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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Dear Perry, Is God Only A Theory?

In the Austin American Statesman (08-23-2011) was a good letter-to-the-editor that read:

Gov. Rick Perry says evolution is "a theory that's out there, and it's got some gaps in it. In Texas, we teach both creationism and evolution."

Students, he says, are "smart enough" to decide for themselves.

The corollary to Perry's "theory of education" is: Here in Texas, we teach students about the atomic theory of matter. It's still known as a theory and it's got some gaps in it, so we also teach alchemy and astrology. Students are smart enough to decide for themselves.

Or perhaps, here in Texas we teach students about the germ theory of disease. Yes, it's still known as a theory and it's got some gaps in it, so we teach disease prevention and treatment using newt's eye and blood-letting.

If only we could apply Perry's wishful theory of education to meteorology, maybe we Texans could do some serious learning and make it rain.

Eleanor B. Newnan

[For myself, I'd like to add:
Is God only a theory? Because I have personal experiential data, I believe in God. I have reality based knowledge. Scientists have reality based data that is concrete and based on shared observations that are well documented.  They themselves use the term "theory" -- even when stating the obvious, because they're maintaining scientific integrity via the 'scientific method' that allow for further developments to occur as our knowledge expands towards the "INFINITE". [Example: Plate Tectonics is still called a scientific theory despite the very factual nature supporting this scientific belief. It shouldn't threaten anyone's belief in God. After all, if God created the Earth (all of creation), then "HE" put in motion every process that's a part of the whole. But, if I apply Perry's Christian coalition based thought process, then I'd be forced to say that "It's only a theory with gaps".]

So, yes, students must decide many things for themselves. But wasting time on debating 'flat Earth' superstitions as opposed to genuine scientific debate is voodoo politics catering to the lowest common denominator aka 'fear factor' -- which, unfortunately, has been and will always be with us as long as people fear evil more than they love good.