America's 'Myth-Illogical' War part III: Young Minds
In the mid-1800's the theories of Darwin were gaining wide-spread support in the European nations; in certain portions of the US, however, the theory met fierce opposition due to the belief of many Americans that evolutionary science starkly contrasted the teachings of the Bible; this belief left many in the religious community fearful of how the young minds of children would interpret such doctrine.
During the next half century many battles would be fought in the "interest" of children's education; eventually however, evolution would become the predominant theory of explanation for the origin and advancement of mankind in the public school system; this theory as many feared would begin the dissolution of faith based teachings.
Over 150 years after this debate landed upon American shores we can clearly see the moral effects of such secular worldviews on our society. The secular victory in this debate opened up many more avenues for the indoctrination of children; today in the public school system students are taught lessons of morality that are conducive with the laws of secularism and "political correctness." even -in some cases- celebrating lifestyles, their parents would consider sinful.
In my opinion: the advancement of theory with a purely secular and somewhat speculative origin, when presented as scientific fact, to a necessarily captive audience, can leave deep and long-lasting impressions on malleable young minds, and that such additions -without debate- into the school's curriculum serves more to cultivate moral desensitization than critical thought processes; it seems the
reasonable question of mankind's origin has become a catalyst for the secular indoctrination of American children.
I believe healthy skepticism --in all things-- is a necessary and critical part of human advancement. However, concerning the origin of mankind where the evidence is inconclusive, alternative theories should be presented to create a more balanced curriculum.
I cannot agree with the notion that religious beliefs prohibit the critical thought skills needed for a scientific endeavor; however, I do concede that personal beliefs religious or otherwise influence the interpretation of many scientific findings.
Allow me the expression of these thoughts: it is not the scientific data collected nor the method of it's collection in the study of mankind's evolutionary traits, that ignites fierce opposition of the religious community; instead, I would contend that it's the introduction of such evidence into the public school system as an opponent or alternative to religion.
We must understand that "truth" has many obstacles to over-come, among the many adversaries truth encounters, it is the agenda of the "seeker" that poses the greatest danger; from my observation some forms of science are driven largely on personal and social agenda, rather than the honest intellectual pursuit of truth; therefore many times the purpose of research is to establish a predetermined conclusion, leading many scientist to collect evidence supporting the desired outcome while disregarding evidence that contradicts it's validity; leaving scientific truth permanently resided: ---somewhere in the middle.---
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I totally agree and support the message in this article. I also believe much of what's being manufactured and sold from todays science community are watered down theories based with a liberal agenda.
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