Indiana Senate passes bill putting religion in science class

[DainBramaged]

Source: Ars Technica on line

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.

The year is young, but the National Center for Science Education is already tracking six bills in various states that target science education.


Read more: http://arstechnica.com/science/news/2012/02/indiana-senate-passes-bill-putting-religion-in-science-class.ars

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HOLY SHIT These fucking nut jobs have to be stopped.

[Divine Discontent]

1. this is ridiculous! every tom dick and harry belief could sue to be included couldnt they?

I believe in God, but you don't force belief upon people - that's archaic and brain-washing. I went to church when I felt compelled as a youth, and I'm pretty sure I'd have been disturbed to have my teachers at school trying to teach me about creation away from my church! This stuff has to stop. The Fundies are wacky ...

[lbrtbell]

4. Oh, PLEASE let the Church of Satan sue to be included, LOL! - n/t

[No Elephants]

2. Which origin STORIES deserve class time in SCIENCE classes in PUBLIC schools?

Which public official decides which origin STORIES deserve class time in SCIENCE class in PUBLIC schools?

Which Constitutional criteria does he or she use to determine which origin STORIES deserve class time in SCIENCE class in PUBLIC school?

How much time should be spent on Genesis, versus the revelations to Mohammed about how wrong the Bible used by Jews and Christians is?

What does Bahai have to say about our origins and the Genesis story?



Will they also teach on the PBS special on the Scopes trial and the much more recent trial over this issue?


Perhaps World Literature is a more appropriate venue for discussing origin STORIES?

[ladjf]

3. Indiana is tumbling downward rapidly. nt

[No Elephants]

5. Well, I don't blame the state, but Al From, founder of the DLC, is from Indiana.

Other than him, Lieberman and Hillary, the rest of the founding members seems to be good ole boys.

Of course, that wing of the Party was there before the formal formation of the DLC, so I do not blame From for that. And I do not blame Indiana for From.

However, I do note the association, especially given that Indiana is one of the reddest states, despite Obama's carrying it in 2008.

[bikebloke]

6. The dark interior grows darker.

But the dough is rolling in for the preachers.

[lunasun]

7. how backwards can u be???

race to the bottom in education here.

The same folks will be mad when other countries excel