"We were very pleased by the science standard that was developed" in Ohio, said John West, associate director of the Center for Science & Culture of the Discovery Institute, a Seattle-based think tank active in opposing the teaching of evolution in schools around the country. He added, "I certainly do see more of these policies being pursued" as the No Child Left Behind law prompts states to review their science curricula.
The law requires review of all subjects, and in most states the process is well underway in English and math. The reviews, conducted by state school boards, can lead to changes in curriculum, textbook selection, and standardized test content. School board officials are elected or appointed by elected officials and therefore subject to political pressure.
This movement is frightening to me. Creationists' characterization of evolution as "hypothesis" ignores the fact that scientific theory is, indeed, fact. They're not up in arms about Einstein's Theory of Relativity, are they? Or the theoretical laws of thermodynamics? No, to them it's crystal clear that dinosaurs drowned in the Great Flood, which also carved out the Grand Canyon.
What's next? Do we change geography textbooks to include the theory that the world is flat? Do astronomy textbooks need to start presenting "evidence" that the Earth is the center of the universe? After all, the Bible says Isaiah 45:18: “...who made the earth and fashioned it, and himself fixed it fast...” and Revelation 7:1: "And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree."
I'm taking this very seriously. Sunday night I wrote to each of the members of the local school board imploring them to not give in to any creationist pressures that may come to bear. I haven't heard of anything like this happening in New Braunfels, but my letter accomplishes two things: 1) it's a pre-emptive voice of support for those who would stand up against dumbing down curricula, and 2) it puts those who would pander to the creationists on notice that there are members of the community watching them closely, ready to act if they try anything.
And I will. I'll happily take on the creationists, because the pope is on my side. So while we're waiting for the Bible to hit the fan, let's all relax by watching Inherit the Wind. Spencer Tracy is da bomb, but you know, that Gene Kelly kid really steals the show...
Now Playing: Eurythmics Greatest Hits
Heh. I just got a creationist protesting this 10-year-old blog entry with the following limp caveats and links to the usual smoke-and-mirrors creationist websites:
ReplyDelete"The passage that you talked about with the four corners of the earth, is talking about directions on a compass. It's kind of like how we talk about the sun setting and rising. We know the earth revolves around the sun, it's the same thing with the four corners of the earth."
So, once again boys and girls, remember: The Bible is 100 percent absolutely literal in every single word. Except when it's not. But you don't get to interpret, only us True Believers who know that it is always 100 percent absolutely literal. Except, of course, when it's not.