Creationism teaching in German Schools

Spiegel article: Kreationismus in Deutschland

Man, I hate school systems sometimes. I can see that the private schools can get away with it - and parents choose to send their children there or not. This was interesting in the state (public) school, though:


So - it's important to introduce the concept (of creationism) in class so students learn that it's ok to question what is in school books? Right - selective questioning is allowed if it suits the teacher's personal beliefs.

I wonder if he says that about all school books.

Why is it a worrying influence? If you are going to editorialize in your thread title, state your case based on this specific development so others can decide whether or not to agree with you. Or are we just meant to blindly flock to the cause based on a few keywords? I'd find that more worrying, tbh.

I have no problem with schools teaching creationism just like I have no issue with schools teaching greek/roman/norse mythology. It is an important aspect of the formation of Western culture and should be taught as such.

EDIT: just read in the article that they're teaching it as a part of biology while it clearly belongs in history.

or along with Greek Mythology.

Finally, it looks like the German school system is moving away from the authoritarianism: 'You shall believe what I tell you and not question it' style of teaching, crushing any curious individuals.

Oh well, I guess I would have been more annoyed if Germany even pretended to have a seperation of church and state. Presumably a clash of wills will ensue and from that hopefully a decision gets made that reflects the wishes of those whom it mostly concerns.

Incidentally I wouldnt have a problem with them teaching creationism or intelligent design in the broader, metaphysical sense (what exactly counts as intelligence, what do we mean by create), but it sounds like they are really focussing on a literal interpretation of hebrew mythology as recounted in the book of genesis, which I find odd, and will only marginalize and repel people, even most christians who know not to interpret such texts literally.

Actually, I find it more worrying that a teacher can say 'You shall believe what I tell you and question this particular aspect of this particular textbook'. And the next year with a different teacher?

Creationism is rampant in Greek Mythology. Just look at Athena being born from Zeus' skull.

The kids won't give a shit, and will not believe it anyway. I went to a school run by nuns, but do I believe in some bizzare messiah figure that was crucufied for me? Nooooo! 'Course not.

Shame that yet more lesson time at school is going to be wasted, thats all*. Parents will have to spend a bit of time explaining the utter folly, and insane beliefs that some people cling too, but parents have to do that at any rate. Actually, parents can just plonk their kids in front of the Simpsons episode that covered this shit, and bosh, there you go, job done.

*Time that should be devoted to teaching kids how to cook IMO

Haggis junior's school did mention creationism along with some French guy's theory (1700's) that non-genetic changes to a species, such as a bird having its beak broken, are hereditary and all its offspring will be born with broken beaks. I liked the juxtaposition very much.

That would be Lamarck, I think.

That's the guy, thanks.

Reminds me of the Lysenkoism that the Soviets wasted so much time on.