Spring Break
Darwin vs. Design conference
A perspective from one group of students
Issue date: 4/17/07 Section: The Mix
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Considering the way in which the Discovery Institute describes its mission in all of its articles and speeches, one would think that it really does support some sort of science, some sort of new-age way to learn about the world and that all it really wants to do is simply make our education more complete.
However, when one actually attends the "conferences," or as I like to call them, "indoctrination seminars," its true face is shown.
Five of my brave friends and I decided to take an informed and conscious stand against the Discovery Institute on Friday. We decided to silently protest the "debate," which was called "Darwin vs. Design," though they failed to have anyone representing the Darwinian viewpoint, by disseminating facts and information regarding the institute.
I did some research and typed up a flier that consisted of nothing more than quotes from the institute's own policy paper, known as the Wedge Document. The following are the most profound quotes, which we distributed, found in this document:
- "Design theory promises to reverse the stifling dominance of the materialistic worldview, and to replace it with a science consonant with Christian and theistic convictions."
- Under "Governing Goals:" "To replace materialistic explanations with theistic understanding that nature and human beings are created by God."
- Under "Twenty Year Goals:" "To see design theory permeate our religious, cultural, moral, and political life."
One look at these quotes indicates the true goals behind the Institute's little conference.
They are not teaching science, but instead are preaching religion as science. Now, none of us has any problems with Creationism or Intelligent Design, so long as it is understood that it is personal belief and not science. Teach it in history class. Teach it in religion class. But do not teach it in science class, because science is the study of the natural world and thus cannot prove or disprove the existence of God, who operates and exists in the supernatural world.
However, when one actually attends the "conferences," or as I like to call them, "indoctrination seminars," its true face is shown.
Five of my brave friends and I decided to take an informed and conscious stand against the Discovery Institute on Friday. We decided to silently protest the "debate," which was called "Darwin vs. Design," though they failed to have anyone representing the Darwinian viewpoint, by disseminating facts and information regarding the institute.
I did some research and typed up a flier that consisted of nothing more than quotes from the institute's own policy paper, known as the Wedge Document. The following are the most profound quotes, which we distributed, found in this document:
- "Design theory promises to reverse the stifling dominance of the materialistic worldview, and to replace it with a science consonant with Christian and theistic convictions."
- Under "Governing Goals:" "To replace materialistic explanations with theistic understanding that nature and human beings are created by God."
- Under "Twenty Year Goals:" "To see design theory permeate our religious, cultural, moral, and political life."
One look at these quotes indicates the true goals behind the Institute's little conference.
They are not teaching science, but instead are preaching religion as science. Now, none of us has any problems with Creationism or Intelligent Design, so long as it is understood that it is personal belief and not science. Teach it in history class. Teach it in religion class. But do not teach it in science class, because science is the study of the natural world and thus cannot prove or disprove the existence of God, who operates and exists in the supernatural world.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 36
Dana Schriver
posted 4/17/07 @ 12:04 PM CST
Wow... I had to read the article again... I was like, "I know the article was written from a pro-Darwinist perspective, but it didn't seem like there was anyone presenting the Darwinist viewpoint on the panel of this 'Darwin vs. (Continued…)
B-Rad
posted 4/17/07 @ 3:16 PM CST
Hoisted them on their own petard! Good for you guys (and I see gals). These DI guys piss me off because the lie so easily and often, while at the same time espousing "Christian ideals". (Continued…)
Dr. Gary Hurd
posted 4/17/07 @ 6:55 PM CST
Well done!
You see now how the Discovery Institute and religious fanatics will deal with dissent if they are ever alowed to take over our campuses or our nation. (Continued…)
Simon Harding
posted 4/17/07 @ 7:13 PM CST
Congratulations to the students who did this!
Over at Internet Infidels we are discussing this story:
http://www.iidb.org/vbb/showthread.php?t=204059
I would like to invite the students involved to come and elaborate on their story - and get a pat on the back. (Continued…)
Kelvin L. Kean
posted 4/17/07 @ 8:26 PM CST
SMU just rose in my esteem. If it nurtures students like these six, the future is promising and the antics of the DI will become a very minor historical footnote a most. (Continued…)
Court
posted 4/17/07 @ 9:27 PM CST
remind me again of the significance of the Miller-Urey experiments? Was there a trap designed to sequester the amino acids away from the destructive force of the electricity? It was a nicely designed experiment. (Continued…)
Beth Newman
posted 4/17/07 @ 9:29 PM CST
Thank you, all six, for exposing this charade of indoctrination masquerading as free speech and as science. You have done us all a great service.
Ritchie Annand
posted 4/17/07 @ 9:30 PM CST
Just like Jason Rosenhouse braved the Darwin and Design in Knoxville conference to bring us the goods, I applaud you lot for braving the inside of the event to bring us news from the inside. (Continued…)
J-Dog
posted 4/18/07 @ 8:01 AM CST
You guys are my heros! I would proabably projectile vomited during the first speaker, so kudos to you for sticking it out. Excellent report.
Please continue the good fight in the future - you won this skirmish, but ID and the Forces Of Evil have a long-term plan, as you noted, and they are not afraid to use it!
Forthekids
posted 4/18/07 @ 10:26 AM CST
Not much of a review, IMHO. It merely sounds like some rebel rousers looking for a fight.
And, evidently, the M in SMU should be replaced with another letter. (Continued…)
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