Did anyone catch this on the other thread? I found it quite revealing and somewhat offensive:
Maciamo said:
BBC News : Scientists urge evolution lessons
My views on the subject are unequivocal; I think that anyone (not just school teachers, but also parents or religious workers) who teaches to children things contradicting hard scientific facts about evolution should be considered as a criminal and sent to jail. Teaching such lies is not just irresponsible, it confuses children, hamper them in their intellectual and philosophical development, and amounts to brainwashing and manipulation of mind and feelings. The more children these lies have be taught too and the harsher the sentence should be. I consider it like a form of "intellectual rape" (adults may have their protection against it, but not children or even teenagers).
From his statement it is clear that Maciamo:
1. Considers anyone who teaches to children anything contrary to science a criminal that should go to jail.
2. Considers anything contrary to science a "lie".
3. Every person who espouses a faith is therefore a liar and irresponsible.
4. Any religious person that has taught children is guilty of "intellectual rape."
5. Children brought up with religion are confused, hampered in their intellectual and philosophical development, brainwashed and manipulated in their minds and feelings.
This concerns me, because it reveals not only an irrational bias toward people of faith, but an agenda. For Maciamo to be an Administrator who moderates this forum, this lack of objectivity is problematic and would be the core reason why he should excuse himself from moderating issues involving religion. I believe his past actions have confirmed that this agenda and bias prevent him from making fair and objective decisions in this area.
It offends me because as a parent, and educator and a Christian I am not a criminal, nor should raising my kids in good conscience in the faith I have chosen be considered a crime. No rational, tollerant person would ever say so.
I am neither a liar nor am I irresponsible. I am in no way guilty of "intellectual rape." My two sons have a deep abiding faith and are not confused, hampered in their intellectual and philosophical development, brainwashed or manipulated in their minds and feelings.
Significantly more important than learning the laws of thermodynamics or the intricacies of spelling and capitalization it the importance of tolerance- recognizing and appreciating the diversity in humanity- ethnic, cultural and religious differences that add richness. To say that anothers core beliefs render them inferior or that their beliefs should be outlawed ought to raise concern. In the world of the twenty first century such ideas really have no rational or respected place in the free forum of ideas.