The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism has gotten in the game in Texas, arguing that ID should not be taught. Rabbi Ana Bonnheim had this to say:
“For me as a rabbi, science and religion are not at odds … Moses Maimonides … who is perhaps the greatest philosopher of our tradition, was also a physician. He taught that scientific inquiry can lead to more thoughtful religious questions and better educated religious individuals. The place for the quiet discussions about spirituality in science is not in public schools but around the kitchen table, in religious school classrooms, or in a clergy member’s office.
“Sadly and painfully, my Jewish ancestors had a long history of persecution in places where there was no separation of church and state. When we permit religious beliefs to be taught in our state schools, we begin to blur the line that keeps religion and government separate. We are so fortunate to live in a country that respects individuals of all faiths. It is essential to maintain the boundaries that will protect religious groups of every faith.”
This won't help the board.
Nice generalization; how do you figure?
ReplyDeleteI figure that the more religious groups stand up in favor of not changing the language, the more the board will be seen as being the odd ones out. The Lutherans, Methodists, Catholics and the JDL have all stated publically their opposition to teaching ID in the public schools. This leaves the young-earth creationists to defend the new language. It is my suspicion (perhaps unfounded) that, while people may not listen to what the scientists have to say, they will listen to what various religious groups have to say. That might be true and it might not. Like I have said in other posts, people have pretty entrenched views all around.
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