Monday, January 22, 2007
Heavens Above!
In one of the more cosmic ironies of late, texts by Richard Dawkins will be studied in religious education classes in Britain under new government guidelines, according to a story in The Guardian. In a move that is likely to spark controversy, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has for the first time recommended that pupils be taught about atheism and creationism in RE classes.There's nothing like that good ol' British understatement.
The teaching of ID and creationism should prove less contentious in this part of the curriculum (although the scientists who argue that ID is a science may be disconcerted) ...
They obviously don't know the Discovery Institute.
The new guidelines for key stage 3 (11 to 14-year-olds), published yesterday, say: "This unit focuses on creation and origins of the universe and human life and the relationship between religion and science. It aims to deepen pupils' awareness of ultimate questions through argument, discussion, debate and reflection and enable them to learn from a variety of ideas of religious traditions and other world views.
"It explores Christianity, Hinduism and Islam and also considers the perspective of those who do not believe there is a god (atheists). It considers beliefs and concepts related to authority, religion and science as well as expressions of spirituality."
It should be an interesting experience for all involved.
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