The Devil in Dover and elsewhere: the personal side of the Creationism controversy

[8698gil]

This coach is a perfect example of christian arrogance. I don't believe in god, but if I did, I could think of more important things to pray for than a winning football team, like ending the starvation of millions of children around the world.

[8698gil]

People who want ID taught as science in schools are predominately christian, not muslim or other faiths. ID/creationism does not belong in the public school system. My son goes to a public school along with many kids who belong to different faiths. I am an atheist, but I can imagine that Muslim parents would strongly object to Christian creation being taught to their children in school. Religious teaching belongs in the home and the churches, not public schools.

[Newenlightenmentnow]

This is a fascinating assertion. Prayer is part of football. Let me go the the NFL homepage and look at the rule book and see how prayer is part of football......looking. Nothing about praying. Before that atheist Pat Tillman selflessly gave up his NFL career to join the Army (being an atheist in a foxhole), was he also an atheist playing football? Did Pat Tillman not understand football? Strange given that he made the NFL.

[vechorik]

What about freedom of speech? It's the same old story, accept something from the government and they "own you." Maybe churches should pay taxes and become free to say what they want.

[Cannonfodder69]

@vechorik Freedom of speech does not factor into science curricullums. Science classes should teach the most accurate theories in their respective fields, as well as discuss current research and up-coming projects.

But I agree, churches should have to pay taxes just like everyone else. If they do charity, they can do deductions just like any other charity organization has to do

[aaronzvz]

@vechorik Your logic is fundamentally flawed.

[TippyCando]

@vechorik -- Do you have children? Imagine a teacher spending all of your child's classroom time talking about their summer vacation rather than the required subject matter. After all, they should have "Freedom of Speech" in the classroom.

"Maybe churches should pay taxes and become free to say what they want."

Just in case you hadn't noticed -- Churches already do have the right to say what they want.

[TippyCando]

@vechorik -- Your post does, however, point out a glaring failure in our school systems. And that is -- They don't teach critical thinking skills very well.

[atheistram]

Lauri Lebo is HOT!!!!!!!!!!

[baeron84]

"The person that has to stand up is you, thank you." Great stuff Katskee. Great video.

[jb101453]

Get the video Judgement Day: Intelligent Design on Trial". You can actually watch it on YouTube or Hulu for free. Mr Katskee at the beginning misrepresent the case. At no point was the Dover School Board trying to eliminate the teaching of evolution. They simply want a short statement mentioned at the start of the 9th grade sicence class about Intelligent Design and the OPTION of reading Of Pandas and People. It was not required reading.

Watch the video "Judgement Day" to see the real story.

[brpierce]

"At no point was the Dover School Board trying to eliminate the teaching of evolution."

Actually, one of the reasons they fell flat on their faces was because the prosecution was able to present substantial evidence that Bill Buckingham was pushing for exactly that--or, at the least, for equal time for Creationism.

[freekydkey]

The kids ALWAYS had the OPTION to read "Of Pandas and People" along with plenty other fictional literature. Just doesn't need to be TAUGHT by our teacher to our children and passed off as a "possible" truth.

[baeron84]

Looking at the wedge document, it is obvious that, that was exactly the motive of the school board. That aside lets for the moment assume that your statement is accurate, your description of what they wanted to do is still unconstitutional. Furthermore their stated purpose was prelude to their ultimate goal of teaching ID. A glaring deception shown over and over throughout the trial. The whole episode was a perfect example of creationist dishonesty. Keep your dogma (lies) for private schools.

[jingle3]

Wow - Awesome video! The first book I read on the Evolution - Creation topic was Monkey Girl by Edward Humes (highly recommended). I had Lauri Lebo's book on my To Read list, but now I will move it to the top. I recently joined Americans United for Separation of Church and State, but hadn't heard Richard Katskee speak before. He is excellent. Thanks for posting this great video!

[arroyo357]

Thank you for posting this: a great dispatch from the ongoing culture wars. Katskee is excellent.

[mrmikeperson]

amazing