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• Thursday, May 15, 2008 12:47 AM

  "Young Earth" creationism in "science" class is NOT a quaint, harmless myth

  Cary,

  I am sorry, but you dropped the ball here. I was brought up with a religious education and am well-versed in the biblical creation stories. And while I no longer believe in them as "true" stories, I recognize their value as a mythology that has survived thousands of years, linking succcessive generations and cultures around the world. In the context of religion and society, your points on tolerance and respect are well grounded.

  But "Young Earth" creationism taught in the context of a so-called "science" setting is something quite different. In today's world, to argue that the world was created in accordance with the bible only 6000 years ago requres one to willfully ignore vast quantities of evidence and data, and distort or lie about established and successful theories in many branches of science. Without any alternative viewpoints to refer to, young minds are taught to ignore and distort ideas and evidence that do not fit their preconceptions.

  In short, "creation science" is not just some harmless myth that enriches our societal diversity. It is a calculated, strategy to lock young minds into a narrow worldview that encourages them to ignore evidence and ideas that are at odds with what they already believe. While the LW's reactions may be overly strong, he owes it to his friend (who IS asking for his advice, so may himself have reservations of his own), to advise him to seek out the truth for himself with open eyes and brutal honesty, and to never tell a child something that he couldn't say to himself with a straight face.

  It is the way I have chosen to teach my own students, and my own children.

  —samsilver Read samsilver's other letters
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