Idle Ramblings

You Say You Want Some Evolution...

In the continually evolving argument about whether science classes will teach science or religion, a judge in Pennsylvania has ruled that "Intelligent Design" can not be offered in public school biology classes as an alternative to evolution. I'm sure this is going to cause a firestorm among those who are increasingly insistant on imposing their religious beliefs on everyone else int he county. But, in this particular case, the public has already spoken by voting out the eight members of the school board who had approved the evolution disclaimer in the first place.

While I don't want to wade too deep into the arguments of science versus religion, church and state, culture versus religion, etc., I do want to say this, the constant assaults by those with extreme views, ideas, beliefs, etc., on the views, ideas, beliefs, etc. of others don't do anyone any good. Whether it's the religious extremeist who wants their views on morality and religion to be imposed on others, ot whether is anti-religious extremeists who basically want to punish those who believe, it's as destructive to our society as strapping on explosives and walking into a crowded building.

We are supposed to be a nation of tolerance, open to a vast marketplace of ideas. And while some might view this ruling as a restriction of these free-wheeling ideas, it's not, really. Dress it up as they may, "Intelligent Design" is nothing more than creationism. It should be taught in biology class about as much as it should be taught in Building Trades or PE.

posted by Joseph @ 12/20/2005 12:53:00 PM