Reader Question- Should Creation be taught in Schools?

I went to a small Christian school where my science teacher taught Creationism alongside Evolution and the Big Bang Theory, not as counter-points, or differing theories, but alongside one another. I thought it was interesting. Is there a reason that this couldn't work in public schools? -James

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Thanks for writing in, James.

And to answer your question bluntly, no.

Private Christian Schools will do what they want to do, that's kind of the point. Were I in charge of your school, I wouldn't have the science teacher teaching Creationism. Presumably there is a religious studies teacher there who could handle that aspect of things. Let the religious teacher handle the faith stuff, let the Science teacher teach, you know, actual science, stuff that can be tested and experimented on.

And when it comes to Public Schools, NO NO NO NO NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

I really don't want to smack you down here, James, but that would be an absolutely HORRIBLE idea. And here is why: if religious concepts were to be taught in Public Schools, then Politicians would be the ones setting the curriculum. They do a bad enough job meddling with concepts like history or science, but add faith to the mix? Can you imagine the massive mess that would be?

As a religious leader, the last thing in the WORLD I want is the religious education of ANYONE handled by state-level politicians. It would be a wreck. There is NO way that goes well. Because who's faith? Mine? Yours? The guy who talks faith and family values to get votes and then flies to Maui with his mistress?

So many people of faith SAY that they want faith taught in schools, but what they have in mind is THEIR faith being taught. (Is it sad or funny that these are often the same people who claim that teachers unions are horrible and that teachers should be armed? I mean, we'll call these teachers low life scum to score political points, then on the same platform claim that they should be armed and teach faith values. Conservatives are confusing.) They don't consider that faith, when taught in a classroom, is hugely affected by the one teaching. You can't NOT bring in personal biases.

So no, I don't think Creation, or any faith concept, belongs in the Public School, and even in faith based schools, I think the curriculum should be carefully considered, not for the sake of proper theology, but to be sure that what you are doing is education, rather than indoctrination.

And when a Politician pushes for faith to be taught in schools in MY hearing? My response is; "You stick to Civics. Let the teachers teach, in their respective fields.