Royal Society, Pillar of Society smashed to bits

[Diver]

If kids are like we were, it doesn't matter what schools teach, since it will be ignored. We had to sing hymns, pray and take RE until 13 or so. To us, it was all (not just RE) just 'school stuff'

I remember Science classes, english Lit, Geography, Art & History classes (approx 40 Years ago )

can't remember anything from RE though

[TimberWolf]

I remember Science classes, english Lit, Geography, Art & History classes (approx 40 Years ago )

can't remember anything from RE though

RE stopped after 2nd year though? I remember bits of RE and the others. Exams were great though because you could just learn it all the night before I once had to stand up in physics class for getting 100% in an exam having gone almost entirely on intuition I much preferred subjects where you could think yourself out of trouble on the day than have to learn stuff all the way through, like history.

[OwlHoot]

The man's a religious Nutjob, intent on spreading ignorence; and whose opinions should be treated with the scorn and derision that they deserve . nuff said

Spot on - it's utterly contemptible.

What's even more galling is that creationism is not a mainstream issue in this country or anywhere in Europe AFAIK. It's completely borderline even among Christians, and I think most muslims come to that, so why the hell bring it up?

Some of these academics will say anything for attention, the more sensational the better, usually for grants, and I wouldn't be surprised if some Government department gives him a fat grant to pursue this.

[TimberWolf]

What's even more galling is that creationism is not a mainstream issue in this country or anywhere in Europe AFAIK. It's completely borderline even among Christians, and I think most muslims come to that, so why the hell bring it up?

Perhaps because of this:

Prof Reiss, speaking at the British Association Festival of Science at the University of Liverpool, estimates that about one in 10 children is from a family which supports a creationist view rather than evolutionary.

Don't know where he gets that estimate from.

[Cyberman]

creationism = socialism ... ideas of nutcases

[sasguru]

We've discussed this on the agw thread. I agree with the RS position. As quite a lot of their fellow pupils (and indeed most of the world) believe in some form of creationism, they should be taught about creationism - in RE classes. Religiosity is a human phenomenon and hence needs to be discussed a part of a general education.
The RS has made it clear that creationism is NOT a scientific theory and should not be taught in science classes on an equal footing with evolution.

[OwlHoot]

"Teaching" something gives it credence, unless like "holocaust studies" it's presented as an example of what *not* to accept, which of course creationism wouldn't be.

Otherwise you could say the same about cannibalism or paedophilia - why not "teach" them too? One in ten people is possibly a potential kiddie fiddler, in thought if not in deed (although would-be cannibals are doubtless a bit thinner on the ground).

Including something impartially in the curriculum is one step away from it becoming accepted as an optional lifestyle choice.

[TimberWolf]

http://www.thebeagleproject.com/

[Bob Dalek]

Not teaching Creationism would be wrong - as wrong as not teaching Evolution and needlework and knifing techique.

[NickFitz]

His latest statement could be interpreted as meaning that he believes in creationism, that it should be taught in school, but that it is not science. Sneeky eh?

I find it impossible to work out how you managed to come up with that interpretation of his statement. There is absolutely nothing in his statement to suggest that he believes in creationism as a valid explanation of anything. The only thing one can deduce about his beliefs is that he believes that there are children who are being brought up to believe in creationism, and in this he is absolutely correct. Visit your local evangelical church if you don't believe it.