In Kentucky, schools can use the Bible in biology classes

[MidnightVoice]

http://ncse.com/news/2012/08/kentuck...olution-007511

Kentucky is apparently unique in having a statute (PDF; Kentucky Revised Statutes 158.177) on the books that authorizes teachers to teach "the theory of creation as presented in the Bible" and to "read such passages in the Bible as are deemed necessary for instruction on the theory of creation."

I wonder if you can use it in Physics and Chemistry as well?

And a typical moronic Republican comment:

state representative Ben Waite (R-District 10) went so far as to dispute the inclusion of evolution. "The theory of evolution is a theory, and essentially the theory of evolution is not science — Darwin made it up," Waide was quoted as saying. "My objection is they should ensure whatever scientific material is being put forth as a standard should at least stand up to scientific method. Under the most rudimentary, basic scientific examination, the theory of evolution has never stood up to scientific scrutiny."

Maybe we ought to institute a required level of education for representatives?

[EricStratton]

Ben Wallace sounds like a complete moron.

[OpIv37]

So, if the scientific method is applied to evolution, it fails, but the Bible passes? Or is it that the Bible can be taught without bothering to apply the scientific method?

Stuff like this is just unbelievable.

[Bellowing4DaBills]

In a democracy, majority rules. I can thus correctly conclude the majority of Kentuckians are are a bunch of morans.

[Morpheus]

Ohh dear God. (No pun intended). Don't people know the difference between allegory and literal?

[MST3KBillsfan]

Why does this surprise anyone? I mean aren't they the same state that has the creation museum? For God sake, don't these people realize that Genesis is completely allegorical. Its used by Jews as a story for why we have the Mosaic law as defined in the pentateuch and by Christians as the beginning of what is called salvation history?

[Morpheus]

Why does this surprise anyone? I mean aren't they the same state that has the creation museum? For God sake, don't these people realize that Genesis is completely allegorical. Its used by Jews as a story for why we have the Mosaic law as defined in the pentateuch and by Christians as the beginning of what is called salvation history?

Atheists look at these bumpkins interpreting allegory as literal and then whooosh!, paint with the broad brush. More like a paint roller.

This coming from a former atheist. I guess I'd call myself a Christian, but a terrible one. Most unfortunately are. Just look at Uppy. But I know I'm in a lot of trouble.

That said, MV's pointing out some real lunacy here.

[MidnightVoice]

Unfortunately I have been a biologist all my life

[Morpheus]

Unfortunately I have been a biologist all my life

I studied human physiology for my first degree and took two semesters of evolutionary biology. Interesting stuff.

[MidnightVoice]

I know evolution deniers are religious and climate change deniers are political and that scientists are as capable as anyone else of screwing up, but this apparent increase in distrust of the scientific method worries me. Add to this the Republican party platform in Texas that "We oppose the teaching of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) (values clarification), critical thinking skills and similar programs" and I fear for the future of the USA.

[YardRat]

I know evolution deniers are religious and climate change deniers are political and that scientists are as capable as anyone else of screwing up,

Well, you got two out of three at least.

[MidnightVoice]

Well, you got two out of three at least.

True. The scientific method corrects scientist's mistakes - that is the whole point. But I thought I would be polite

[MidnightVoice]

http://www.bringyou.to/apologetics/p67.htm

Warning: Gravity is “Only a Theory”

All physics textbooks should include this warning label:

“This textbook contains material on Gravity. Universal Gravity is a theory, not a fact, regarding the natural law of attraction. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully, and critically considered.”

The Universal Theory of Gravity is often taught in schools as a “fact,” when in fact it is not even a good theory.

First of all, no one has measured gravity for every atom and every star. It is simply a religious belief that it is “universal.” Secondly, school textbooks routinely make false statements. For example, “the moon goes around the earth.” If the theory of gravity were true, it would show that the sun's gravitational force on the moon is much stronger than the earth's gravitational force on the moon, so the moon would go around the sun. Anybody can look up at night and see the obvious gaps in gravity theory.

The existence of tides is often taken as a proof of gravity, but this is logically flawed. Because if the moon's “gravity” were responsible for a bulge underneath it, then how can anyone explain a high tide on the opposite side of the earth at the same time? Anyone can observe that there are 2 -- not 1 -- high tides every day. It is far more likely that tides were given us by an Intelligent Creator long ago and they have been with us ever since. In any case, two high tides falsifies gravity.

There are numerous other flaws.....

[YardRat]

True. The scientific method corrects scientist's mistakes - that is the whole point. But I thought I would be polite

Except when they bastardize it. I felt like tossing you a softball.

[Morpheus]

I know evolution deniers are religious and climate change deniers are political and that scientists are as capable as anyone else of screwing up, but this apparent increase in distrust of the scientific method worries me. Add to this the Republican party platform in Texas that "We oppose the teaching of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) (values clarification), critical thinking skills and similar programs" and I fear for the future of the USA.

Actually I think with global warming, err, climate change the opposite is true. I believe in God AND evolution. The US was toast 30 years ago. We just didn't know it yet.

[coastal]

Do these people look like they give a flying **** about science?

[Morpheus]

Do these people look like they give a flying **** about science?

I actually went to a ole' time-en-y fundamental baptist church service in rural East Tx when my wife and I were visiting her (very old) aunt and uncle. Very old fashioned and very old school so I did it out of respect (and my wife nagging me).

I almost burst into tears laughing when they started singin' "When Jesus Comes from Over Yonder". LMAO.

[MikeInRoch]

I know evolution deniers are religious and climate change deniers are political and that scientists are as capable as anyone else of screwing up, but this apparent increase in distrust of the scientific method worries me. Add to this the Republican party platform in Texas that "We oppose the teaching of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) (values clarification), critical thinking skills and similar programs" and I fear for the future of the USA.

I fear for the present.

[MidnightVoice]

I fear for the present.

I was playing the optimist