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Proposed religion class labels creationism as 'mythology'

LAWRENCE, Kansas -- Creationism and intelligent design are going to be studied at the University of Kansas, but not in the way advocated by opponents of the theory of evolution.

A course being offered next semester by the university religious studies department is titled "Special Topics in Religion: Intelligent Design, Creationism and other Religious Mythologies."

"The KU faculty has had enough," said Paul Mirecki, department chairman.

"Creationism is mythology," Mirecki said. "Intelligent design is mythology. It's not science. They try to make it sound like science. It clearly is not."

Earlier this month, the state Board of Education adopted new science teaching standards that treat evolution as a flawed theory, defying the view of science groups.

Although local school boards still decide how science is taught in the classrooms, the vote was seen as a major victory for proponents of intelligent design, which says that the universe is so complex that it must have been created by a higher power.

Critics say intelligent design is merely creationism -- a literal reading of the Bible's story of creation as the handiwork of God -- camouflaged in scientific language as a way to get around court rulings that creationism injects religion into public schools.

John Calvert, an attorney and managing director of the Intelligent Design Network in Johnson County, Kansas, said Mirecki will go down in history as a laughingstock.

"To equate intelligent design to mythology is really an absurdity, and it's just another example of labeling anybody who proposes [intelligent design] to be simply a religious nut," Calvert said. "That's the reason for this little charade."

Mirecki said his course, limited to 120 students, would explore intelligent design as a modern American mythology. Several faculty members have volunteered to be guest lecturers, he said.

University Chancellor Robert Hemenway said Monday he didn't know all the details about the new course.

"If it's a course that's being offered in a serious and intellectually honest way, those are the kind of courses a university frequently offers," he said.

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Also read here: Professor apologizes for e-mail
 
Blogger freeman said...
The Titians, from Greek mythology, descripe the earth in its early days far better and realistically than that of the bullshit 6 day myth!


Anonymous Ron Parker said...
My comment is more for the article rather than Freeman's comment.
in the article, Calvert said:
"To equate intelligent design to mythology is really an absurdity, and it's just another example of labeling anybody who proposes [intelligent design] to be simply a religious nut," Calvert said."
I'm Wiccan and believe in a God and Goddess. Personally, i think that Evolution was the form used to establish and build life on this planet. I find it amusing that Calvert disagrees with calling Intelligent Design a Myth when most of the Conservative/Evangel Christians call any other religion, other than theirs, a Myth. Also another point, ever noticed that the only group defending and screaming to have I.D. included in public schools are the Conservative/Evangel Christians? What does that have to say about the issue? one doesn't have to be an Enstein to see the writting on the wall on this issue.
I live in Missouri, about 25 miles from the Kansas-Missouri border. It concerns me that that this same nonsense is being considered here, as well. I.D. is Creationism rewritten and given a scientific verbage, that's all. I see it as an attack on the Education of this country as well as a subtle attempt to teach Christianity (the Conservative view) in public schools. What a better way to proselytize the public. I think this is just one of many attempts for laying the foundation in creating a "Christian Nation".


Anonymous Dave8 said...
I've said it before, but... I'll say it again...

Science... as designed in the mid-century invoked this little process called the scientific method... This method, is a filtering process, whereby, one makes observations in this reality, and uses the methodology to produce stable theories, that can be consistently tested... and when tests reveal results that are in fact stable and consistent, within levels of error, a theory can be borne...

I.D. is based on a metaphysical hypothesis, and therefore, should be immediately discarded from a science class, because the scientific method requires "natural" evidence, and without "natural" evidence, all I.D. could ever become is a metaphysical hypothesis, along with all of the "other" unprovable metaphysical hypothesis throughout history...

If I.D. wants to enter the science classroom, and promote "natural" evidence for a "natural" origins theory, then... it by default will render their God as a "natural" God, and... I'd love to see that happen... I'd even sit in on a few courses and admire... However, we all know, the metaphysical pearly gates, and golden streets of heaven, and burning pit of hell, would no longer exist, and hence, I.D. would then be condemned by the evangelicals/fundies as being True Christianity...


Blogger absolutlaney said...
Well said guys. I'm a member of the now infamous SOMA group which Dr. Mirecki sponsors. This has turned into quite the shitstorm in a hurry. Any positive support we can rouse for the provost's response would be most appreciated. If you'd like to take the time to e-mail him and let him know, we couldn't thank you enough!

David Shulenburger, KU Provost
dshulenburger@ku.edu


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