To the editor:
I have a message for members of the Kansas School Board. As a biologist with a Ph.D. from Kansas University (1953), I wish to support the teaching of the theory that the world was created by the Flying Spaghetti Monster - about which you have already heard from Bobby Henderson (www.venganza.org). It seems to me that the very existence of the evolution-creation controversy and that many of you support teaching "intelligent design" as science, is in itself a powerful argument against intelligent design. Rather, it supports my more scientific theory of malign design (proven by thousands of years of theologians generating theodicies and the creation of George W. Bush).
But a scientist must keep an open mind, and it would bother me if children in Kansas were not exposed to the critical issue raised by the existence of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM), but not emphasized by Henderson. If we need a malign designer like FSM to explain Dubya, don't we need a super malign designer to create the FSM (MDFSM)? And then a superduper malign designer to design that malign designer (SDMDFSM)? And so on, the way back.
We owe it to our children to make them learn about each malign designer in turn, so they can grasp the true magnificence of the Flying Spaghetti Monster those designers created and which then created us all.
I trust you will add these issues to what promises to be a great scientific curriculum in a state long poisoned by having among its scientists some of the great figures of evolutionary biology.
Paul R. Ehrlich,
Bing Professor of Population
Studies
Stanford University,
Stanford, Calif.
Comments
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BrianR (anonymous) says…
Mmmm, spaghetti.
GW Bush was created by alcohol and cocaine, wasn't he?
Speakout (anonymous) says…
No I think the top most embarrassment we have suffered was that Kansas became a red state.
craigers (anonymous) says…
I look forward to the next group of walking, talking animals evolve and show us all that macro evolution actually does take place. I will keep an eye out for them. While I am looking I will continue to look to the one true Creator, God.
Grammaton (anonymous) says…
Everyone has to remember that any explanation offered as to why we are here is a theory. Just because something was written down in a book or journal doesn't mean that it isn't someone's opinion (this depends of the subject matter, of course).
Why not this:
Hand out sign-up sheets to students. Those interested in intelligent design may sign up for the class at their will. That way, theory won't clash (as much) with opinion, and more students will be satisfied with what they're learning, while others will not feel forced into a situation they do not agree with.
craigers (anonymous) says…
I think that would be a great idea Grammaton. I think the main problem is that nobody in school is taught any different opinions, theories, or given other options to hear about them. Even if it doesn't "stand up to the scientific standards" at least give students the opportunity to be exposed to different ideas. That is what learning is all about, isn't it?
RimaDreama (anonymous) says…
I think that would be a great idea craigers. A class entitled "Exposing Intelligent Design." Betcha the church kids wouldn't be standing in line to sign up for that class- their parents wouldn't let 'em.