251
Adam Tjaavk
ID: first big court test
24/09/2005 12:31:00
Intelligent design faces
first big court test
Parents sue after alternate to
evolution added to science curriculum
A federal judge in Pennsylvania will hear
arguments Monday in a lawsuit that both sides
say could set the fundamental ground rules for
how American students are taught the origins of
life for years to come |Alex Johnson |MSNBC
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9444600/
_____________________________
octoTerpsichorean impetus >8<
purveyor of pointers to the
perspicacious & preposterous
252
blackshadowcouk
Re: Site Update
24/09/2005 15:12:00
--- In BlackShadow@yahoogroups.com, Mikey Brass <mike@a...> wrote:
> You should provide some references, like Kenneth Miller's book or
even
> better archaeological analyses such as Willam Dever's books.
Hi Mike,
I am aware of Kenneth Miller, but not so sure about William Dever.
Anyway I have added the following -
Answer - Many of opponents of creationism are Christian, so obviously
that is wrong. For example, Kenneth Miller (link) from Colorado, USA &
Mike Brass (link) from Cambridge, GB are prominent Christian
anti-creationists.
If that is okay.
Alan.
253
Mikey Brass
Re: Re: Site Update
24/09/2005 21:30:00
blackshadowcouk wrote:
> --- In BlackShadow@yahoogroups.com, Mikey Brass <mike@a...> wrote:
>
>>You should provide some references, like Kenneth Miller's book or
>
> even
>
>>better archaeological analyses such as Willam Dever's books.
>
>
> Hi Mike,
>
> I am aware of Kenneth Miller, but not so sure about William Dever.
He is an American Biblical archaeologist. See:
http://w3fp.arizona.edu/neareast/dever.htm
> Anyway I have added the following -
>
> Answer - Many of opponents of creationism are Christian, so obviously
> that is wrong. For example, Kenneth Miller (link) from Colorado, USA &
> Mike Brass (link) from Cambridge, GB are prominent Christian
> anti-creationists.
>
> If that is okay.
Personally, I would add in that real Biblical scholars does not view the
Bible as being literally word-for-word true and link to Dever's page.
--
Mikey Brass
MA in Archaeology
"The Antiquity of Man" http://www.antiquityofman.com
Book: "The Antiquity of Man: Artifactual, fossil and gene records explored"
- !ke e: /xarra //ke
("Diverse people unite": Motto of the South African Coat of Arms, 2002)
254
blackshadowcouk
Update
26/09/2005 14:08:00
Page update at
http://www.creationism.co.uk/html/intelligent_design.html
"The objective is to convince people that Darwinism is inherently
atheistic, thus shifting the debate from creationism vs. evolution to
the existence of God vs. the non existence of God, From there, people
are introduced to 'the truth' of the Bible and then 'the question of
sin' and finally 'introduced to Jesus.'
Phillip Johnson IDC founder.
"Father's [Rev. Sun Myung Moon's] words, my studies, and my prayers
convinced me that I should devote my life to destroying Darwinism,
just as many of my fellow Unificationists [better know as "Moonies"]
had already devoted their lives to destroying Marxism. When Father
chose me (along with about a dozen other seminary graduates) to enter
a Ph.D. program in 1978, I welcomed the opportunity to prepare myself
for battle."
Jonathan Wells IDC activist.
"This is really an opportunity, to mobilize a new generation of
scholars and pastors not just to equip the saints but also to engage
the culture and reclaim it for Christ. That's really what is
driving me."
William Dembski IDC activist.
Intelligent Design Creationism
What is Intelligent Design Creationism (IDC)?
IDC is a form of creationism that has evolved from earlier forms of
young earth creationism (YEC) & its variant scientific creationism
(SC). Although it shares with old earth creationists, an acceptance of
an ancient earth (which IDC could be said to have incorporated), the
available evidence strongly suggests that IDC is an offshoot of the
expansionist YEC/SC fundamentalist organisations. Just like them, it
has one overriding ambition, which it pursues remorselessly. That is
to force its fundamentalist religious views onto other people & more
importantly, onto other people's children.
As part of this strategy, they seem to have a cuckoo like instinct to
eliminate any idea they see as a threat. At the top of their list of
pet hates stands the theory of evolution. They know they cannot
realistically expect to stop it being taught anymore (earlier
creationists have already attempted this); so they aim to do the next
best thing, which is to attempt to get criticism of evolution taught
alongside evolution. This would not be so objectionable if there were
any substance to these criticisms but there isn't. They are
largely the same ones made by the earlier creationists & since refuted
again & again.
The idea of intelligent design is in fact an old one & was first put
forward by William Paley (Link) nearly 200 years ago as evidence of
the existence of God. Living organisms were so complex he argued that
it was just impossible for them to have come into existence by chance.
Using the example of a watch, he conjectured that only an intelligent
designer could possibly have conceived of & made anything as
undeniably complicated as a living organism.
Another name for, argument from design is, argument from incredulity.
This is a more emotional form of Paley's original argument &
typically expresses the difficulty of comprehending how unaided,
complex living things could possibly have come into being.
However, this argument was seriously undermined by the publication in
1859 of Charles Darwin's book, On the Origin of Species by Means
of Natural Selection. This conjectured that an appearance of design
could be achieved by normal natural processes, which by implication,
would not require a designer.
Although argument from design was rendered superfluous by Charles
Darwin's, it has nevertheless remained a standard feature of
creationism, which opposed most aspects of the theory of evolution
(ToE).
In the 1960's with the advent of scientific creationism (SC), this
opposition took on a more sophisticated form that attempted to add a
scientific gloss to both biblical events & the opposition to the ToE.
Despite their scientific evidence being thoroughly refuted by the
scientific community, supporters of SC still attempted to get their
beliefs taught in American schools. However, these attempts ultimately
failed because the American courts ruled that SC was primarily a form
of religious belief that lacked a scientific foundation.
The fundamentalists now had a problem, which was how to overcome the
barrier to the classroom posed by the legal system. As the main
obstacle was its classification as a religious belief, the obvious
solution was to come up with a version of creationism that toned down
these religious aspects.
Their solution was to ditch all reference to Christianity & replace it
with an updated version of Paley's argument from design (which was
already an integral part of creationism) giving it a central,
prominent position in a rebranded creationist theory of intelligent
design.
Although far from ideal, this at least allowed them a chance to get a
foot in the door. The creationists have already intimidated large
numbers of American teachers into dropping or limiting discussion on
the ToE. If they can do this with the full weight of the law acting
against them, just think of what they could achieve with it acting
with them.
With IDC sneaked into the classroom, they could get to work
immediately; undermining a student's confidence in naturalistic
evolution & simultaneously suggesting an alternative; the intelligent
designer, whose implied identity is the Christian God. Nothing
whatsoever would prevent the minor shift needed to go from implied to
explicit - the creationists in America would have won.
Fortunately, the American courts seem to be seeing through this
charade & are slowly ruling on such issues as Teach the Controversy
(criticise evolution), intelligent design, IDC literature (such as Of
Pandas & people) & baring it on the grounds that it an
unconstitutional attempt to inject sectarian religious belief into the
educational system.
To further attempt to distance themselves from the association with
religion, IDC supporters are often deliberately vague about the
identity of the designer. They might point out that he could be an
alien from a technologically advanced world for instance. However, a
moments thought would reveal that this conjecture does nothing to
advance the solution to the original problem. I.e. an explanation for
the complex biological systems we see around us. In fact, all it has
done is made the situation worse. Now there is a lot of stuff about
aliens to be uncovered as well as an explanation for their complex
systems.
Another reason for this vagueness is to maintain the cohesion between
the various factions of creationism. It is part of their strategy to
unite in support of IDC & sort out there differences later. This
strategy, which goes by the nickname of, The Big Tent, has helped stop
the infighting that has dogged creationists in the past & rarely do YE
creationists criticise IDC.
What is the evidence for a connection between SC & IDC?
IDC supporters often dispute the claim that they are connected with
the earlier creationist movements or trying to promote any form of
religious belief. However there is clear evidence to the contrary.
The transition from SC to IDC was not quite as abrupt as it would
appear. The creationist movement has been slowly evolving from its
earlier YEC form back in the 1920s. For example, the inception of SC
can be largely credited to Henry M. Morris and John C. Whitcomb &
their book, The Genesis Flood, which laid out some of the earlier
arguments for SC. However, these arguments are just sophisticated
versions of those outlined in McCready Price's book, New Geology,
which was written in 1923.
Likewise, although IDC is often perceived as being distinct from SC,
there is nevertheless plenty of evidence to suggest that IDC has
evolved from SC. For example, the supporters of SC were attempting to
tone down the religious content of its school texts to make them more
acceptable in schools & the pseudoscientific arguments of both IDC &
SC are in many cases identical. In fact, the creationist's book,
Of Pandas & People written in 1989 was originally conceived as a
creationist text but was later converted to an ID one. How was this
feat carried out? Easy really, they simply erased the word,
creationism, wherever it appeared & replaced it with the word,
"intelligent design".
Diagram explaining link between SC & IDC.
Further evidences of a connection between young earth/scientific
creationists & IDC are:
IDC was founded by creationists.
Is largely staffed & by creationists or people with strong
religious
beliefs.
Is supported in creationist literature.
Is supported by creationist organisations & individuals who
pick n
mix creationism & IDC.
Is funded mainly by fundamentalists or religious groups.
Uses the same inflammatory rhetoric as creationists their
opponents are for example, dogmatic, fascist, materialistic,
intolerant, etc.
Like the YE creationists, IDers,
Attempt to force its views directly onto schoolchildren,
rather than
seeking scientific approval for them.
Denigrates evolution (ex describing it as only a theory).
Use aggressive marketing normally associated with selling
commercial products; their medium is the book, DVD & video,
rather than scientific ideas & concepts.
Their audience is extensively religious, rather than
scientific.
Attempt to gain political influence by lobbying politicians or
loading school boards with supporters.
Rely heavily on argument from design/incredulity.
Incorrectly equate evolution with atheism, immorality etc.
Incorrectly describe evolution as a form of religion.
Promote equal time arguments with the following sound bites
It is only fair
Both sides.
Parent power.
Faith position.
Equality of belief.
Teach the controversy.
Critical thinking.
Academic excellence
" freedom
" Tolerance
Make their own minds up.
Makes interesting.
Only a small change
Won't hurt anyone.
Evolution too restrictive.
What are scientists afraid of?
The evidence is overwhelming creationism runs through ID like
the letters run through a stick of rock.
No Theory of ID
One of the most irritating aspects of the IDC debate is the way the
media pander to the rhetoric of the IDC movement. Not only does IDC
get an inordinate amount of coverage but it is also bolstered by the
process of presenting it alongside (& in opposition to) established
scientific theories.
When presented with two opposing viewpoints on a subject, a person
lacking specialised knowledge to evaluate them may naturally assume
that the arguments are in a sense of equal merit. This is what is
happening in the ToE versus IDC debate; people are being misled into
assuming an authority & stature for IDC it absolutely does not
deserve.
This stature is also achieved by constantly referring to, "the
theory of intelligent design". However, anyone knowledgeable of
these
issues will know that there is no such thing as intelligent design
theory. The term is nothing more than a pretentious sounding sound
bite promoted by IDC supporters in order to give a veneer of
scientific respectability to their concealed religious beliefs.
Intelligent design theory is nothing but Paley dressed up in the
terminology of twenty first century science & culture. Instead of the
watch & eye, we have Mount Rushmore & molecular pumps. ID is not a
theory; it is conjecture & argument from incredulity nothing
more, nothing less.
Denigration of ToE
If there is no, theory of intelligent design & its supporters have had
to conceal their connection with the earlier creationists, then what
is actually left of IDC? The answer is, only one thing - extreme
hostility to the theory evolution. IDC supporters try to rationalise
this hostility by claiming falsely that evolution is unproven or
controversial. However, they do not seem concerned that this
accusation can be levelled in many other areas of science. For
example, no one is spending millions of pounds attempting to demote
the status of the Higgs Field. This is assumed to permeate the
universe, is vital in the fields of cosmology & particle physics - &
yet no one really knows if it exists or not.
Like the earlier creationists, IDC supporters criticise evolution
because it is antithetical to their extreme religious beliefs & stands
in the way of the sort of biblical government that they would like to
impose on society. Biblical literalists not only believe that the
bible is inerrant; they also believe that people should lead their
lives according to it. To see where this extreme fundamentalism is
liable to lead see FURL THEOCRACY.
Summary
ID is a form of creationism that has mutated & evolved from earlier
versions of creationism. It is nothing else other than a front for
these earlier versions (see diagram).
IDC presents as a harmless organisation simply interested in
teleological issues. Do not be fooled. Behind every suited, mild
mannered supporter is a raving fundy.
Nobody would allow a religiously motivated sect to teach an
alternative version of history stating for example, that there was no
Roman Empire (link to Dawkins Article) & we should not allow
creationists to do the same in science.
Do not forget the extensive & aggressive campaign (backed by enormous
amounts of money) the creationists are fighting in order to impose
themselves on other people's children.
Nor forget the lies (Such as claiming they have no religious
motivations when they obviously have), dishonesty (constantly
repeating debunked arguments), underhand tactics (loading school
boards with supporters), spiteful slander (equating evolution with
atheism, racism or the Nazis) & propaganda (claiming they are
victimised).
Nor forget their absurd campaign to associate evolution with atheism
or their attempt to rewrite the rules of science to incorporate
supernatural explanations.
Creationists are so keen to get their own way that they are willing to
denigrate the ToE & undermine its teaching, in near universal
opposition from the general scientific community. Their stupidity,
smothering fanaticism & determination to impose themselves, deserves
to be opposed.
Finally, if IDC were allowed into schools, its supporters would still
not be satisfied; they would just start demanding even more. The other
creationists would spill out of big tent & start demanding their share
of the action. If this ever happens then there is a danger that
biblical literalists will take over American education. The country
seems to be heading towards theocracy anyway & this would be a good
shove in that general direction.
The courts can act as a barrier to this scenario, but as more & more
extreme right wing judges are appointed, so the danger that the
creationists will get their own way increases.
Notes
<append to diagram>In the diagram --- It should be remembered that
although the diagram finishes up IDC, the other groups shown such as
the SC's are just as prevalent as they ever were. They have not
disappeared.
<append to diagram>In the diagram --- Although OEC's have in
common with ID creationists a belief in an AE, the diagram does not
show this because it is showing association. The OEC'S are not the
ones pushing creationism in schools, the YEC & SC's are. See list
of similarities, many of which relate to YEC & SCs.
255
blackshadowcouk
Talk Reason Updates
26/09/2005 15:32:00
Why scientists dismiss 'intelligent design'
By Ker Than
http://www.talkreason.org/articles/?http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9452500/
http://tinyurl.com/9r8es
This essay, posted by MSNBC, offers a brief explanation of the
difference between intelligent design "theory," which lacks
explanatory power, and evolution theory, which provides reasonable
explanations for an enormous multitude of observed facts. In
particular, the author of this essay (addressed to readers with little
or no knowledge of the subject) shows the fallaciousness of the two
favorite arguments by ID advocates - that based on Behe's concept of
Irreducible complexity and that based in Dembski's concept of complex
specified information. Quoting Provine, the author of this essay
concludes that Intelligent Design "would become the death of science
if it became a part of science."(Off-site link.)
Einstein and Darwin: A tale of two theories
By Alan Boyle (with contributions from Neil deGrasse Tyson)
http://www.talkreason.org/articles/?http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7159345/
http://tinyurl.com/czy2l
MSNBC science editor Alan Boyle reports on an interview he conducted
with prominent astronomer (and author of popular books) Neil deGrasse
Tyson. Tyson discusses the reasons for the differing status of
Einstein and Darwin in the popular consciousness. While both
suggested
revolutionary theories that caused cardinal changes in how science
explains reality, Einstein became a cultural icon while Darwin's
theory continues to encounter stubborn resistance from certain
quarters. Tyson is optimistic, expecting that as science progresses
evolution theory,which enjoys the almost unanimous support of
scientists, will gradually win overwhelming public acceptance as well,
on a par with the most advanced theories
in physics.(off-site link.)
published: Sep 25, 2005
256
Adam Tjaavk
Evolution Debate
27/09/2005 07:00:00
In Evolution Debate,
Creationists Are
Breaking New Ground
Museum Dedicated to Biblical Interpretation
Of the World Is Being Built Near Cincinnati
Michael Powell Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/artic
le/2005/09/24/AR2005092401262.html
=
http://tinyurl.com/9ayek
New Analyses Bolster Central
Tenets of Evolution Theory
Pennsylvania Trial Will Ask
Whether 'Alternatives' Can
Pass as Science |Rick Weiss
& David Brown |Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/artic
le/2005/09/25/AR2005092501177.html
=
http://tinyurl.com/bar24
A Web of Faith, Law and
Science in Evolution Suit
Laurie Goodstein
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/26/education/26evolution.html
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octoTerpsichorean impetus >8<
purveyor of pointers to the
perspicacious & preposterous
257
Adam Tjaavk
Re: Evolution Debate
27/09/2005 08:53:00
Parents challenge US
intelligent design teaching
Theory is repackaging of
creation dogma, court told
Test case could decide
how evolution is taught
Religion and science clashed in a
drab Pennsylvania courtroom yesterday
over a test case that could decide how
evolution is taught in America's state
schools |Julian Borger |The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/religion/Story/0,2763,1579199,00.html
Witness blasts school
district's evolution policy
Associated Press |MSNBC
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9492208/
Evolution Lawsuit Opens in Pennsylvania
Laurie Goodstein |New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/27/education/27evolution.html
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octoTerpsichorean impetus >8<
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perspicacious & preposterous
258
Adam Tjaavk
Mind the Gaps
29/09/2005 09:00:00
Mind the Gaps
Intelligent design as an answer
to all life's great conundrums
Dahlia Lithwick |Slate
http://slate.msn.com/id/2127054/
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octoTerpsichorean impetus >8<
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perspicacious & preposterous
259
Adam Tjaavk
Re: Evolution Debate
29/09/2005 10:55:00
Science and Scripture
Intelligent design theory definitely
belongs in biology class - as a history
lesson in the evolution of thought
Crispin Sartwell |Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-sartwell
28sep28,0,6040980.story
=
http://tinyurl.com/8qsgx
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octoTerpsichorean impetus >8<
purveyor of pointers to the
perspicacious & preposterous
260
Adam Tjaavk
God''s Place in Science
29/09/2005 14:28:00
Agreeing Only to Disagree on God's Place
in Science |George Johnson |New York Times
It was on the second day at Cambridge that
enlightenment dawned in the form of a testy
exchange between a zoologist and a paleon-
tologist, Richard Dawkins and Simon Conway
Morris. Their bone of contention was one
that scholars have been gnawing on since
the days of Aquinas: whether an under-
standing of the universe and its glories
requires the hypothesis of a God.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/27/science/27essa.html
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octoTerpsichorean impetus >8<
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261
blackshadowcouk
Update.
29/09/2005 23:26:00
Hitler.
One of the creationist's favourite lies is to assert that support
for the theory of evolution (or emerging secularism) was somehow
responsible for the Holocaust of WWII. There are 3 points I would like
to make about this:
(1) This claim is just nonsense. There were many reasons for the
Holocaust, but the main cause was the takeover of Germany by a fascist
dictatorship led by a maniac named Hitler. This fact, set against a
background of a long & bloody history of persecution of European Jews
(by other religious factions such as the Catholics) proved to be a
lethal mix of circumstances.
It is a common tactic to point to this or that comment made by Hitler
as proof of secular or evolutionary influences on his murderous
thinking. What such people deceitfully fail to acknowledge are the far
more numerous instances of comments in which Hitler clearly reveals
his support for the Church.
(2) However, just for the sake of argument let's assume that the
theory of evolution did play some part in the Holocaust. How does that
prove evolution wrong? Let's put it another way; Alfred Nobel
invented dynamite by mixing the chemical nitro-glycerine with clay.
This & other explosives invented by chemists have probably been
responsible for the deaths of tens of millions. Yet would you argue
that the chemist's periodic table of the elements was wrong
because Alfred Nobel had invented something that killed people?
(3) It's common for creationists to attempt to wrong foot their
opponents by telling outrageous & ridiculous lies against them. This
is just one example of the depths that they will sink in order to get
their way. They are deceitful, mendacious, bad mouthing, devious &
totally devoid of all moral fibre. Do we really want people like this
running our schools & government?
More information on this subject can be found at FURL Hitler
http://tinyurl.com/affnf
Alan.
262
Adam Tjaavk
Re: Evolution Debate
30/09/2005 08:37:00
Anti-evolution Attacks on the Rise
Ker Than |LiveScience
As part of a special report on the
theory of evolution and an alternative
idea known as intelligent design,
LiveScience reviews current legislation
and historically pertinent court cases.
http://www.livescience.com/othernews/050927_ID_cases.html
[They're fighting back!]
Want your kids learning
"intelligent design" instead of evolution?
The religious right's power is growing.
They've interfered in personal decisions
on medical treatment and marriage. They've
stunted scientific progress in the name of
religion. Now, they're going after our kids'
education. Time to draw the line between
church and state. Stand with the Campaign
to Defend the Constitution today.
http://ga3.org/campaign/teachscience2
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octoTerpsichorean impetus >8<
purveyor of pointers to the
perspicacious & preposterous
263
Mikey Brass
Re: Re: Evolution Debate
01/10/2005 10:53:00
Since when does one need a statement written with a religious motive to
understand and be taught about the evolution of evolutionary biology?
264
Adam Tjaavk
Re: Evolution Debate
02/10/2005 20:37:00
On the seventh day,
America went to court
A bitter struggle is unfolding
in the US about the most basic
of issues: the origins of life.
Scientists are rallying to the
banner of Darwin - but their
foes are growing in confidence.
Paul Harris |The Observer
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/focus/story/0,6903,1582943,00.html
=
http://tinyurl.com/a8wk8
The timeless truth of creation
Jeff Jacoby |Boston Globe
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion
/oped/articles/2005/10/02/the_timeless_truth_of_creation/
=
http://tinyurl.com/alskv
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octoTerpsichorean impetus >8<
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265
blackshadowcouk
We are not one-dimensional creationists
04/10/2005 23:05:00
We are not one-dimensional creationists
Yes, we believe in God - but our schools teach many views, says Nigel
McQuoid
Tuesday October 4, 2005
The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/religion/Story/0,2763,1584120,00.html
266
Adam Tjaavk
Re: Evolution Debate
05/10/2005 14:25:00
Re: Evolution Debate
Definitions of science and religion
Christopher Blood |Boston Globe
Letter in response to Jeff Jacoby's
The timeless truth of creation
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion
/letters/articles/2005/10/05/definitions_of_science_and_religion/
=
http://tinyurl.com/drdcd
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267
Adam Tjaavk
Re: Evolution Debate
06/10/2005 15:49:00
The Evolution Debate
Michael Powell
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discu
ssion/2005/10/04/DI2005100401217.html
=
http://tinyurl.com/ds9n5
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268
Adam Tjaavk
Antievolution: the critic''s resource
06/10/2005 16:05:00
Antievolution: the critic's resource
This website is for the critical examination
of the antievolution movement. Unlike anti-
evolution advocacy websites, this site aims
to provide links to both the antievolutionists
making their own arguments and also to the
critics who provide mainstream science answers
to those arguments. While antievolution advo-
cates are endlessly critical of evolutionary
biology, it seems that they rarely take the
time to critique their own arguments.
http://www.antievolution.org/
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Adam Tjaavk
Re: Evolution Debate
07/10/2005 13:58:00
For the Anti-Evolutionists,
Hope in High Places
George Johnson |New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/02/weekinreview/02johnson.html
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270
blackshadowcouk
Ministers'' fears for academy plans
09/10/2005 15:46:00
Ministers' fears for academy plans
Sunderland Today - 27 Sept 05
http://tinyurl.com/azv6d
MINISTERS have warned Sunderland Council that its flagship city
academy plans could be "ineffective and inefficient".
Their concerns have emerged just days after education officials
completed the first round of talks with parents, teachers and
governors over academies.
A key Government adviser also attacked Sunderland's plans to have
three academies run with different co-sponsors.
Under the Government's £5billion plan for 200 city acadamies, three
could spring up on the sites of either Washington, Pennywell, Hylton
Red House or Castle View schools.
The city has been forced to consider academies to try to tap into a
Government pot to help fund a £95million wave of new schools in the city.
But documents have revealed concerns over the proposals and Sunderland
Council's attitude to one high-profile backer understood to be Sir
Peter Vardy and his Emmanuel Schools Foundation.
Sir Bruce Liddington, who was appointed by the Department of Education
(DFES) to advise on academy projects, visited Sunderland in July where
he met council chief executive Ged Fitzgerald and leader Bob Symonds.
In a note he said: "I shared with him (Ged Fitzgerald) ministers'
principal reservations: that the consortia of sponsors in tandem with
the LEA would lead to inefficiency and ineffectiveness."
Today, Mr Fitzgerald said the comments were: "a partial extract from a
private meeting which in any case has now been overtaken by events".
As part of the talks, debate still rages over motor magnate Sir Peter
Vardy's plan to develop an 11 to18-year-old academy.
After his meeting, documents reveal how Sir Bruce said:
l Coun Symonds would not be "budged on the issue of an 11 to 18
academy" which was seen as a "deal breaker";
l One proposal "looked short of money and focus";
l Mr Fitzgerald said the addition of a sixth form at an academy would
"jeopardise" the existing system in Sunderland.
He said both men wanted to meet Education Minister Andrew Adonis to
outline their opposition to the backer.
Today Coun Symonds said: "We have made no secret of our opposition in
principle to it (Vardy Academy), because it goes to post-16.
"I haven't got a problem with Sir Peter Vardy. He's a good ambassador
for the city and a big entrepreneur.
Sunderland's acting director of education Terry Walsh said: "We've
always made it clear that we had concerns around a range of issues to
do with academies, all of which have been dealt with and are satisfied
by the Sundeland academy model."
A spokesperson for the Emmanuel Schools Foundation said: "It's
disappointing that the council seems to have made its mind up before
the consultation is over, particularly in light of of anecdotal
evidence from parents who support an academy sponsored by the Emmanual
Schools Foundation."
27 September 2005
271
blackshadowmeuk
Teachers opposition helped kill academy project
09/10/2005 22:43:00
James Reed Education Correspondent
THE Emmanuel Schools Foundation and Doncaster Council pulled the plug
on a plan to build a city academy in Conisbrough after a massive "no"
vote from local people and teachers, the Yorkshire Post can reveal.
http://tinyurl.com/expdq
Extracts:
The letter, written last October to Doncaster mayor Martin Winter,
says: "The Foundation cannot envisage moving ahead with an Academy in
Connisbrough (sic) when there is so much opposition particularly
from the teachers.
"With 90 per cent, of those who voted, against us the task of creating
a new ethos for the school and raising standards will be incredibly
difficult."
In his reply Mr Winter agrees the project should not go ahead, saying:
"The community response was strong and highly divisive. As Mayor I
cannot and will not fly in the face of the issues that divided it."
The letters and e-mails between the Foundation and the Government also
reveal that initially, supported by Doncaster Council, it wanted to
take over neighbouring Rowena Infant School and create a single
academy for children aged five to 18. But the idea was never formally
put to parents and staff after Department for Education and Skills
officials rejected it, saying they could not sanction major changes to
Rowena as it was already successful, although they held out the
possibility of a merger at a later date.
The letters and e-mails between the Foundation and the Government also
reveal that initially, supported by Doncaster Council, it wanted to
take over neighbouring Rowena Infant School and create a single
academy for children aged five to 18. But the idea was never formally
put to parents and staff after Department for Education and Skills
officials rejected it, saying they could not sanction major changes to
Rowena as it was already successful, although they held out the
possibility of a merger at a later date.
Tracy Morton, a parent and leading member of the Conisbrough and
Denaby Parents Action Group, said: "All across the country the same
thing is happening. They will feed you any old rubbish that is nice
and digestible and doesn't really give you the information to make a
proper choice."
Matthew Bailey, National Union of Teachers representative at
Northcliffe School, said as soon as people had full possession of the
facts 90 per cent would say "no". "The strategy is to rush it through
with no real consultation."
The site of the defunct £50m Earth Centre was lined up as a possible
location for the Conisbrough academy. The letters show the sponsor
thought that, although a major landmark and investment, it would be
hidden away and generally inaccessible if built on the Northcliffe
School site. But the DfES carried out its own surveys and judged that
site "more suitable" for a school.
272
Adam Tjaavk
Intelligent Design
11/10/2005 02:19:00
Intelligent Design
Adrian Brown
Analysis | 15m
BBC World Service
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/analysis.shtml#Mon
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octoTerpsichorean impetus >8<
purveyor of pointers to the
perspicacious & preposterous
273
Adam Tjaavk
Why must ID be stopped?
11/10/2005 19:51:00
Backward, Christian Soldiers!
Why must intelligent design be stopped?
Because this God forbid could be the
moment the theocratization of America makes
a real advance |Kurt Andersen |New York Metro
http://www.newyorkmetro.com/nymetro/news/columns/imperialcity/14721/
_____________________________
octoTerpsichorean impetus >8<
purveyor of pointers to the
perspicacious & preposterous
274
Adam Tjaavk
Being stalked by ID
12/10/2005 14:38:00
Being Stalked by Intelligent Design
Scientists must stop ignoring ID religious
prejudice disguised as intellectual freedom
Pat Shipman |American Scientist
http://www.americanscientist.org/template/AssetDetail/assetid/47366?&print=yes
=
http://tinyurl.com/9pcrl
_____________________________
octoTerpsichorean impetus >8<
purveyor of pointers to the
perspicacious & preposterous
275
Mikey Brass
Re: Being stalked by ID
12/10/2005 19:28:00
http://tinyurl.com/9pcrl
Professor Pat Shipman is an extremely highly regarded anatomist and
physical anthropologist. In fact, she is one of the best in her field of
expertise in the world, having worked extensively on ancient hominin
remains from East African and elsewhere.
She is married to another brilliant physical anthropologist, Alan Walker.
When she issues a statement, or article, her words are to be taken
extremely seriously.
Paragraphs which jumped out at me are:
"These events prompted me to take ID seriously, and this movement scares
me. Now I feel like a jogger in the park at night who realizes that she
is far too isolated and that the shadows are far too deep. At first I
ignored that faint rustling behind me, convincing myself it was just
wind in the leaves. Louder noises made me jump and turn around, but I
saw nothing. Now I know that I and my colleagues in science are being
stalked with careful and deadly deliberation. I fear my days are
numbered unless I act soon and effectively. If you are reading this, the
chances are that you are in the same position."
"The success of the ID movement to date is terrifying. In at least 40
states, ID is being considered as an addition to the required science
curriculum in public schools. This year a poll by the National Science
Teachers Association showed that one-third of science teachers feel
pressured to include ID, creationism or other "nonscientific
alternatives" in their science classrooms. Some teachers are so
intimidated by the threat of parental complaints that they skip material
dealing with evolution in their classes."
"Science education is already in trouble in the United States,
particularly in comparison to other countries."
"As scientists, we must stop ignoring the ID movement. It won't go away.
Each of us must learn to avoid jargon in order to communicate better
with the public. Every scientist should become a mentor; share your
experience of the wonder and beauty of science! Finally, critically, we
must expose Intelligent Design for what it really is: religious
prejudice masked as intellectual freedom."
A brilliant letter and I can only hope that her standing in the academic
community persuades other biological scientists to heed her counsel.
"Become a mentor" is right...not debates but actual actions designed to
strengthen the biology teachings through curriculum, documentaries and
other programs.
--
Mikey Brass
MA in Archaeology
"The Antiquity of Man" http://www.antiquityofman.com
Book: "The Antiquity of Man: Artifactual, fossil and gene records explored"
- !ke e: /xarra //ke
("Diverse people unite": Motto of the South African Coat of Arms, 2002)
276
Adam Tjaavk
Another Attack on Evolution
18/10/2005 17:32:00
Another Attack on Evolution
Scott Jaschik |Inside Higher Ed
In the battles over evolution, it's usually
the critics of evolution who are accused of
crossing church/state lines.
But last week, some of those critics filed
suit in federal court against the University
of California at Berkeley, charging that its
views on evolution are leading it to violate
the separation of church and state.
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2005/10/18/evolution
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octoTerpsichorean impetus >8<
purveyor of pointers to the
perspicacious & preposterous
277
blackshadowcouk
Parents'' views invited over academies
20/10/2005 00:19:00
Parents' views invited over academies
Oct 19 2005
http://iccoventry.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/tm_objectid
=16267890&method=full&siteid=50003&headline=parents--views-invited-
over-academies-name_page.html
http://tinyurl.com/7lr9y
By Martin Smith
Parents and teachers will be asked for their views on controversial
plans to build two city academies in Coventry next month.
Government chiefs have agreed to fund a public consultation into
possibility of setting up two £25 million academies in the city.
Under the proposals, a city academy will replace Woodway Park School,
in Wigston Road, Woodway Park.
Story continues Continue story
The move would also see another academy being established by a
possible merger between Sidney Stringer School, in Cox Street,
Hillfields, and Barrs Hill School, in Radford Road, Radford.
Andrew Adonis, parliamentary undersecretary of state for schools,
wrote to MP Bob Ainsworth to confirm the move this week.
In the letter, Mr Adonis said: "Academies combine many of the elements
that are at the heart of our drive to transform secondary education.
"They will help break the cycle of underachievement in areas of social
and economic deprivation whether in inner cities, suburban or rural
areas."
The public consultation, which runs between October 31 and January 6,
was given the go-ahead this week.
Mr Ainsworth (Lab, Coventry North-East) said: "This is not just about
replacing school buildings, although they are badly needed at Woodway
Park School, it is about transforming secondary education.
"Although I am aware of the concerns regarding the sponsor Bob
Edmiston, the main issue we have to address is underachievement in
secondary education."
Coventry City Council, the local education authority, welcomed the
move - and plan to consult with parents and staff as soon as possible.
Christian businessman Bob Edmiston, chairman of the IM Group, has
already agreed to commit £2million to the Woodway Park project,
prompting some worries from teachers and parents that the move would
create a religious school which taught creationism instead of the
theory of evolution.
But Cllr John Blundell, the city council's cabinet member for
children's services, said: "We want to hear as many views as possible
on this proposal and will be working with the sponsor so he can attend
meetings and answer questions, while explaining his vision for a new
school."
278
blackshadowcouk
ACADEMY A GOOD THING
24/10/2005 12:28:00
Doncaster Free Press
Oct 20th 2005
ACADEMY A GOOD THING
I have watched with interest the development of the new Academy at
Thorne and listened to and read the many debates into whether or not
it would be good for Thorne and its students.
It is now up andd running. Already the attitude of the pupils, their
appearance and behaviour in and around the town has improved tremdously.
They have a new found pride in their school, respect for their fellow
pupils and staff and are delighted to work in such calm surroundings
while enjoying such wondrful facilities.
The Christian ethos, which some people seemed to find disturbing is
based simply on principles which should be the foundation of all our
lives.
I do hope that those who have been voluble in their objections to the
academy will have the magnanimity and grace to admit that they may
have been wrong and join with the majority of us who wish it well.
JM W
St Nicholas Road
Thorne
279
oeditor
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn8178
24/10/2005 15:34:00
Behe paints himself into a corner :-)
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn8178
Brian
280
blackshadowcouk
Re: ACADEMY A GOOD THING
24/10/2005 16:14:00
--- In BlackShadow@yahoogroups.com, "blackshadowcouk" <alan@b...> wrote:
>
> Doncaster Free Press
>
> Oct 20th 2005
>
> ACADEMY A GOOD THING
>
> I have watched with interest the development of the new Academy at
> Thorne and listened to and read the many debates into whether or not
> it would be good for Thorne and its students.
>
> It is now up andd running. Already the attitude of the pupils, their
> appearance and behaviour in and around the town has improved
tremdously.
>
> They have a new found pride in their school, respect for their fellow
> pupils and staff and are delighted to work in such calm surroundings
> while enjoying such wondrful facilities.
>
> The Christian ethos, which some people seemed to find disturbing is
> based simply on principles which should be the foundation of all our
> lives.
>
> I do hope that those who have been voluble in their objections to the
> academy will have the magnanimity and grace to admit that they may
> have been wrong and join with the majority of us who wish it well.
>
> JM W
> St Nicholas Road
> Thorne
Relied with this -
I would like to reply to J Waller's letter on Trinity Academy in which
he attributes the improved behaviour & appearance of the children
around the town to its Christian ethos.
Considering the new school only opened last month, I find this
conclusion to be highly implausible.
It is obvious from reading Mr Waller's further comments that far from
being an impartial observer of events, he is in fact very biased
towards the academy & the sectarian religious viewpoint it is promoting.
I would therefore urge readers to take Mr Waller's opinions with a
pinch of salt.
As things stand, none of the original criticisms of the Academy have
been answered, despite the attempts of the government & Emmanuel
Schools Foundation to downplay them.
For instance, there is still concern over the teaching of creationism.
Despite their constant denials, only the Emmanuel Schools Foundation
assert that there is controversy surrounding the Theory of Evolution
or claim that it is only one of a number of theories relating to origins.
Such a viewpoint is completely rejected by the scientific community
who do not accept that there is any controversy over the core
principles of evolution or that there is any viable alternative to it.
The only people who are promoting a contrary viewpoint are creationists.
I personally find it very worrying that the biblical views of a
handful of scientifically illiterate fundamentalist Christians should
be given precedence over established scientific opinion. Let's hope
such a policy is not extended into medicine or structural engineering
for all our sakes!
Alan B
281
Mikey Brass
Re: ACADEMY A GOOD THING
24/10/2005 21:12:00
blackshadowcouk wrote:
> They have a new found pride in their school, respect for their fellow
> pupils and staff and are delighted to work in such calm surroundings
> while enjoying such wondrful facilities.
Does this person think that these factors can't be acquired without
introducing creationism and without yielding control of schools to
private organisations? If so, he is an idiot.
--
Mikey Brass
MA in Archaeology
"The Antiquity of Man" http://www.antiquityofman.com
Book: "The Antiquity of Man: Artifactual, fossil and gene records explored"
- !ke e: /xarra //ke
("Diverse people unite": Motto of the South African Coat of Arms, 2002)
282
blackshadowcouk
Contradictory statements by Behe
26/10/2005 12:01:00
ID and evolution: Where "Purposeful arrangement of parts" collide
By Pim van Meurs
http://www.talkreason.org/articles/Purposeful.cfm
This essay points to some of the contradictory statements by Behe in
his testimony at the Kitzmiller vs. DASD trial. Of course, readers
already familiar with Behe's lack of logic and consistency (so vividly
exemplified by such his statements as that [a] ID is "focusing
exclusively on the mechanism of intellgent design," but [b] ID is "not
specifying any mechanism for intelligent design," and [c] that both
statements are "completely consistent" -- see the transcripts of the
trial, day 10) will not be surprised by other examples discussed by
Pim van Meurs. Adiscussion of this essay is found on the Panda's Thumb
blog, thread1602 of October 24
(http://www.pandasthumb.org/archives/2005/10/in_the_followin.html).
published: Oct 26, 2005
283
blackshadowmeuk
Ill build my own academy
26/10/2005 12:09:00
I'll build my own academy'
MILLIONAIRE Sir Peter Vardy today told city education bosses: "If you
don't want me, I'll build my own schools."
http://www.sunderlandtoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=1107&ArticleID=1222\
837
http://tinyurl.com/c6ho3
The car magnate is now challenging Sunderland Council after the
Government agreed to look at his own academy plans for Wearside.
Sir Peter has made his move after stalled talks on his plans to plough
£2million each on sponsoring up to three of the controversial schools.
He said the Department of Education (DFES) wanted to see what his
plans under the Emmanuel Schools Foundation could deliver,
compared to Sunderland's own model.
Sir Peter said: "Root and branch reform is needed and we are not going
to get that with the three schools the council want to run.
"There isn't any dialogue at the moment. Sunderland are wanting to
control all three academies, which leaves little room for a sponsor in
the typical city academy model."
He added: "Something needs to change. There needs to be a fresh
approach and there needs to be an openness to new ideas. Emmanuel
Schools are experienced in doing this, we have created the very best
of facilities and centres of learning excellence.
"Parents haven't been given an alternative.
"I have told the council we would place it in the worst area, with the
highest deprivation and the greatest need and take the pupils who live
nearest the door.
"They have refused to accept that. They are committing parents to a
model which isn't really what the Government wants and hasn't any
track record of success."
Council bosses have been in talks over a Vardy academy, but they say
they don't want a school that takes children up to 18 and Vardy's
stance on creationism has also come under scrutiny.
Sir Peter said: "We have written to them. If 11 to 16 is what they
wanted, then we will go along with that. But a fully integrated school
is best for the pupils, that's 11 to 18.
"Creationism has been used by people who don't want the school, they
bring that out of the hat when everything else has failed. It's a red
herring. We have a leaning to the Christian faith, but we teach the
national curriculum."
Meetings will continue with parents until next Thursday.
They are being asked their views on possible academies or new schools
for 11 to 16-year-olds at Pennywell, Castle View and Hylton Red House.
Sir Peter said: "It's extremely frustrating. They know what can be
done. We have a vision for Sunderland. They are depriving children of
excellence in education, that can only be detrimental.
"They want to control what the city academies will be. Parents haven't
been given an alternative, the choice between Emmanuel Schools or
council schools.
He added: "If we continue doing what we are doing, we will deliver
another generation of under-achievers."
If the Government accept Vardy's proposals they would have to be
delivered in partnership with the council.
Today a spokesman for the DFES confirmed: "Negotiations are ongoing."
Sunderland Council today declined to comment on the matter.
14 October 2005
284
Mikey Brass
Re: Ill build my own academy
26/10/2005 22:52:00
> "Creationism has been used by people who don't want the school, they
> bring that out of the hat when everything else has failed. It's a red
> herring. We have a leaning to the Christian faith, but we teach the
> national curriculum."
A load of rubbish. Effectively he is saying that creationism is
Christianity and that if a school does not preach creationism, through
having teachers who do not accept evolution, then the school doesn't
have a faith leaning. I would want any children of mine to be educated
not just according to the national curriculum but beyond it by teachers
who are soundly trained in the sciences.
This man is a bully and a liar.
285
blackshadowcouk
Re: Ill build my own academy
27/10/2005 12:05:00
--- In BlackShadow@yahoogroups.com, Mikey Brass <mike@a...> wrote:
>
> > "Creationism has been used by people who don't want the school, they
> > bring that out of the hat when everything else has failed. It's a red
> > herring. We have a leaning to the Christian faith, but we teach the
> > national curriculum."
>
> A load of rubbish. Effectively he is saying that creationism is
> Christianity and that if a school does not preach creationism, through
> having teachers who do not accept evolution, then the school doesn't
> have a faith leaning. I would want any children of mine to be educated
> not just according to the national curriculum but beyond it by teachers
> who are soundly trained in the sciences.
>
> This man is a bully and a liar.
>
That's right Mike, he is a bully. One of his & his organisations main
strategies seems to be to demean deliberately the school or schools in
the area where he wants to take control. What is worse, because of the
biased reporting of this issue (at all levels, from local to national)
his unsubstantiated views are often reported as the gospel truth.
Are these schools as as bad as he makes out? And if so, are there any
extenuating circumstances such as bad buildings, an unjustified bad
reputation or being in a bad area?
If the schools concerned really do have problems then steps should be
taken to identify the causes & correct them; not hand the school over
to some loud mouthed fundy just because he has a few million pounds
(an insignificant amount of money in the realm of the multi-billion
pound educational budget).
I cannot imagine it can be much fun being a hard working & dedicated
teacher in one of these schools. Being forced to put up with this
barrage of unjust criticism from Vardy & his slimy little gang, must
be very demoralizing for them.
Alan
286
Mikey Brass
Re: Re: Ill build my own academy
27/10/2005 19:08:00
> That's right Mike, he is a bully. One of his & his organisations main
> strategies seems to be to demean deliberately the school or schools in
> the area where he wants to take control.
It is his used car salesman experience shining through!
> Are these schools as as bad as he makes out? And if so, are there any
> extenuating circumstances such as bad buildings, an unjustified bad
> reputation or being in a bad area?
The millions that the government puts towards each of these schools,
only to hand over control!, would be far better spent on introducing
sound disciplinary measures and infrastructure upgrades on the existing
grounds.
> I cannot imagine it can be much fun being a hard working & dedicated
> teacher in one of these schools. Being forced to put up with this
> barrage of unjust criticism from Vardy & his slimy little gang, must
> be very demoralizing for them.
It is enough to make you support the right to bear arms; wellllll almost
enough.
--
Mikey Brass
MA in Archaeology
"The Antiquity of Man" http://www.antiquityofman.com
Book: "The Antiquity of Man: Artifactual, fossil and gene records explored"
- !ke e: /xarra //ke
("Diverse people unite": Motto of the South African Coat of Arms, 2002)
287
Adam Tjaavk
Darwin & the Vatican
07/11/2005 13:10:00
A pope for our times: why Darwin is
back on the agenda at the Vatican
William Rees-Mogg |The Times
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,1052-1860310,00.html
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octoTerpsichorean impetus >8<
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288
blackshadowcouk
Divine Farce
08/11/2005 20:46:00
Divine Farce: A Scientific / Philosophic Romp Through Intelligent
Design
By Sheldon Danielson
http://www.talkreason.org/articles/IntelligentDesign.cfm
The history of science can be regarded as the gradual process of
removing the supernatural from our understanding of natural events
and replacing it with concepts of material causality, matter and
energy. In so doing, science has often found itself in conflict with
religious dogma committed to a contrary view of the natural order.
In the past such conflicts have usually taken the form of open
contests between competing magisteria: theological on the one hand,
empirical and rational on the other. Intelligent Design presents
science with a qualitatively new kind of challenge: theology
masquerading as science a modern Trojan Horse.
In responding to this subterfuge, this paper reviews the history and
philosophy of science, neo-Darwinian evolution theory, and examines
in detail some of ID's specific claims.
published: Nov 07, 2005
289
Adam Tjaavk
Kansas backs ID
10/11/2005 02:19:00
Kansas backs intelligent
design in science lessons
Gaia Vince |New Scientist
The US state of Kansas has ruled that science
classes in public schools should include the
teaching of intelligent design and the doubts
it casts on Darwinian evolution. The move has
dismayed the nation's scientific community.
http://www.newscientist.com/channel/opinion/dn8289.html
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octoTerpsichorean impetus >8<
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perspicacious & preposterous
290
Adam Tjaavk
Intelligent selection
10/11/2005 02:22:00
Intelligent selection
Evolution Slate Outpolls Rivals
Laurie Goodstein |New York Times
All eight members up for re-election to
the Pennsylvania school board that had
been sued for introducing the teaching
of intelligent design as an alternative
to evolution in biology class were swept
out of office yesterday by a slate of
challengers who campaigned against the
intelligent design policy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/09/national/09dover.html
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octoTerpsichorean impetus >8<
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perspicacious & preposterous
291
Adam Tjaavk
PA|KS
10/11/2005 07:16:00
PA|KS
US states divide over creationism
Pennsylvania school rejects intelligent
design, just as Kansas embraces it.
Geoff Brumfiel |Nature
http://www.nature.com/news/2005/051107/full/051107-6.html
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perspicacious & preposterous
292
Adam Tjaavk
The evolution of Darwin
10/11/2005 07:50:00
The evolution of Darwin
Dan Vergano |USA Today
What would Charles Darwin, a shy
and gentle man racked by illness,
make of the acclaim and the fury
that surround his views today?
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2005-11-06-darwin-exhibit_x.htm
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octoTerpsichorean impetus >8<
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perspicacious & preposterous
293
Adam Tjaavk
Evolution & the electorate
10/11/2005 12:26:00
Evolution and
the Electorate
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/10/opinion/10thur3.html
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294
blackshadowcouk
The schools that did not need saving
13/11/2005 18:45:00
The schools that did not need saving
Warwick Mansell and Adam Luck
Published: 07 October 2005
The Government's academies programme has repeatedly been billed as
an attempt to turn around schools with serious problems.
In recent months, both Jacqui Smith, the schools minister, and James
Purnell, minister for creative industries and tourism, have said
that the new secondaries are replacing "failing schools".
In a major speech last month at City of London Academy, Southwark,
south London, which is an entirely new school, Tony Blair said the
policy was designed to combat "years of school failure".
Yet a TES analysis, which we present in full below, reveals that
none of the 27 schools which have closed to be replaced by academies
was actually failing at the time it shut.
http://www.tes.co.uk/search/story/?story_id=2142778
295
blackshadowcouk
Site Update. Section - Absolutism. Dear Dr. Laura
13/11/2005 19:27:00
An example of the absurd mess you get into by claiming the bible is
inerrant & infallible source information about how we should lead
our lives can be found here in the following reply to a
fundamentalist. This has been floating around the internet for some
time now & its origin is unknown.
Dear Dr. Laura,
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I
have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that
knowledge with as many people as I can.
When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example,
I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an
abomination. ... End of debate.
I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other
elements of God's Law and how to follow them.
1. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it
creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my
neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I
smite them?
2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned
in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a
fair price for her.
3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she
is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24. The
problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take
offense.
4. Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both
male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring
nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but
not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath.
Exodus 35:2. The passage clearly states he should be put to death.
Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is
an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than
homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are
there 'degrees' of abomination?
7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God
if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading
glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle
room here?
8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including
the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly
forbidden by Lev.19:27. How should they die?
9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig
makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two
different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing
garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester
blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really
necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town
together to stone them? - Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them
to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep
with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy
considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can
help.
Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and
unchanging.
Your devoted disciple and adoring fan.
296
blackshadowmeuk
Tory links of £2m backer
13/11/2005 23:28:00
Tory links of £2m backer Nov 11 2005
http://tinyurl.com/bgdsl
By Fiona Scott, Political Editor
THE SUPER-RICH Christian backer waiting in the wings to sponsor
Coventry's first city academy has strong links with the Conservative
Party.
Bob Edmiston is a multimillionaire businessman who made his fortune
importing cars and is also a Christian fundamentalist.
He is offering to sponsor the city's first academy at Woodway Park
School to the tune of £2million.
Mr Edmiston is also chairman of the Midlands Industrial Council
which donated £765,698 to the Tories.
And there is speculation that he is on the Conservative list of
nominations for a peerage in the next honours list.
The Midlands Industrial Council made more than 40 separate
donations, including 27 to individual constituency associations.
These included gifts in the run-up to the general election to Tory
leadership hopeful David Davis's local association.
Conservatives in several marginal seats were helped by the group of
businessmen.
The association in Rugby and Kenilworth, where Tory Jeremy Wright
beat sitting Labour MP Andy King, got £11,302 before the election
and £13,634 afterwards.
The association in neighbouring Warwick and Leamington, where Tory
Chris White narrowly failed to unseat Labour's James Plaskitt, got
£3,000 in April.
And shadow cabinet member Caroline Spelman's Meriden constituency
got £10,000 a month after the general election.
Conservative city council leader Ken Taylor said he had no idea if
Mr Edmiston was a Conservative supporter.
And he said it would have no bearing on him being chosen as a city
academy sponsor.
Cllr Taylor said: "Whether he contributes to the Labour Party or the
Conservative Party is irrelevant. We didn't select anybody on that
basis. They all have to be approved by the government, anyway."
Cllr Taylor said he had never asked Mr Edmiston what his political
leanings were - and wouldn't normally ask anyone.
He added: "There are a lot of Conservatives with plenty of money and
there are a lot of Labour [supporters] with plenty of money and of
course we are interested in sponsorships.
"Academies are Labour Party policy currently but it's very similar
to Conservative Party policy. I don't think there's any political
issue at all."
* Mr Edmiston will be quizzed by members of the city council's
education scrutiny board on Monday, at 2pm. The meeting, at the
Council House, is open to the public.
297
blackshadowcouk
Battle to stop city academies
13/11/2005 23:44:00
Battle to stop city academies Nov 4 2005
http://tinyurl.com/8ytlu
By Lucy Lynch
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to stop two city academies opening in
Coventry.
A group of trade unionists and campaigners have set out to persuade
people in Coventry that city academies are a bad thing.
Consultation has started on plans to turn Woodway Park School, in
Wigston Road, Woodway Park, into a city academy, and replacing Barrs
Hill School in Radford Road, Radford, and Sidney Stringer School in
Cox Street, Hillfields, with a single city academy in the Swanswell
development in Hillfields.
The city council is in talks with the Readingbased Centre for
British Teachers about sponsoring the academy to replace Barrs Hill/
Sidney Stringer school.
And millionaire Christian businessman Bob Edmiston wants to sponsor
the Woodway Park academy. Under the scheme, he would provide
£2million of funding with the rest coming from central government.
Campaigners have had a leaflet printed listing their objections to
the government's flagship schools - and they are also collecting
signatures against the plans.
The leaflet points out that sponsors only have to pay a fraction of
the cost of setting up a school in return for a substantial say in
the running of it - despite being unelected.
And it raises fears that sponsors could change the curriculum to
suit their own religious beliefs and be selective about which
children they take.
Campaigner Jane Nellist, joint divisional secretary of the National
Union of Teachers in Coventry, said: "What we want to do is give
people the information so we can make sure that they are making an
informed choice."
Cllr John Blundell (Con, Wainbody), city council cabinet member for
children's services, rejected the criticisms. He said that when
Woodway Park became an academy, the city council would be
represented on the governors, the curriculum would include Christian
values acceptable to everyone, and the school admissions policy
wouldn't change.
He said: "This campaign is creating anxiety among parents and
demonising institutions."
298
Adam Tjaavk
Fact & fiction on evolution
16/11/2005 07:35:00
Fact and fiction on evolution
Cathy Young |Boston Globe
http://tinyurl.com/7ujkd
_____________________________
octoTerpsichorean impetus >8<
purveyor of pointers to the
perspicacious & preposterous
299
Adam Tjaavk
Baby dinosaurs & Intelligent Design
19/11/2005 04:48:00
Baby dinosaurs and Intelligent Design
Trevor Barnes examines the concepts of
creation, evolution & Intelligent Design
Reporting Religion |BBC World Service
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/reporting_religion.shtml
_____________________________
octoTerpsichorean impetus >8<
purveyor of pointers to the
perspicacious & preposterous
300
Adam Tjaavk
ID & the Vatican
19/11/2005 07:25:00
Vatican Official Refutes Intelligent Design
VATICAN CITY - The Vatican's chief astronomer
said Friday that "intelligent design" isn't
science and doesn't belong in science class-
rooms, the latest high-ranking Roman Catholic
official to enter the evolution debate in the
United States |Nicole Winfield |AP, LA Times
http://tinyurl.com/arvto
_____________________________
octoTerpsichorean impetus >8<
purveyor of pointers to the
perspicacious & preposterous
