Dark Christianity
dark_christian
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May 2008
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dogemperor [userpic]
Here we go again...

LJ-SEC: (ORIGINALLY POSTED BY [info]sunfell)

Before I get to the heart of this post, let's have a little definition. Our word today is "Theory".

Theory:

In science, an explanation for some phenomenon which is based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning. In popular use, a theory is often assumed to imply mere speculation, but in science, something is not called a theory until it has been confirmed over the course of many independent experiments. Theories are more certain than hypotheses, but less certain than laws.

... well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena; "theories can incorporate facts and laws and tested hypotheses"; "true in fact and theory".

...hypothesis: a tentative theory about the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena; "a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory"; "he proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices".

...A theory is a logical explanation or model based on observation, facts hypotheses, experimentation, and reasoning that attempts to explain a range of natural phenomena. Theories are constantly subject to testing, modification, and refutation as new evidence and ideas emerge. Theories also have predictive capabilities that guide further investigation.


That first definition is very telling- the popular (and Dominionist) use of the word implies speculation, but the scientific definition implies lots of testing and actual confirmation of its parameters. It is clear that we have a clash and great division of opinion, belief, and ignorance where 'theory' is used in the context in teaching science in school.

Here's the latest Creationist driven brouhaha and demonstration of scientific ignorance:

Two weeks after a federal judge ordered Cobb County to remove evolution disclaimers from science books, a state lawmaker has introduced a bill requiring that only "scientific fact" to be taught in public schools. To Republican State Rep. Ben Bridges of Cleveland, that rules out the theory of evolution.

“A theory can be wrong. If it's wrong, or possibly could be wrong, don't teach it. Teach it with facts. If you've got facts to back it up, that's great,” Bridges told 11Alive News Reporter Jon Shirek.

Bridges' said he did not consider other evolution controversies when introducing his bill, which he said is driven by his Christian beliefs.

Bridges’ “Origin of Life” says "factual scientific evidence supporting... evolution theory, and factual scientific evidence not supporting the theory shall be included in the course of study,"

It goes on to talk about "...Requiring the presentation of a broad range of scientific evidence regarding theories of the origin of humans and other living things."

Dr. Sarah Pallas, a biology professor at Georgia State University, says people forget that facts are what support scientific theory. “There is no evidence against evolution except that concocted by religious groups,” she said.

“The idea that matter is made of atoms is a theory. The idea that there is some kind of force that brings us back to earth if we jump up is a theory, it's called gravitational theory,” She added. “If we're not allowed to talk about one theory, then we shouldn't be allowed to talk about all other theories.”

Bridges is prepared to argue that evolution is a disputed theory. “My motivation is possibly teaching kids something that is not true and we need to teach it with facts if we teach it,” he said.


Excuse me, but Mr. Bridges is dumber than a bag of hammers. But he wants to propagate that deliberate ignorance into public classrooms- and spread the rot into our schools, undermining scientific teaching and replacing it with religious nonsense. It is clear that this rot is spreading. When is someone going to stand up and say, "Enough!"?