GOP Has Mastered Devolution

From PoliticusUSA

Pew Research just released a poll on Monday showing the American public’s views towards evolution. The poll showed that 60% of Americans agree with the statement that humans and other living things have evolved over time. Meanwhile, 33% stated that humans have existed in their present form since the beginning of time. This is pretty much on par with the results of this same poll four years ago.

However, where the gaps have started to widen more is when we look at political affiliation and religion. In 2009, 64% of Democrats believed in evolution while a majority, 54%, of Republicans also believed in the theory. Fast forward to today and 67% of Democrats believe in the theory of evolution while only 43% of Republicans feel that humans evolved from lower life forms. That is a remarkable 24-point gap between the two political parties. Independents saw virtually no change, as 67% believed in 2009 and 65% believe now. 

New Studies Show Mixed Results Internationally For U.S. Elementary Education

Ken O’Brien

Following several years of dismal reports on the declining state of American education in the international arena, a new set of studies show mixed signs of progress among elementary school students.

On the bright side, substantial progress has been made in reading levels among fourth graders.

On the other hand, little if any progress has been achieved in science or mathematics at both the fourth grade and eighth grade levels. 

Creationism? Really? What About Geometry Or Medicine?

Ken O’Brien

The U.S. ranks 25^th internationally in terms of educational scores in mathematics and 17^th in science.

Is it really any wonder?

We have been witness to a growing hostility to science and an indifferentism to the absolutes of scientific truths from religious fundamentalists for several decades. I’ve elaborated on the dangers of this trend in a past article.

Turning Public Schools Into Christian Madrassas

Ken O’Brien

Imagine that you live in the strongest military power in the world.

Your society leads in science, education and art.

A storm of religious fundamentalism begins to sweep through the region, undermining the “secular” elements of the community, imposing the primacy of scriptural tradition. Belief in science begins to be questioned, art becomes more focused on spiritual correctness and education emphasizes conformity with religious orthodoxy.