Update On Dover (PA) Evolution Debate

[JimGinPA]

I heard this on the news this morning and thought they had reversed the bogus "intelligent design" ruling of a couple months ago (the first thing I heard was they wouldn't be "teaching" it"), but it appears the "Flat-Earthers" are just trying to side-step litigation...


http://www2.abc27.com/news/stories/1204/192688.html

Wednesday December 22, 2004 3:19pm Posted By: Katie McCarthy


York County, PA -
UPDATE: Lawyers for the Dover School District are trying to clear up confusion about its policy on teaching an alternative to evolution. They say the school will teach evolution because it's part of the state's standardized testing. At the beginning of the unit, teachers will read a statement saying evolution is a theory-not a fact. They will "not" teach intelligent design-a theory that says the universe is so complex a higher power must be responsible. Teachers will tell kids that there are alternatives to the theory of evolution and give them the name of a Book they can read to learn more about it on their own. The ACLU is suing Dover saying presenting intelligent design violates separation of church and state.

A school board member who voted for requiring the teaching of "intelligent design" as an alternative to evolution in a York County high school has resigned after failing to get the board to reconsider its vote.Angie Yingling announced her resignation from the Dover Area School Board at last night's board meeting. Yingling was among the majority who voted 6-to-3 on October 18th to mandate "intelligent design" - a concept that attributes the universe's complexity to the work of an undefined intelligent force. Dover is believed to be the first school district in the nation to impose such a requirement.


Two dissenting board members resigned in protest after the vote. Yingling wanted the board to revisit the October vote because she thinks changes are needed to avoid lawsuits over the policy. But no one seconded her motion to reconsider the vote. There's no immediate comment Tuesday from the school board's president.


(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

[Bono71]

1. Hey, wait, I thought this only happened in the south. You mean

it happens in Blue states, too? Well, I'll be damned.

[havocmom]

3. hi five, Bono71!

good 'gentle' reminder :evilgrin:

[Bono71]

6. Thanks, couldn't resist. n/t

[Dr Ron]

7. Also in parts of Michigan

There are also some very religious areas in West Michigan where I heard some stories about teaching creationism. I haven't heard any updates recently, but in some of the more conservative areas I'm sure kids get no exposure to anything beyond religious dogma regardless of what any official policies might be.

[Patiod]

10. Oh Please, as J.Carville says

Pennsylvania is Pittsburgh and Philadelphia with Alabama in the middle.

[Bono71]

11. And for those who continually bash the south, I point to this

story. As Bono71 says, Alabama is Birmingham and Mobile surrounded by Pennsylvania.

Happy Festivus, let the airing of grievances begin.

[havocmom]

2. Broad minded liberals with the time and patience: please consider

running for your local school boards! At least go to a few meetings and see for yourself who is making decisions about educating kids in your area and what their primary concerns are. It really helps to pay attention to this stuff on the local level. The general public not keeping a eye on school boards is something the wingers count on in their march to drive America into a dark age.

[Calvinist Basset]

4. For crying out loud . . .

I was taught evolution in Jr. High, high school and college. And though I think that evolution makes *a lot* of sense, I am also a person of devout faith. Why do people think that scientific theory is a threat to faith or faith is a threat to science? The two can and do go hand in hand, and it's time to get a grip on reality. Oh, wait. Some of these people really think Bush won, so maybe they are incapable of grasping reality . . .

[leftofcool]

5. Exactly!

I wish these people would figure out the difference between spirit and logic. I don't think it is coming anytime soon.

Left of Cool

[Merlin]

9. Anything that threatens the literal accuracy of the bible terrifies them.

Because all of the teachings of the Judeo Christian religion--including most especially the beliefs (1) that God personally annointed the Jews as His "Chosen People" and gave them and their "seed" exclusively the "Holy Land" forever, and (2) that Jesus was God's "only begotten Son" who died to satisfy God's insistence that a blood price had to be paid for the "sins" of Adam and Eve--all of this utter mythology (not to say Jesus didn't live and wasn't a fine person and in fact the first liberal) is absolutely dependent upon the truth of the assertion that the Bible is The Word Of God.

If it's not the word of God, then it's merely the word of men, and it has no real validity. It's just a collection of fables, tribal tales, semi-history, and hyped-up legend.

Everything they believe themselves to be depends upon the literal truth of the bible.

[Calvinist Basset]

12. You have a point.

I believe the Bible is the "Word of God" -- but not in the same manner that many of the fundies perceive it.

It is a book of faith. It is a collection of stories to help people comprehend their relationships with each other and with God. It is "God's Word" in that it is how God has spoken and moved in the lives of people who had: successes and failures, moments of trust and moments of doubt, crystal clear understanding and completely incorrect delusions. It is full of real, human stories and creative tales--all written and gathered for the purpose of spiritual development.

Personally, I believe in the literal resurrection of Jesus. But there are parts of the gospel accounts of his life over which I raise an eyebrow. Some would doubt my "Christianity" because of this fact, simply because their own faith systems are built like a house of cards. One moment of doubt for them, and the whole thing comes crashing down.

As for me, skepticism actually strengthens my faith. It is because I am not afraid to ask the doubt-induced questions that I strive to find answers. In this process, I've broadened in perspective about a lot of things, adopted a more "rationalistic" view of the Bible, and (paradoxically?) found my faith in God to be much, much deeper and much, much stronger.

I really do feel sorry for people who must live with such narrow views on the world and on faith.

[Dr Ron]

8. Theory

It is a shame that theory is used differently in the scientific community than is used in common language. This makes it easier to claim that the theory of evolution is "just a theory" without scientific backing.