Runner,

When Creationists agree, universally mind you, that the origins of the Earth, the Universe, and 'Life' go way back beyond 6,000 years, then, and only then, will any of their ideas be considered seriously.

Belief in God is one thing, but reliance on a book, any book, to deny the evidence of one's eyes, to deny all scientific evidence of ageing and of Earth's natural history, can only be considered a seriously flawed interpretation of that book. (And, worse still, detracts and distracts almost criminally from the 'real' message of that book and the associated Gospels. Such a shame, to place 'the message' in question by clinging to a patently flawed interpretation.)

Is it any wonder that there is such growing resistance to RI and ACCESS, when the real potential benefits are so sorely overshadowed by a continuing focus on flights of fantasy attributed so patently erroneously to the Word? Credibility is the essence of truth, and credible-deniability is the foundation of doubt.

Still, RI in schools has to be on the way out. Ethics and sound stewardship are really what's needed (though some would even dispute this). There has now to be a focus on community values and character building - the best way we can manage.

Enlightenment must be a personal journey, and with terrorism, prejudice and intolerance being induced by manipulated mis-application of texts in some quarters, RI of any kind can now only be viewed with suspicion. Humanity needs a new and improved path to wisdom.

What IS going on at VCAT? As far as I can see it backs everything that local councils and most people are against,costing councils thousands of dollars in legal costs - 'developments', pokies, liquor outlets . .

Saltpetre

You write

'When Creationists agree, universally mind you, that the origins of the Earth, the Universe, and 'Life' go way back beyond 6,000 years, then, and only then, will any of their ideas be considered seriously. '

No when evolutionist who have changed their story multitudes of times stop pretending their theories are based on science they might gain more credibility. They fail at the most basic tests of science and continue maligning others with their dogma. At least most Creationist are honest enough to state that it takes faith to believe that God created the world. Evolutionist lie knowing that it takes more faith for a non designer to produce something obviously designed.

btw I know of no R E classes that speak of 7 day creation. Personally I would be more concerned with the idiotic belief system of a Professor of Geology I spoke to who was convinced we are evolving into gods. And this is a man with a phd. I think a post hole digger has more of a clue.

runner,

Why do you say that evolutionists "lie"?

Why do you attribute the vice of "lying" to people who support the theory of evolution?

Poirot

I have often said evolutionist either lie or are deceived. Why? Because they know that their various (and ever changing) explanations of beginnings takes faith. They know they can't prove it scientifically. Many non God believing scientist have acknowledged that fact over the years. Like gw however they claim the science is settled (until the next contradiction). If they stuck to the fact they interpret things through Darwinian eyes and dogma they would be a lot more credible.

The majority of people support evolution ( at least in the Western world) because you will fail science unless you go along with the dogmas. Many have verified this fact. I shave spoken to many geologist who learn the system of estimating the earth's age to pass at uni but don't believe it is based on fact. In other words they play the little game and throw away their brains in order to get the big tick.

Perhaps we should teach Atheism in all schools then perhaps the world will be a much better place to live in than it is at present, with all the many religions wanting every one to be part of their religion.
Atheist people are not donning expensive long dresses to parade around in, telling people they cannot have blood transfusions, females to have their faces covered up except for the eyes, and the list goes on and on.
All Atheists I know are loving, caring, volunteering people etc, we are now not creating wars like religions, your God is not the true God but mine is and so on, join us, be with us, no thanks.
Lets hope the children who opt out of so called religious instruction, which it really is, will not be victimised, but they will, isn't that what religion is all about