Comment on LSU undergraduate biology bulletin by Shane Hilde.
@Hey John: You said you didn’t think the syllabus was evidence for the UNST404B class being exclusively dedicated to presenting the theory of evolution. You suggest that because the class is intended to be a discussion about science and faith that this shows the exclusivity to evolution non-existant.
I disagree with you. I am aware of a large movement within the evangelical world that accepts the theory of evolution. The earth and life is millions of years old. So discussions of faith and science are quite possible without giving any promotion to a recent, six-day creation.
The presentations from the capstone class certainly do not present evidence for a recent creation. I’m hard pressed to see anything in the syllabus that suggests that a recent creation was even going to be discussed. There is always a chance that it was slipped in though. I have just emailed a friend who took that very class whether or not evidence for a recent creation was presented.
Knowing how Bradley feels about creationism, I would wager that if it was even brought up it was not in a favorable light. I have not heard one student tell me that Greer has presented evidence for a recent creation in any of his classes; however, it’s possible he has. I have my doubts.
Here is a link to Southwestern’s bulletin for the biology department: http://docs.swau.edu/bulletins/under09/pdfs/Biology.pdf
I think it’s interesting that the word evolution only shows up once in their bulletin in this phrase: “to prepare students to respond intelligently to Creation/Evolution issues.” Correct me if I’m wrong, but the word appears three times in three different classes in LSU’s bulletin.
I also know Dr. Chadwick, who works there, and his whole department is on board for a recent creation and the actually support it in the classroom.
John, do you know of at least one professor in the LSU biology department that supports a recent creation in his/her classroom?
Table of Contents
Recent Comments by Shane Hilde
La Sierra University Hires Another Darwinist
ADvindicate has also published an article about LSU and Raul Diaz that expands on a few details.
http://advindicate.com/?p=2625
A little-known history about Belief 6
@Eddie: The Bible does not specify an age of accountability (to my knowledge), but the Israelites considered the age of 12 to be the turning point. I wouldn’t base a theology off of tradition though. Also, it’s not our place to judge what happens to those who have not been able to make a decision.
Perspectives from alleged LSU students
@Blodgett: Was there a comment you’d like to add?
At La Sierra, Biology Faculty Affirms Importance of Teaching About Creation in Curriculum
@David Read: And perhaps not something Christ would do. I can understand your frustration though. I’ve been on the verge of quitting this whole thing many times. I’ve been guilty of letting that frustration control and influence things I shouldn’t have said.
I have to remind myself to look at the big picture. In the end all those who are not supposed to be in the church will be sifted out. I pray I am not one of them.
Board of Trustees Addresses Curriculum Proposal
I know from talking to a couple of reporters from Press Enterprise and Inside Higher Ed that Randal Wisbey was effective in shutting down communication between any outsiders and the biology faculty. It appears he made himself the only channel of communication between the board and biology faculty.
I emailed Larry Becker about what bylaw the board members broke that was worthy of dismissal, and I have yet to hear a response from him.
I would also note that board members at other universities appear to be free to talk to the faculty.
Another interesting point. He removes three board members for trying to work on the problem and come up with a solution, and then turns around sort of embraces what they’re doing. He can’t publicly condemn it because everyone can see, whether you agree with what they wrote or not, that it’s a significant step for the faculty to be speaking to the church.
Did he forbid the document from being published? No. If you’re really excited about seeing the biology department making advancements in solving the issue, why are you removing the people who are making that happen. He never did anything like that.
What has Wisbey done to address and fix this issue? Nothing. He’s dragged it out, lied about what’s been happening, and told everyone involved to shut up or get in trouble. What on earth is he trying to do?
Who knows, he might even be a part of the underground movement to sever LSU from the church by using WASC as the big hammer. It’s obvious from one former board member, there was interest in using WASC to manipulate the situation.
