Why do creationists think evolution is taught in schools?

[pitabread]

The reason biological evolution is taught in schools seems pretty obvious to me. It's a fundamental part of modern biology, something that anyone looking for a career in biology is going to have to learn at some point (i.e. undergrad and possibly graduate level), and has real world application and thus relevance for modern biological industries.

On top of that, any country serious about being globally competitive in the biological sciences and relevant industries (i.e. the multi-trillion dollar agriculture and medical industries) has a vested interest in a well-trained body of knowledge workers. Therefore, it just makes sense to educate people including at the very least high school students who may one day pursue careers in biology.

So creationists, why do you think biological evolution is taught in schools?

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

The reason hasn't change in 100 years.
It is taught for the same reason the Germans forced it on the population in Germany before or during and/or after wwii.
(you'll have to look it up though, sorry; it is not edifying nor helpful to repeat it all)

 

[Paul of Eugene OR]

The reason biological evolution is taught in schools seems pretty obvious to me. It's a fundamental part of modern biology, something that anyone looking for a career in biology is going to have to learn at some point (i.e. undergrad and possibly graduate level), and has real world application and thus relevance for modern biological industries.

On top of that, any country serious about being globally competitive in the biological sciences and relevant industries (i.e. the multi-trillion dollar agriculture and medical industries) has a vested interest in a well-trained body of knowledge workers. Therefore, it just makes sense to educate people including at the very least high school students who may one day pursue careers in biology.

So creationists, why do you think biological evolution is taught in schools?

The people who teach evolution do so because they think evolution actually happened, based on what they think is scientific evidence.

The people who teach evolution are not impressed by arguments based on scripture as they are defending evolution based on scientific evidence, not religious opinions.

The people who teach evolution are not impressed by arguments presented that claim to be based on science and against evolution because those seem to be full of holes.

 

[Speedwell]

The reason hasn't change in 100 years.
It is taught for the same reason the Germans forced it on the population in Germany before or during and/or after wwii.
(you'll have to look it up though, sorry; it is not edifying nor helpful to repeat it all)

Let's see... Because they were trying to undermine the theology of a Protestant sect which was, at the time, largely confined to the southern US? Yes, that makes sense, I guess.

But think what was happening about the same time in the USSR. The Soviet government officially rejected the theory of evolution, with devastating effects on their agriculture.

 

[Winken]

Let's see... Because they were trying to undermine the theology of a Protestant sect which was, at the time, largely confined to the southern US? Yes, that makes sense, I guess.

But think what was happening about the same time in the USSR. The Soviet government officially rejected the theory of evolution, with devastating effects on their agriculture.

So sad that they bashed Christianity at the same time. Some recovery is taking place, but watch out for the iron fist of Putin.

 

[Wolfe]

Better question: Why should I care?

 

[pitabread]

Better question: Why should I care?

Do you believe education is important?

 

[Wolfe]

Do you believe education is important?

That's not the question though, is it?

You're asking us why we think evolution is taught in schools, when a better question is, why would we care?
Doesn't really do anything against us, unless you're ignorant enough to think it does.

 

[Bungle_Bear]

So sad that they bashed Christianity at the same time. Some recovery is taking place, but watch out for the iron fist of Putin.

Putin is very tolerant of religion. He was baptised into the Orthodox Church and wears an Orthodox cross pendant (which he had blessed in Israel). He has passed legislation protecting religions, he has made personal pilgrimages to Orthodox sites and he had a personal role in the Act of Canonical Communion in 2007. Why would you try to insinuate that he is a threat?

 

[Jimmy D]

Better question: Why should I care?

I'm sure the OP is not bothered about whether or not you care, so it wouldn't really be a better question would it?

You should care though, if you have children surely you want them to get the best education possible.

 

[Wolfe]

I'm sure the OP is not bothered about whether or not you care, so it wouldn't really be a better question would it?

You should care though, if you have children surely you want them to get the best education possible.

Aye, and teaching them a shoddy theory full of holes is truly the zenith of education, lemme tell ya.

I fail to understand why my thoughts on why evolution is taught in schools matter.
So indeed, the better question is Why would I care? Why would anyone care?
Specifically targeting creationist with the question, when it doesn't effect them.

Evolution, has no bearing for, or against the Christian beliefs. And it's high time people stop acting like it does.

Whether it's true or not, I don't care. I don't believe it is, and there are a fair few atheist who would agree, and likewise a fair few who don't.

Again, if anyone, Atheist or Christian, thinks it does have bearing on the religion, and that it is a threat, is very ignorant.

The question I posed, was simply to answer my question, as to why I should care if it's taught in schools or not, as a Christian.

Nice try to insinuate that if I don't care, I wouldn't care about my childs education.
As if in saying that, I would automatically say I do care whether or not it's taught in schools.

The question is aimed at Christians, as a Christian I do not care, because it means nothing.

As for my child, that you seem so deeply and truly concerned about, I don't care if they learn it, because DING DONG It has no bearing on my religion.

I would not teach evolution to my child as fact, because it simply is not.
Likewise, I would not teach them my religion, or any other, as fact, even if I believe it to be fact.

I would teach my child to the best of my abilities, and let them make an informed decision on their own on what they believe.
Instead of teaching things, nigh indoctrinating, children on things that are not fact, and cannot be proven as fact.
Whether you believe it to be fact or not.
Certain aspects of Evolution can be, and are true, I don't deny that, I take concurrent evidence, and form my own opinions, instead of eating up what a school teaches.
I believe that's called critical thinking aint it? Something a lot of youth lack, because of schools.
At least in the US, we don't do well.

As for why I think it's taught in schools, I wholeheartedly believe that it's taught to brighten minds, and not to attack religion. Fools use knowledge to attack each other, that's what I'll say on that.
Because, as I've said, and will always say, evolution does absolutely nothing to dismantle any of the core Christian belief, I find that anybody who believes it does, has a weak faith to begin with.

We teach it to prepare young children for the world, because these are the theories we are currently working on, and the ideas we are developing in the scientific world. Not teaching them would be shooting them in the foot if they want to be a biologist.
So that they can one day work on the same theory, and figure things out for themselves.


Christians, it is not an attack on our beliefs (though many teachers that I have personally witnessed try to use it as such).

Satisfied?

 

[Wolfe]

Aye, and teaching them a shoddy theory full of holes is truly the zenith of education, lemme tell ya.

I fail to understand why my thoughts on why evolution is taught in schools matter.
So indeed, the better question is Why would I care? Why would anyone care?
Specifically targeting creationist with the question, when it doesn't effect them.

Evolution, has no bearing for, or against the Christian beliefs. And it's high time people stop acting like it does.

Whether it's true or not, I don't care. I don't believe it is, and there are a fair few atheist who would agree, and likewise a fair few who don't.

Again, if anyone, Atheist or Christian, thinks it does have bearing on the religion, and that it is a threat, is very ignorant.

The question I posed, was simply to answer my question, as to why I should care if it's taught in schools or not, as a Christian.

Nice try to insinuate that if I don't care, I wouldn't care about my childs education.
As if in saying that, I would automatically say I do care whether or not it's taught in schools.

The question is aimed at Christians, as a Christian I do not care, because it means nothing.

As for my child, that you seem so deeply and truly concerned about, I don't care if they learn it, because DING DONG It has no bearing on my religion.

I would not teach evolution to my child as fact, because it simply is not.
Likewise, I would not teach them my religion, or any other, as fact, even if I believe it to be fact.

I would teach my child to the best of my abilities, and let them make an informed decision on their own on what they believe.
Instead of teaching things, nigh indoctrinating, children on things that are not fact, and cannot be proven as fact.
Whether you believe it to be fact or not.
Certain aspects of Evolution can be, and are true, I don't deny that, I take concurrent evidence, and form my own opinions, instead of eating up what a school teaches.
I believe that's called critical thinking aint it? Something a lot of youth lack, because of schools.
At least in the US, we don't do well.

As for why I think it's taught in schools, I wholeheartedly believe that it's taught to brighten minds, and not to attack religion. Fools use knowledge to attack each other, that's what I'll say on that.
Because, as I've said, and will always say, evolution does absolutely nothing to dismantle any of the core Christian belief, I find that anybody who believes it does, has a weak faith to begin with.

We teach it to prepare young children for the world, because these are the theories we are currently working on, and the ideas we are developing in the scientific world. Not teaching them would be shooting them in the foot if they want to be a biologist.
So that they can one day work on the same theory, and figure things out for themselves.


Christians, it is not an attack on our beliefs (though many teachers that I have personally witnessed try to use it as such).

Satisfied?

All over the place at the moment, so if you happen to have any questions, or want me to elaborate on what I said, please feel free to.
But I think I covered my view fairly well.

I desperately need rest.

 

[AV1611VET]

So creationists, why do you think biological evolution is taught in schools?

It's difficult to discuss evolution with evolutionists anymore because questions on evolution are one of the most loaded ... if not the most loaded ... questions in history.

While microevolution certainly produces benefits to mankind, macroevolution is a lie of the Devil.

But to answer your question ... and assuming you're talking about both micro and macro, I believe evolution is taught in our schools because the Devil wants it taught.

He has to prep this world for the arrival of his most effective subordinate: the Antichrist; and what better way to do it than to infiltrate a mindset of a scientifically-oriented religion on the populace.

It also has the added ingredient of mockery; and God has been mocked throughout these last two dispensations (Law & Grace) by what evolution teaches.

It's Satan's way of shaking his fist at God.

Unfortunately, the philosophy of evolution is going to get worse before it gets pwned.

Sad to say this, but stay tuned for more details and updates as science progresses.

 

[Jimmy D]

Aye, and teaching them a shoddy theory full of holes is truly the zenith of education, lemme tell ya.

Is that your professional opinion? It certainly goes against the scientific consensus and is only the view of fundamentalist christians because it threatens their belief system. Ask any professional biologist.

I fail to understand why my thoughts on why evolution is taught in schools matter.
So indeed, the better question is Why would I care? Why would anyone care?

Pita obviously thought that the topic merited discussion, if you don't want to discuss it you don't have to.

Specifically targeting creationist with the question, when it doesn't effect them.

Who else should he target? No other groups hold themselves in opposition to the Theory of Evolution. No other groups want to get religious ideas taught in science class.

Evolution, has no bearing for, or against the Christian beliefs. And it's high time people stop acting like it does.

Quite right, I wholeheartedly agree. But who does think it does have a bearing against Christian beliefs? Creationist organizations, that's who.

Whether it's true or not, I don't care. I don't believe it is, and there are a fair few atheist who would agree, and likewise a fair few who don't.

Your talking as if there is any opposition to the Theory of Evolution, but there isn't, apart from fundamentalist groups.

Again, if anyone, Atheist or Christian, thinks it does have bearing on the religion, and that it is a threat, is very ignorant.

Completely agree.

The question I posed, was simply to answer my question, as to why I should care if it's taught in schools or not, as a Christian.

Nice try to insinuate that if I don't care, I wouldn't care about my childs education.
As if in saying that, I would automatically say I do care whether or not it's taught in schools.

The question is aimed at Christians, as a Christian I do not care, because it means nothing.

You did say "why do I care?" but alright, I'm glad you do.

It would be important if your child decided they wanted a career in biology or a related field though, however unlikely that might be.

As for my child, that you seem so deeply and truly concerned about, I don't care if they learn it, because DING DONG It has no bearing on my religion.

I'm not that bothered, I was just responding to your post.

I would not teach evolution to my child as fact, because it simply is not.
Likewise, I would not teach them my religion, or any other, as fact, even if I believe it to be fact.

It is a fact, whether you accept it or not, ask anyone working in a relevant field.

I would teach my child to the best of my abilities, and let them make an informed decision on their own on what they believe.
Instead of teaching things, nigh indoctrinating, children on things that are not fact, and cannot be proven as fact.
Whether you believe it to be fact or not.
Certain aspects of Evolution can be, and are true, I don't deny that, I take concurrent evidence, and form my own opinions, instead of eating up what a school teaches.
I believe that's called critical thinking aint it? Something a lot of youth lack, because of schools.
At least in the US, we don't do well.

Apart from your doubts about evolution, I agree.

As for why I think it's taught in schools, I wholeheartedly believe that it's taught to brighten minds, and not to attack religion. Fools use knowledge to attack each other, that's what I'll say on that.
Because, as I've said, and will always say, evolution does absolutely nothing to dismantle any of the core Christian belief, I find that anybody who believes it does, has a weak faith to begin with.

We teach it to prepare young children for the world, because these are the theories we are currently working on, and the ideas we are developing in the scientific world. Not teaching them would be shooting them in the foot if they want to be a biologist.
So that they can one day work on the same theory, and figure things out for themselves.


Christians, it is not an attack on our beliefs (though many teachers that I have personally witnessed try to use it as such).

Again, I agree.

I honestly don't think that generally anyone does use evolution to attack religious beliefs though (granted, there is the odd nutter like Dawkins). It's usually fundamentalist organizations trying set up discord between the two. Lets face it, many more Christians accept evolution than don't, many Christians work in fields related to evolution, it shouldn't be an obstacle to faith.

Satisfied?

Thanks for your elaboration.

 

[Jimmy D]

As for why I think it's taught in schools, I wholeheartedly believe that it's taught to brighten minds, and not to attack religion. Fools use knowledge to attack each other, that's what I'll say on that.
Because, as I've said, and will always say, evolution does absolutely nothing to dismantle any of the core Christian belief, I find that anybody who believes it does, has a weak faith to begin with.

Have a look at AV's post above, that's what I was referring to about fundamentalists trying to set up science and religion as enemies.

 

[JackRT]

The reason hasn't change in 100 years.
It is taught for the same reason the Germans forced it on the population in Germany before or during and/or after wwii.
(you'll have to look it up though, sorry; it is not edifying nor helpful to repeat it all)

You are referring to "Social Darwinism" not to the Theory of Evolution. It was a perversion of the ToE in an attempt to justify racial superiority/inferiority and eugenics.

 

[Wolfe]

Your talking as if there is any opposition to the Theory of Evolution, but there isn't, apart from fundamentalist groups.

david berlinski certainly wouldn't agree to that, he's an agnostic/atheist who wrote a book against evolution.
Quite a good one at that I feel.
Plus a myriad of of largely atheist professors who have spoken out against it, unclear of names, but they're not hard to find with some googling.

So it's definitely not just fundamentalist groups.

Who else should he target? No other groups hold themselves in opposition to the Theory of Evolution. No other groups want to get religious ideas taught in science class.

Aye, I wouldn't want a required bible study class, or theology class, but at least have them for people who wanna learn.
It's important to be educated on both sides, after all.

I honestly don't think that generally anyone does use evolution to attack religious beliefs though (granted, there is the odd nutter like Dawkins). It's usually fundamentalist organizations trying set up discord between the two. Lets face it, many more Christians accept evolution than don't, many Christians work in fields related to evolution, it shouldn't be an obstacle to faith.

It shouldn't be, but it's presented as such.
I believe I touched on it, but I have personally witnessed teachers say that it disproves a God, and there's no reason to even look into there being a God, because it is silly, to have this "fact", and to have the Christian God at the same time.

My view on evolution isn't religiously influenced at all, I could be wrong, and perhaps I am.
But with the resources I have as a layman, I cannot and will not accept the single celled to everything type of evolution, so called Macro evolution.

And you mention dawkins, even when I was an atheist I couldn't take him seriously.
It's like he's stuck in the late 80s with the stuff he says.
Him, Hitchens, and krauss I could never take seriously really, Hitchens out of those 3 was my favorite though.
Krauss being the worst, honestly being as blunt as I could, he's a moron. I don't care what degrees you have, legitimately saying a book can manifest itself before him, completely removes all credibility for me.
You can google that too, I believe he was talking to Ray Comfort.

And as you said, most do accept it, or rather don't see it as a threat.
I like to laugh at people who think it is, or at the people who tout it off as some big daddy argument against God, because there better arguments that you could use.

At the end of the day, it's a pathetic attempt by and large, to dismantle the religious people.
When it is used as such.

Too many Christians see education as an enemy, and too many Atheist use it as a weapon.
You end up with Christians who can't intellectually protect their belief, and Atheist who prey on young people to stray them away from religion.
Being fully aware that some Christians indoctrinate their kids, you must also be aware that some Atheist parents indoctrinate their kids also.
And personally, from what I've seen, we're seeing this kind of Atheistic indoctrination in schools now too.
I can't say the same for religious indoctrination in schools, cause I've never seen nor heard of it.
Any kind of indoctrination is bad, because it removes free thought, which is vital.
The best way to do it is the way my folks did it, This is what we believe, take it or leave it.
Because forcing it on your child is only going to make them resent it.

Personally, from the way I see things, we need to let the kids know God and Science aren't enemies.
At the very least, I feel it'd create less close minded people, both religious and Atheist.
There's always going to be idiots, and toxic people don't get me wrong.
But the idea of God being thought of as stupid, and an impossibility, and anyone who believes in God is an idiot, that a lot of youth, especially college age, have, is frightening.
Cause it is extremely close minded, and harmful I would say to them.
And I have seen a lot of Atheist who are seemingly peer pressured to be Atheist almost, and I have seen a lot of Christians who don't profess to being Christian for fear of looking like a moron, which is lunacy.

Just my 2 cents, take it or leave it.
I tend to ramble

Despite your silly profile picture, and your being an internet Atheist, you were unexpectedly kind and level headed.
I respect that, good on ya.

 

[Jimmy D]

david berlinski certainly wouldn't agree to that, he's an agnostic/atheist who wrote a book against evolution.

I thought you'd dig one or two up when I wrote that.

I haven't read Berlinski's book so it would be unfair to comment but I notice that he is employed by The Discovery Institute - one of those fundamentalist groups I was referring to.

I can only speculate on the figures but I would imagine it's a tiny, tiny minority (1% or something) of scientists working in relevant fields who doubt the validity of the Theory of evolution.

Aye, I wouldn't want a required bible study class, or theology class, but at least have them for people who wanna learn.
It's important to be educated on both sides, after all.

I agree, but it might surprise you that I'd be happy with a required theology class, it's a large part of our history and culture afterall, mind you, it could be a potential minefield - I'd hope it covered the spectrum of religious beliefs.

It shouldn't be, but it's presented as such.
I believe I touched on it, but I have personally witnessed teachers say that it disproves a God, and there's no reason to even look into there being a God, because it is silly, to have this "fact", and to have the Christian God at the same time.

I'll take your word for it, I'm sure you share my view that it's a stupid thing to say to kids.

My view on evolution isn't religiously influenced at all, I could be wrong, and perhaps I am.
But with the resources I have as a layman, I cannot and will not accept the single celled to everything type of evolution, so called Macro evolution.

Fair enough, you're welcome to opinion - even if it is wrong

And you mention dawkins, even when I was an atheist I couldn't take him seriously.
It's like he's stuck in the late 80s with the stuff he says.
Him, Hitchens, and krauss I could never take seriously really, Hitchens out of those 3 was my favorite though.
Krauss being the worst, honestly being as blunt as I could, he's a moron. I don't care what degrees you have, legitimately saying a book can manifest itself before him, completely removes all credibility for me.
You can google that too, I believe he was talking to Ray Comfort.

LOL, I'll have a look.

And as you said, most do accept it, or rather don't see it as a threat.
I like to laugh at people who think it is, or at the people who tout it off as some big daddy argument against God, because there better arguments that you could use.

At the end of the day, it's a pathetic attempt by and large, to dismantle the religious people.
When it is used as such.

Too many Christians see education as an enemy, and too many Atheist use it as a weapon.
You end up with Christians who can't intellectually protect their belief, and Atheist who prey on young people to stray them away from religion.
Being fully aware that some Christians indoctrinate their kids, you must also be aware that some Atheist parents indoctrinate their kids also.
And personally, from what I've seen, we're seeing this kind of Atheistic indoctrination in schools now too.
I can't say the same for religious indoctrination in schools, cause I've never seen nor heard of it.
Any kind of indoctrination is bad, because it removes free thought, which is vital.
The best way to do it is the way my folks did it, This is what we believe, take it or leave it.
Because forcing it on your child is only going to make them resent it.

Personally, from the way I see things, we need to let the kids know God and Science aren't enemies.
At the very least, I feel it'd create less close minded people, both religious and Atheist.
There's always going to be idiots, and toxic people don't get me wrong.
But the idea of God being thought of as stupid, and an impossibility, and anyone who believes in God is an idiot, that a lot of youth, especially college age, have, is frightening.
Cause it is extremely close minded, and harmful I would say to them.
And I have seen a lot of Atheist who are seemingly peer pressured to be Atheist almost, and I have seen a lot of Christians who don't profess to being Christian for fear of looking like a moron, which is lunacy.

Just my 2 cents, take it or leave it.
I tend to ramble

I think we're pretty much on the same page. How can anyone really have a valid opinion on these topics if they haven't got a reasonable grasp on the subject? You mentioned the value of critical thinking earlier which hit the nail on the head.

Despite your silly profile picture, and your being an internet Atheist, you were unexpectedly kind and level headed.
I respect that, good on ya.

Well, I didn't join the forum to badger Christians, I'm interested in the topics discussed here, admittedly some of the more opinionated Creationists do grind my gears sometimes.

Cheers!

 

[tas8831]

Aye, and teaching them a shoddy theory full of holes is truly the zenith of education, lemme tell ya.

And you conclude this based on your relevant post-secondary education and experience in science, surely.

 

[tas8831]

david berlinski certainly wouldn't agree to that, he's an agnostic/atheist who wrote a book against evolution.

Berlinski is a philosopher by education. I was unaware he wrote a book about evolution - what is the title?

I do know that Berlinski has sad that creationism is "an empty doctrine."