Creationism

Like much of the time that I gain some sort of inspiration or impetus to blog on more intelligent topics or in a more clear and coherent manor, I am at this moment in time writing an essay on the wonderful world of Christian Fundamentalism, largely in the United States and more specifically on their views on the Creation of the world.

To be honest. I wont bore you with the details of an academic essay and how it approaches this topic what I will comment on is some of the research I have done, namely answeringgenesis.org by Ken Ham, and this post in particular.



In his post entitled 'European Assembly Attacks Creation' he looks at how the European Parliament (to be honest I'm not 100% which aspect of the EU's governing institutions is being quoted here, and nor do I have the time an patience to find out) is worried about the rise in the tendency for Christian fundamentals and creationists to get their literatures into schools.

Now I am very much against this, and any other form of indoctrination by religions upon our children. Though I am atheist and in many ways strongly so I try to accept the choice that other people make, and the experience other people have resulting in them following religion.

Anyway. For once I guess I agree with the quotes in the post by the EU for once.

The European Assembly (a very influential body in Europe that we’ve reported on before) recently released a document that is a scathing attack on creation/creationists.

Now, as far as I know, this 'European Assembly' is some aspect of the EU. And even taken at it's entirety I would not call it a 'very influential body' when the education of our children are involved. There is no devolution (HA! There I said it, we are in a federal state of Europe. Ahem.) of powers to Brussels on this YET! Thankfully. And indeed the 'attack' as it is stylised only really speaks of concern about the effect that creationist 'science' might have on the minds of our young, both in the confusion it may cause and how it is perceived as false to anyone who is not of the creationist view point.

Keep in mind that what they want taught to students is that all life, including humans, can be explained by natural processes—this is the RELIGION of atheism (which is the predominant religion across Europe today).

Ok, here is where I laughed out loud (L-O-L is 1337). Firstly I have Just completed a placement within a VASTLY under appreciated school that is being amalgamated within a city academy very soon in a gross expression of the stupidity of this government, and its approach to education. The school is called Skerton Community High School. But never mind that. What we should mind is the misrepresentation of Religious education here. That being how it is expressed that all of Europe is devoid of any teachings of the Christian creation story, and indeed Christianity at all.

This is simply not true. I had the pleasure indeed to take part in a lesson on this matter and there is no mention of one understanding being more valid than another. Indeed both creationism and evolution are approached in a comparative footing with MUCH more respect being given to the religious understanding of the world because of political correctness etc.

Oh yeah, and the concept that atheism is the religion of Europe is the final straw for me. You sir, Mr Ken Ham, are either an idiot or a propagandist and as a result are one of the many creationist who fail to gain my respect. In balance to this, I may post soon on the topic of creationist who do gain my respect... But I have lost the article I read a couple of hours ago and have spent far too much time on this already. Oh well.

...Back to doing my essay... Or maybe some Team Fortress 2... oooOOOO!

Schools

I have recently (you may or may not know) started a PGCE course for Secondary Schools specialising in Religious Education. And in this position I have suddenly found it interesting to keep tabs on the events, and more to the point in my book, differing philosophies surrounding the teaching of our youngsters.

...Sorry, young people... Or students... Definatly not Kids... Yeah, whatever.

Reading the DK's response to Conservative plans to emulate (badly as it seems, link focuses on tax cuts but buried in there is the education bit) various successful schooling systems in Switzerland and parts of the US with some interest.

On the Devil's Kitchen the response is well known to anyone who reads it; the distinct noise of a head banging against a wall in frustration at the stupidity that results from politics. It seems, says the DK somewhat tentatively that, "whilst I wouldn't like to leap to conclusions, it seems that the Tories still don't get it."

Exactly what they don't get is something that surprises me. They don't seem to get the fact that more government intervention and the greater that Education is politicised the worse our education system becomes.

I can't help but agree wholeheartedly, especially from the perspective of someone going into teaching RE. RE is a contentious issue and subject to teach. This is only heightened with the current climate resulting in children's(including more grown up children who vote BMP) ignorance towards other cultures shown, expressed and even acted upon like no other time. Equally RE seems to be avoiding the difficult questions, looking at high ethics as a way from touching on Muslin or Christian Extremism, for example.

There are no "Why do they hate us so much?" questions. Or looks at the problems within the state of Israel. Instead I am seeing topics that look at more cold issues and ethical dilemma which may be important, but ultimately are lacking in relevance for anyone who deals with (what can almost seem like) race wars within school property.

In RE there is no National Curriculum. This is a good thing, but not only this but there is no leadership to make RE anything more than a pathetic excuse to appease history and the dwindling sense that this is a Christian nation. Leadership is needed in direction empowering schools to touch on intrinsically difficult topics. But freedom like that which is proposed by DK on a Education sector wide is also applicable to a smaller level.

As I say, we have some of the last aspect but it is at the moment failing for RE only in its timidity. So in this I make a rallying call for all Religious Education teachers everywhere. Where all other subjects are being dumbed down and made easier, make RE the subject that engages, enthuses and intellectually stimulates all students from all backgrounds.