[ced]

It's amazing the mass majority of the world still won't embrace science, the only thing that has made our lives so much better through the years.

[Omegasquash]

America. Where you're free to opt out of the truth.

[Rebel Leader]

I didn't think the American public school system could fail its children anymore than it currently is.

Go to the high school I went too.. and I'll prove you wrong

(not religious but still damn horrible school)

[Utako]

When will any politician take a stand against religion?

It is a contagious mental disease, which ironically, I have heard religious zealots say about lack of faith.

[Orayn]

America. Where you're free to opt out of the truth.

But the truth is contained in my holy book of choice! It's SCIENCE that's trying to make me stray from the truth!*

*: This is what fundamentalists actually believe.

[slit]

When will any politician take a stand against religion?

When it's politcally safe to do so, i.e. not for a very long time.

[Rebel Leader]

When will any politician take a stand against religion? It is a contagious mental disease, which ironically, I have heard religious zealots say about lack of faith.

Old but:




That's why

[ClassyPenguin]

When will any politician take a stand against religion? It is a contagious mental disease, which ironically, I have heard religious zealots say about lack of faith.

Look at the difference betwwen Penn state and the Catholic sex scandals.

Many of the people involved are still in high positions of the church. Completly untouchable.

[marrec]

When it's politcally safe to do so, i.e. not for a very long time.

The question is, against religion how?

Currently many politicians stand in favor of gay marriage and free contraception which is in direct opposition to many major religions in America.

[Zzoram]

We have these idiots, but at the same time we have the geniuses who put a rover on Mars.....

The NASA guys probably didn't come from these ass backwards religiously pandering public schools.

[Dicer]

What ever happened to separation of church and state?

[Interfectum]

Dunno whether I should laugh or cry.

[slit]

The question is, against religion how? Currently many politicians stand in favor of gay marriage and free contraception which is in direct opposition to many major religions in America.

Well, I took his statement to mean standing up to the influence that religous zealots wield in our government.

[Raonak]

Ugh. America's war against evolution/science is downright disturbing.

[Steelrain]

The NASA guys probably didn't come from these ass backwards religiously pandering public schools.

The public schools aren't pandering to religious people. The concern for this amendment is that it could affect the lesson plans of public schools. So yeah, the NASA guys probably did come from public schools like the ones that could be affecting by this amendment.

Ugh. America's war against evolution/science is downright disturbing.

There is no war against evolution/science. There are a small number of idiot fanatics trying to push an agenda being smacked down in the courts at every turn.

[Zzoram]

The public schools aren't pandering to religious people. The concern for this amendment is that it could affect the lesson plans of public schools. So yeah, the NASA guys probably did come from public schools like the ones that could be affecting by this amendment.

In some areas they are. Many teachers get shit from parents for teaching evolution or even global warming, and in places like Texas there is a strong bias against evolution even from the school boards.

[Mattlikewhoa]

Every day I come to off-topic section and every day I learn something about USA that blows my mind. You sure have absolutely crazy people overthere that have too much influence in the public sphere. It will not end good.

Co-signed...

[marrec]

Well, I took his statement to mean standing up to the influence that religous zealots wield in our government.

It's going to always be on an issue by issue basis. I don't believe any politician will be able to stand up and say 'The Catholic League wields too much power in Government and we need to put an end to it's influence over public policy!' because they'd get murdered in the polls... maybe literally.

But you can easily stand up and say 'I believe science holds the answer to the many questions of the universe and our churches need to get out of the way of America's scientific achievement!' or insert whatever social issue you please. These types of laws always get a ton of press, but hardly ever are enacted because of public and political pressure from more rational human beings.

Look at the Texas State School Board... for almost two decades now it's been on the precipice of doom but always pulls back at the last moment.

[Steelrain]

In some areas they are. Many teachers get shit from parents for teaching evolution or even global warming, and in places like Texas there is a strong bias against evolution even from the school boards.

No, teachers still teach those subjects. There have been attempts by idiot parents and school board members to change curriculum but they get slapped down in court. Idiot parents raging doesn't mean the school boards are pandering to religious people.

[Mango Positive]

This is a prime example of why democracy doesn't work.

[ReBurn]

What frightens me more than someone electing to forego a class on evolution is the notion that people shouldn't question the curriculum that government schools teach. I don't see a problem with people wanting to affirm the rights they already have. Makes me wonder who are really free thinkers and who are the mind-numbed drones.

[slit]

It's going to always be on an issue by issue basis. I don't believe any politician will be able to stand up and say 'The Catholic League wields too much power in Government and we need to put an end to it's influence over public policy!' because they'd get murdered in the polls... maybe literally.

I know, hence why I said not for a very long time, if ever.

But you can easily stand up and say 'I believe science holds the answer to the many questions of the universe and our churches need to get out of the way of America's scientific achievement!' or insert whatever social issue you please. These types of laws always get a ton of press, but hardly ever are enacted because of public and political pressure from more rational human beings.

I don't believe you can do that easily, at least not right now. Saying that would be taken as an "act of war" by many in the religious establishment.

[marrec]

What frightens me more than someone electing to forego a class on evolution is the notion that people shouldn't question the curriculum that government schools teach. I don't see a problem with people wanting to affirm the rights they already have. Makes me wonder who are really free thinkers and who are the mind-numbed drones.

These types of courses aren't under government purview but instead are under the review of a locally elected school board.

[effingvic]

if they want to avoid the sciences, let them. i hope they enjoy making a career out of making french fries at mcdonalds

[marrec]

I don't believe you can do that easily, at least not right now. Saying that would be taken as an "act of war" by many in the religious establishment.

I suppose our answer will be seen this November. If Obama is reelected despite his many salvos in the 'war on religious freedom (lol)' then maybe we've reached a secular turning point in our nation.

[Khold]

Calculus runs contrary to my religious beliefs. As does the gym requirement. I'd like to be exempt, please.

[Miletius]

I listened to a roundtable discussion featuring one of the co-sponsors of this bill a couple of weeks ago. Basically his entire argument consisted of a few examples where the school system interrupted a child's right to do something religious in school. One example cited was when a child was stopped from praying in the lunchroom. A deacon was also there, and in support of the law to protect religious liberties. On the other side was a schoolteacher and another priest, who were raising the trouble consequences of the bill.

The bill probably won't affect most students. I do feel bad for the children of religious parents who may try to force their beliefs on their child's education, but you have to pick your battles in a state like MO, which is getting redder and redder by the day. We still have a ton of problems in education here, like, for example, high schools in the city of STL still being unaccredited.

Clearly the preferred thing would be to develop some sort of compromise -- but that's not going to happen.

[Mr_Zombie]

It's amazing the mass majority of the world still won't embrace science, the only thing that has made our lives so much better through the years.

Please don't level all religious people/Christians with those idiots.

[Canis lupus]

Such commotion for this?

[Enron]

I am pretty sure this has been tried before (though maybe not through legislation) by other faiths wanting to "opt-out" of things during the school day/calendar and been smacked down by courts. Don't think this will fly either.

[marrec]

Such commotion for this?

Willful ignorance usually gets people worked up.

[Ravensmash]

Why is stuff like this happening so frequently in 21st Century America?

Where has this sudden dislike of science come from? I know who from obviously, but why such an emphasis on it now?

I think it's a really dangerous slope.

[skinnyrattler]

I always hear my fellow christians talk about losing out on praying in school. When Jesus condemned people for praying aloud only so other people can hear. I always wanted to ask them if they ever considered praying silently? I get the feeling that God will still hear you.

It's amazing the mass majority of the world still won't embrace science, the only thing that has made our lives so much better through the years.

I wouldn't call it the only thing that has made our lives so much better. I know it's better to bash religion on gaf (catholic priests suck!) but the civil rights movement was born out of religion. It may be hard for us to differentiate bad religious people and good religious people but the common denominator out of all bad people seems to be people.

[-ImaginaryInsider]

I'm not for any amendment, but when I was in school my teachers allowed me to skip a specific lesson, and I would make it up by doing a report (or two) on something usually more complex... and I think I maybe missed two weeks worth of lessons in all of Junior/High School, and I was at the top of my science-related classes in College.

I think there is a way to both be respectful of someone's beliefs and still offer them a good education.

[marrec]

Why is stuff like this happening so frequently in 21st Century America? Where has this sudden dislike of science come from? I know who from obviously, but why such an emphasis on it now? I think it's a really dangerous slope.

Death throws of the theocratic rulers. Religion has enjoyed a well fortified position in America and that's slowly being worn away by education and generational enlightenment.

So the ones who still wield a bit of power are flailing wildly in an attempt to keep themselves afloat.

[Steelrain]

I'm not for any amendment, but when I was in school my teachers allowed me to skip a specific lesson, and I would make it up by doing a report (or two) on something usually more complex... and I think I maybe missed two weeks worth of lessons in all of Junior/High School, and I was at the top of my science-related classes in College. I think there is a way to both be respectful of someone's beliefs and still offer them a good education.

I think the problem with this is that subjects like evolution is not a matter of "belief" but scientific fact. If the school was teaching things tat have no basis in fact then I would agree. Like a Religion class or something.

[789shadow]

Why is stuff like this happening so frequently in 21st Century America? Where has this sudden dislike of science come from? I know who from obviously, but why such an emphasis on it now? I think it's a really dangerous slope.

Since religion is not true, they are fighting the inevitable march of the world towards that reality.

[i-Lo]

Gotta go fast... backward

I guess some states need to hit rock bottom before they are salvageable.

[Ravensmash]

Trust me, the half of the country that can still think is trying its very hardest. :(

I'm not sure how it is in America, but isn't there a national curriculum that all state schools have to follow?

While I imagine lots of people would be against such an idea, it would really prevent a gap emerging from these areas that are intent on pushing education aside in favour of personal beliefs - and that's what I fear will happen as an outside observer.

[Timedog]

In my religion, there is no homework and there is no finals. I will back this up with vague bible quotes and create my own sub-sect of Christianity.

[789shadow]

I'm not sure how it is in America, but isn't there a national curriculum that all state schools have to follow? While I imagine lots of people would be against such an idea, it would really prevent a gap emerging from these areas that are intent on pushing education aside in favour of personal beliefs - and that's what I fear will happen as an outside observer.

I'm not sure, but probably not. That would be CERSIALISM.

[marrec]

I'm not sure how it is in America, but isn't there a national curriculum that all state schools have to follow? While I imagine lots of people would be against such an idea, it would really prevent a gap emerging from these areas that are intent on pushing education aside in favour of personal beliefs - and that's what I fear will happen as an outside observer.

No, local school boards are free to make drastic changes to the curriculum.

There are certain subjects that need to be covered, yes.

There isn't a set national curriculum for those subjects however.

[Steelrain]

I'm not sure how it is in America, but isn't there a national curriculum that all state schools have to follow? While I imagine lots of people would be against such an idea, it would really prevent a gap emerging from these areas that are intent on pushing education aside in favour of personal beliefs - and that's what I fear will happen as an outside observer.

There are certain subjects that need to be covered, yes. Certain details within those subjects may be emphasized more or less depending on the school board.

[dragonelite]

Ooh shit i believe Neil degrasse Tyson had a speech about something like this but it was about the Muslim empire how they were the middle point of science and astronomy(over 70% of the named starts are Arabic ?)back then.

And in one moment some religious figure said "manipulating numbers is the devils game!".
This is how the once important Muslim community slipped into a black hole when it came to scientific achievements.

You see the same stuff happening to parts of America and i really hope they wont drag the rest of the world into that black hole with their military power and nukes its a scary thought.

[Steelrain]

Ooh shit i believe Neil degrasse Tyson had a speech about something like this but it was about the Muslim empire how they were the middle point of science and astronomy(over 70% of the named starts are Arabic ?)back then. And in one moment some religious figure said "manipulating numbers is the devils game!". This is how the once important Muslim community slipped into a black hole when it came to scientific achievements. You see the same stuff happening to parts of America and i really hope they wont drag us into that black hole with their military power and nukes its a scary thought. Hope that future leader wont go on some holy war against atheist, Muslim and other religions.

Lol calm down.

[ClassyPenguin]

The Erosion of Progress by Religions

[Baraka in the White House]

I'm not sure, but probably not. That would be CERSIALISM.

Yep. A long-handed overreach of that GERD DERM FEDREL GERVMENT.

[Nameless]

The public high school I attended was among the better ones in the [southern] state and thinking back they definitely did students a tremendous disservice with their science curriculum . Aspects of certain subtjects like evolution, geology, and astronomy were always either ignored, treated with kid gloves, or diluted.

It's sad, really.. Sure, developing scientifically literate and informed minds could interfere with religious beliefs but so what? Deal with it. The solution isn't to create a law which shields people from the truth. Amazing time we're living in where people are fighting for ignorance.

[dragonelite]

Lol calm down.

Dammit a bit too slow with the edit.

[Ravensmash]

Yep. A long-handed overreach of that GERD DERM FEDREL GERVMENT.

Why are people so scared of the government?

Don't they trust these people with nuclear weapons and the military, yet they're scared to let them touch much less scary things like education?