I have a theory that lawmaker’s brains are made of tapioca, and I demand that this be taught as a theory in high school civics and biology classes. O.k., it’s not a “theory” in the scientific sense wherein “theory” does not mean the same thing as unfalsifiable, wild-ass guess. In related news, Senator Cruse has introduced SB 89.
This bill would add a section to IC 20-30-6 that says:
Sec. 18. The governing body of a school corporation may require the teaching of various theories concerning the origin of life, including creation science, within the school corporation.
What’s worrisome here is that the use of the terms “creation science” and “theories” hint at the notion that it’s optional to teach creationism as science; which is bad science and bad public policy. The schools can already teach creationism as part of a course on comparative religion along side, I suppose, the “theory” that we’re riding a disc on top of an immense cosmic turtle and, from there, it’s turtles all the way down.
Sheila Kennedy has an impressive rant on the subject. For my part, I want the bill to specify whether the option is to teach “creation science” as science or as not science. If the former, it should be roundly rejected. If the latter, then I don’t have any strong feelings; just a general sense that the legislature ought not get too involved micromanaging school curriculum.
Your theory that lawmaker’s brains are made of tapioca is more of a matter of faith than of science. Nobody has ever SEEN tapioca, or for that matter, any other dessert in the craniums (crania?) of members of the Indiana House of Representatives, and anecdotes about lemon merangue being found in the hatracks outside of Senate chambers have been successfully challanged. Lawmaker’s brain cells, like tapioca and everything else in the universe came into being all at once billions of years ago in something called The Big Bang. (This is not to be confused with the annual explosion of silly bills put in the Indiana legislative hopper.) But if you must insist on tapioca cerebellums, stay away from the Sharia recipies and at least buy American.
I agree with you regarding tapioca brains but not regarding this possibly being outside of science.
Teaching “theories concerning origin of life” is of course only about science.
I know you’re pointing out the subtlety of what is constitutional, but these folks don’t get ‘subtle’.
Of course, for those who like legal fireworks, for their tax dollars, such bills will provide. As long as you don’t mind being the next in line to embarrass yourself losing this argument.
Thanks for your blog…
AE
The ironic thing is that this bill has nothing to do with evolution. The origin of life is the field of abiogenesis. Evolution only deals with the diversification of life.
Of course, these fundies don’t understand this.
Well, I think the primary issue is the creation of human life. Scientific evidence suggests it was a diversification from existing life forms; which, of course is contrary to the scriptural assertion that humans were created ab initio by Yahweh.
I think your tapioca theory has merit….
I love the fact that AE felt he had to point out that these folks are anything but subtle.. for those who haven’t already met state legislators.
I hope you blog on the fact that the “restricted due to public safety” in the State House was quietly rescinded or expanded or bent for a religious prayer group… to sneak in the West side…