Judge rules against 'intelligent design"

Judge rules against ‘intelligent design’

The trouble with this ruling, as well as the coverage surrounding it, is the faulty logic. That logic is most likely based on a bias. Unfortunately, since most people are emotional about religious viewpoints, anything that smells like religion will draw an emotional response.

First to those who believe in creationism-- Intelligent Design (ID) does not prove the Bible, nor does it espouse seven literal or figurative days. ID does not state who the creator is or could be. This is not a way to teach children about the Bible in school. This is not a religious theory and it does not purport to be.

Now, for those who do not believe in creationism-- Intelligent Design (ID) does not prove the Bible, nor does it espouse seven literal or figurative days. ID does not state who the creator is or could be. This is not a way to teach children about the Bible in school. This is not a religious theory and it does not purport to be.

Neither evolution nor ID is a religion, for both are scientific theories. Adoption of either of those theories can lead someone to a religious opinion and anyone can put forth either of those theories. Just because someone who puts forth ID also believes God exists does not make ID religious. Just because someone who puts forth Evolution also believes God exists does not make Evolution religious. The opposites of those statements are also true. But based on most biases, ID = religion. Hence Evolution = religion based on the same argument.

When anyone tries to use ID to promote religion, that leads others to see ID as religious. Hence the judge's ruling. At first I was upset about the ruling, finding it to be wrong. However, after reading the full opinoin, the judge rightfully saw people using ID as a way to teach religion.

Should ID be taught in schools? Yes. Should it be used for sneaking religion in? No. And because people tried to do that, ID and thereby true education, is not being taught to children. Shame on us all.

The Latest from JibJab!

The Latest from JibJab!

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2 - 0 - 5: A JibJab Year In Review

Political scandals! Natural disasters! The war on terror! Soaring energy prices! It’s been quite a tumultuous year for President George Bush. In this fast paced, musical romp, JibJab recaps the people, issues and events that shaped 2005. So ring in the New Year - JibJab Style!

Revamping Education

Michael Gurian argues the problem -- males aren't doing as well at school as they should be. Kate O’Beirne argues the cause -- the incorrect balance in education, favoring females to males. What will be the solution?

Should we return to single gender classrooms? Should we change the way classes are taught? I think part of the problem is that we are no longer giving young males the proper place to expend the extra energy they build up during the day. Excess energy that should be used constructively -- not used to play video games. Bring back shop class and the arts, have recess, encourage more hands-on learning, such as labs and other different learning-style beneficial tasks. Test scores will improve when the students are educated, not just prepared for a standardized test.

But above all, reintroduce motivation to learn. As a society, the United States is not ready for the new challenges before it. We need more people who are willing to put out the effort for higher education in the math and science fields. The earth won't be saved from global warming, pollution, and depletion of fossil fuels by expounding hot air over the regrets. We need people who can find the solutions. Families need to be more involved in the learning experience. If it takes a village to raise a child, the village should raise the child. No longer can the attitude be "what's in it for me" - it needs to be "what part am I doing."

Lastly, real education is needed. Open debate on opposing viewpoints to the same issue. Not teaching what to think, but teaching how to think. Not teaching a student to pass a test, but preparing a student for life's tests.

Are you a Digital Native or a Digital Immigrant

Test:
1. Take out your cell phone.
2. Pretend to dial a number.

Did you use your thumb or a finger?

Finger = Digital Immigrant.
Thumb = Digital Native.

Thanks to 'Brary Web Diva.

Narnia & Its Enemies

I didn't realize that Narnia was under attack as being sexist and racist. I figured there would be some who didn't like C.S. Lewis' books (hence movie), but not as this article describes it. I really like the answers Catherine Seipp gives, so I won't even attempt to answer them myself. I have yet to see the movie, but when I was younger, I liked the books.

Reposts from my MSN Spaces Site

I have copied all the posts over from my MSN Spaces site. I am still trying to figure out which site I prefer. Until I decide I will continue to publish in both.

Israel readies forces for strike on nuclear Iran

If this is carried out, I think it will become major news.  Iran won't just let it happen; Israel won't just let Iran go nuclear.

Sports and Prayer - Do they Mix?

If the question has to be asked, then that signifies that there is a problem. No, not the problem that most people think of: separation of church and state. Besides being highly contentious and politically charged, separation of church and state is a well documented, legally established, and to a large extent, peacefully settled issue. The AP article "Disagreements remain on what place prayer has in sport" clearly shows where the law and Supreme Court falls. Not having to be subjected to the religious beliefs or expressions of faith by the state is good. I wouldn't want it any other way. I should not have to listen to someone pray in order to attend a football game at a school, regardless of who is praying. Nor should an athlete be required to participate in or listen to a prayer lead by coach, chaplain, or student. Conversely, I shouldn't be banned from participating if I so choose.

No, the problem is not that of the government forcing religion or prohibiting it. The issue is not how to play sports with religion --the real issue is what role should religious beliefs play in everyday life? According to an oft quoted saying, going into a church does not make one a Christian any more than going into a McDonalds makes one a hamburger. But does walking out of a church make someone no longer a Christian? It seems as though that is what modern society is shifting toward.

The misunderstanding is between two simple words: private and personal. The words are very similar; in fact, private is used as a synonym of personal. So it is understandable, at first glance, how one might confuse the two. Yet, as any teacher of language, whether vernacular or foreign, would caution, even synonyms carry a different meanings, not all of which are interchangeable. For example, “vulgar” is a synonym of “vernacular” – the primary definition of vulgar is not equitable with vernacular, however. The same is true with private and personal.

Personal: Of or relating to a particular person; private

Private: Not appropriate for use or display in public; intimate

A simple Google search on private faith shows that several people confuse the words. Over 53,000 references. A personal faith, however, comes up with over 740,000 references. Admittedly, not in all cases are private and personal mutually exclusive, however the preponderance of evidence falls decidedly into the personal faith category.

Christianity never was meant to be a private faith. I do not know Pastor Peter Hong, nor do I know what he teaches, but one thing I do know is that he has hit the nail on the head:

“So much of what has gone wrong in the evangelical community is this notion that the Christian faith is a private faith,” says Hong. “It may begin as a personal faith, but it was never meant to be a private faith.”

We need to be careful that we do not fall into the trap of believing that we have a private faith. Jesus did say to pray in one’s closet, but that was not to hide the religion like this site states, but to keep from being prideful when praying.

The Washington basketball coach from the AP article stated that

“Every moment you walk, you want to live in such a manner that you are acknowledging God's presence. You're trying to be his advocate, his ambassador. I don't think we turn it on and off.”

Nor should we turn it off, for we were commanded:

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.