Francis W. Porretto gives perspective to the recent controversy regarding the implementation of creation "science" instruction in Wisconsin public schools
The government-run schools were originally chartered for the express purpose of teaching the young American what he needed to know to be a good, responsible citizen. That was a relatively short list of purely practical competences:
- Basic English-language literacy.
- Basic numeracy.
- The history of the country and its civic and legal structure.
- Self-control in group situations.
- Sense enough to be able to pour piss out of a boot without consulting the directions engraved on the heel.
While the first four abilities are extremely important, the last—common sense--is absolutely essential to life and, from personal observation, is becoming less common in recent times.
I do, however, agree with John Cole (and Francis) on the subject. Creationism isn’t science in that it cannot be verified using the scientific method-–some have said the same about evolutionary theory--and shouldn’t be taught under that category. History, literature or theology would be a more appropriate category for such instruction.
See non-believers? We Christians don't want to indoctrinate your heathen children, regardless of of what Jesus-haters across the land claim.
