Indiana may soon teach creationism in public school

[kiaras_mommy]

INDIANA STATE SENATE PASSES CREATIONISM MEASURE

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Creationism could be taught alongside the theory of evolution in Indiana schools under a bill passed by the state Senate.

The Indianapolis Star reports if the bill becomes law, the debate over teaching creationism could lead to a lengthy legal battle.

The bill, passed Tuesday by the Senate 28-22, would still need to be approved by the House and signed by Gov. Mitch Daniels before becoming law.

"I believe in creation and I believe it deserves to be taught in our public schools," said Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, the bill's author.

The bill would allow teaching of religious views of the origin of creation -- which could be Christian, Jewish, Muslim or Scientology -- along with evolution in public school science classes.

But schools would not be required to teach creationism and an Indiana Department of Education spokesman said the state would not develop curriculum or guidelines for teaching creationism.

Kruse said he is aware the U.S. Supreme Court ruled teaching creationism was unconstitutional in a 1987 case in which the high court found a Louisiana law requiring creation science to be taught alongside evolution violated the Constitution because it was designed to advance religion.

But Kruse said the precedent might not hold today.

"This is a different Supreme Court. This Supreme Court could rule differently," he said.

Indiana school districts can actually teach creationism now, as some do.

Mount Vernon Community School Corp. Superintendent William Riggs said creationism is taught alongside evolution in biology class. "We've been doing this for years," he said.

Riggs said Mount Vernon High School teaches creationism and evolution as "two theories of the origins of life."

But the Star said districts that teach both could be vulnerable to lawsuits, and Kruse's bill would likely bring the state into their defense in a suit.

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I'm heading to bed immediately after I post this but here is my opinion on the matter:

This is 1 of the many reasons why I have chosen to home school my children. If you want to teach your children religion that's great, do so in your own home or if you want send your child to a private religion ran school. It is the government's job to teach science and creationism is not science, it is religion. Religion has no place in a public school funded by tax payer's (many who have no religion or do not follow the Christian path) money. The only way I'm okay with religion being in a public school is in an ellected religious studies course. That consisting of the study of all major religions around the world, not just Christianity.

[The_Doodle]

I completely agree with you, OP.

[parentalrights1]

It baffles me how the world is still so stupid :|

[ashellbell]

It should be taught in a world religions class.

[lynnd4]

Teach both but in an objective manner.

[PurpleCrayonz]

I agree.  A science class should be about the scientific method, not trying to find facts that support to a preformed agenda.  That is the whole point of teaching science!!!

[LilyofPhilly]

Anyone who thinks creationism should be taught in a science class has no idea how science works.

[Amirah786]

I'd have to agree, a consent to the study of all major religions....i mean up north where I attended school we were taught in Social Studies about several cultures and religions around the world and they also had several religious clubs available to students. But is it neccessary to teach them about all of it, or just what you want them to know.....I also homeschool, I grew up Christian and converted to Islam  and I want my children to know their history religiously since they share some similar beliefs but do i want them to learn Buddhism right now? No, we have enough with English, Math, Science and Social Studies...LOL but if they ask me about it then we will conduct a research and i will inform them of it, because children have questions and we should provide answers....

[pipers_mom]

I don't think religion has a place in school, BUT if it was mandated I could deal with it. My DD asked me the other day how I thought the world was made. I told her all about The Big Bang Theory, she told me that she believes god made it (this coming from a kid who's mom is wiccan and dad is agnostic) but that we could disagree and still love each other. It's all in how you raise your child.

[romalove]

Teach a religious belief in an objective manner in a public school?

Ridiculous.

Quoting lynnd4:

Teach both but in an objective manner.

[lynnd4]

Why? Like it or not people believe both. Our school did and it was a liberal public school.

Quoting romalove:

Teach a religious belief in an objective manner in a public school?



Ridiculous.

Quoting lynnd4:

Teach both but in an objective manner.