before I saw your post, I was going to just say this: please teach my kid science in science class, and science only. why do parents think that evolution teaches their children not to believe in God? I was taught evolution in school way back when and I never questioned my faith as a result. Of course, I was also taught "creation" but that was by my church and family. why in the world would school want to teach a religious-based idea in a science class? what in the world is happening in this state? and in this country?

I liked this guy's comment from FBB's link:

<LI class=alt id=comment-37866>Mike Says:
January 11th, 2008 at 4:01 pm Why do you never see scientists trying to muscle their way into church to alter what they say but the religious kooks think it?s fine to try redefining science?
The ones who are loudest against evolution are generally the ones with less education. Very telling.

Evolution conflicts with the Christian indoctrination of world creation as written in the Bible. It's the same folks who like to ban or burn school books not to their liking. It's why private Christian schools are one of the greatest businesses to be in currently. Christians view the scientific method with a jaundiced eye only when it tends to disprove their doctrine. It's childlike behavior born of a culture that questions everyone but themselves.

Evolution conflicts with the Christian indoctrination of world creation as written in the Bible. It's the same folks who like to ban or burn school books not to their liking. It's why private Christian schools are one of the greatest businesses to be in currently. Christians view the scientific method with a jaundiced eye only when it tends to disprove their doctrine. It's childlike behavior born of a culture that questions everyone but themselves.

here here bobbie! very well stated.

If we had a good catholic school in town, I would enroll my kid in it in a heart beat, for a good solid education. and I would not be horrified if, in science, other theories were presented. why? because its a catholic school, and they are in charge of their curriculum. not me. I pay $$ for this school because I like their educational goals, philosophy, etc. (although I may not agree with every aspect of the curriculum).

but, in a public school setting, I think it starts getting out of control when christians start demanding curriculum changes based on their religious beliefs.

please let our education professionals do their jobs and determine the best possible curriculum for the best possible education for children.