The Bible should be taught in school

[BarbaraGordon]

Originally Posted by Tex

It certainly sounds like she wants it taught in the classroom, but her answer is pretty vague as a matter of policy. Do we have any evidence she governed this way?

Governed what way? You mean allowed personal/religious beliefs to determine policy? There is evidence that there was a morally-motivated component to her governing at the municipal level, but not at the state level.

I think the question earlier, though, was not about what her governing style is, but whether she was suggesting Genesis for inclusion in science curriculum or a comparative ancient literature course. Her suggestion was clearly the former.

[Tex]

Originally Posted by BarbaraGordon

Governed what way? You mean allowed personal/religious beliefs to determine policy? There is evidence that there was a morally-motivated component to her governing at the municipal level, but not at the state level.

I think the question earlier, though, was not about what her governing style is, but whether she was suggesting Genesis for inclusion in science curriculum or a comparative ancient literature course. Her suggestion was clearly the former.

Thus, the reason I asked the question. I'd be interested in hearing her views now.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by BarbaraGordon

Isn't there an unfounded assumption there, sir?

Perhaps I'm the naive one, but nobody who truly studies takes the Bible literally for anything more than for which it should be taken, namely, a religious tradition of nomadic peoples.

I really doubt she believe it accurately depicts how the cosmos were created, but rather form a traditional teaching narrative for the cradle of culture.

Are there speakers who will speak to the masses who wish to accept the Bible on literal terms? Yes, but those speakers are merely pandering for power and persuasion. Surely she sees it for what it is. I will not be deceived by her deception that she actually believes it.

Never met a politician of any caliber who actually believed what she or he peddled. Never.

[jay santos]

Originally Posted by SeattleUte

The controversy over teaching the Bible in school really reveals profound ignorance on both right and left. In another incarnation I'd love to teach the Bible in school. The Bible should be taught in schools as much as the Iliad, the Aeneid, Beowulf and Gilgamesh should be taught in schools. It's a tragedy that it is not.

My courses on the Bible would bring it to life in the truest sense as the well spring of what we are, even our very language. I can even imagine (God forbid!) a course in which creationism and evolution are taught side by side--the Adam and Eve story and its significance and Darwin's lifelong journey and discoveries and the ultimate progress and mainstreaming of evolution.

What are secularists scared of?

The stupidity of both the Christian right and the secularists on this issue was brought home to me when I read a liberal's short hand list of bad things about Sarah Palin. One item was, "Favors teaching creationsim and evolution side by side in the schools." I thought, "Oh no! Not that! Please, someone take her out, that would be terrible!" (I try to be funny and snarky even when talking to myself, it's a bad habit.)

I tell you what, those kids wouldn't leave my class believing all Arabs are descended from Ishmael. Yes, my record of persuasion is pretty dismal here, but I figure kids are more impressionable. Anyway, my classes would be very popular with smart kids.

SU pissing on the Bible to show Christian kids how dumb they and their parents are. Exactly what we need in public education.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Originally Posted by Tex

'Cause all those evangelical-types are the same. Like black people.

LOL. Uh.... sure..... This line of reasoning makes me no better than a racist.

Dumbass.

[Indy Coug]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lebowski

LOL. Uh.... sure..... This line of reasoning makes me no better than a racist.

Dumbass.

Silly rabbit, as long as you can disparage a group of people identified by something other than the color of their skin, you're better than a racist.

Congratulations on selecting an acceptable form of bigotry.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Originally Posted by Indy Coug

Silly rabbit, as long as you can disparage a group of people identified by something other than the color of their skin, you're better than a racist.

Congratulations on selecting an acceptable form of bigotry.

Disparaging a group of people? Bigotry? By my characterization of creationism?

LOL.

[Tex]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lebowski

Disparaging a group of people? Bigotry? By my characterization of creationism?

You alone hold the Rosetta Stone on what stereotyping is appropriate and which isn't.

[Indy Coug]

Originally Posted by Tex

You alone hold the Rosetta Stone on what stereotyping is appropriate and which isn't.

I'm pretty sure it's on loan from Waters.

[Jeff Lebowski]

If you two would like to try to convince me that there is a creationism movement out there with a different mission than the most simple and obvious one that is traditionally given by it's supporters, be my guest.

You are engaging in a silly red herring exercise.