Grantsburg, WI, One Year Later...

Back on December 6, 2004, the School Board in Grantsburg, WI voted to permit theories of origin other than evolution to be taught in its science curriculum. Ken Bahr, who was then the president of the Creation Science Society of Milwaukee, commented in the "Take Five" column of the Miluwakee Journal Sentinel on Dec. 9th of that year. I thought it would be a good idea to examine where we've come since then, and to take a look at what Ken told reporters one year ago.

When asked, "What's the biggest change you've seen?" Ken responded that the creationist movement had grown. He pointed out how the CSSM went from 40 or 50 members to 150 members, and from 400 mailings to 900. Is that a lot? Well, to put things into perspective, 390,000 people in Britain purport themselves to be "Jedi" in their religion. True, Britain is more populous, but not much bigger than Wisconsin in terms of land-mass. Ken should realize that with a spiking population worldwide, even the tiniest mosquito of crazy-idea-laden minority can experience tremendous growth. (M.E.L. now has a membership of equal size and no budget!)

When asked for examples of how the Bible confirms science, he pointed out the verse that says that the Earth "hangs on nothing" and that life is in the blood. Now, these are shirt-tail examples at best, and could be discerned by common sense with a non-scientific mind. He leaves out talking snakes, global floods, and dead people coming back to life.

When asked about what's new since the 1925 Scopes' Trial, Ken said that the movement was no longer questioning whether evolution should be taught in schools, but merely saying that alternatives should be taught alongside it. Now, that may sound fair at first, but let's apply that logic to other subjects. Shall we teach alternatives to mathmatics, such as numerology? How about alternatives to astronomy, such as astrology? (What's your sign, man?) Maybe we can offer video games as an alternative to phys. ed.? Offering bunk as an "alternative" is not being fair and balanced, nor is it being "fair and hearing both sides" to hand the microphone over to the loony-tunes of the world. If there is another side to be heard, scientifically, then we should teach both sides, yes. But from a scientific standpoint, there is no controversy. Evolution stands alone.

Ken was asked what CSSM's goal is. He answered, "We don't say you have to teach creation in the public school. That's not our point. The point is, we should be allowed to discuss the difficulties in the evolutionary hypothesis and allow students to hear them." In other words, the goal is to go to public schools and muddy the water. Oh, he phrases it in a politically correct manner, but that's what he means. Should this be allowed? Or should competent science teachers be allowed to do their job uninhibited? I'm for the latter.

The reporter pointed out to Ken that a lot of scientists spoke out and signed letters opposing the Grantsburg School Board's decision. Ken replied that he could provide "a whole list of professors who are for alternative views of origins being taught." But such lists have been debunked before. These professors often teach at private, Christian schools. Moreover, since Ken probably meant to say 'scientists,' those individuals with scientific credentials are nearly always from the applied sciences: engineers, medical doctors, oil-prospecting geologists, computer technicians, even dentists. Never are there true research scientists whose work has to be evaluated by another scientist rather than a CEO who only got as far as "Geology 101; Rocks for Jocks."

So Ken wants lists? Here's a list: Project Steve, provided by the National Center for Science Education. It's now over 600, and is comprised only of scientists named Steve who endorse evolution. (Stephano or Stephanie would qualify.) Contrast this with the lists Ken referred to, which seldom reach 200, have few representatives of earth or life science, and who have many names which are deceased. When you figure that "Steves" comprise only about 1% of the names out there, we find quite an endorsement of evolution.

Here's another list: In response to the Grantsburg mishap, 10,000 Christian clergymembers signed letters in opposition to the School Board's decision! The board reversed its decision quickly when all the publicity hit, but it's good to know so many Christians refuse to let creationists pull the wool over their eyes.

Eric