Creationism should be taught in schools.

However, I will clarify a few things before debating. First of all, my challenger twists the meaning of the debate’s resolution, that Creationism should not be taught in school – the side I am arguing. My antagonist states that I have “not specif[ied] the way in which creationism would be taught, where it would be taught, or whether or not it is mandatory. ” I do not see how my opponent can misunderstand me. The debate is about school overall. It is about the overall notion of teaching Creationism at schools. Even though the debate has not truly started, he has already attacked me. He says I cannot argue anything regarding the separation of church and state, that Creationism is not science, and that teaching Creationism would intrude on religious freedom. I feel my opponent misunderstood the resolution of the debate – which I think should be evident – but he has twisted my words and already tried to limit my arguments. I will, in fact, argue about the separation of church and state, that the United States is a secular country, that Creationism is completely false, and that Evolution is what should be taught instead. I will now define three terms, which are crucial to this debate. Creationism – “the belief that God created all things out of nothing as described in the Bible and that therefore the theory of evolution is incorrect”[1] School – “1: an organization that provides instruction: as a : an institution for the teaching of children b : college, university” [2] Secular – “not spiritual : of or relating to the physical world and not the spiritual world” [3] (in other words: not founded upon a religion) I am going to argue that Creationism should not be taught at any school. It is as simple as that. My opponent, as he is reading this, is surely rolling his eyes or raising an eyebrow, thinking how absurd my stance is. But truly, he does not understand. He does not understand how and why. Surprisingly, my rival is an Atheist as well, but he does not share the same view as I do. That is extraordinary. I intend to prove him wrong. I intend to prove my stance to the viewers and voters. Without further ado, this debate will commence. Arguments As I have already defined two key terms and made my stance clear, I will commence my arguments. The United States is Secular The United States is indeed a secular nation. This is shown through multiple things: There is a clear separation of church and state in this country. The first amendment restricts the government from recognizing any religion. Article 11 of the Treaty of Tripoli states, “As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries. ” [4] The first amendment of the United States Constitution states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” [5] History shows that the United States is clearly a secular country, taking into consideration the Treaty of Tripoli and the first amendment. People have the right to their own faith, but they should not press these views onto others. Not only would teaching Creationism at schools be unconstitutional, but it would be immoral. The thirteen colonies – the eventual original states of the United States, obviously – were essentially founded upon religious freedom. This country is secular and people have the right to their own religion. Religious Institutions The United States is indeed secular, but churches and religious schools exist, obviously spreading the teachings of the Bible and the idea of Creation. Church is a choice, not an obligation, so this is clearly acceptable. However, school is indeed an obligation. At religious institutions, Creationism may of course be taught – even though it is clearly false – but that is not true when it comes to regular schools. As long as these religious institutions are privately owned – not government owned – it is, of course, constitutional. However, if any religious institution were owned by the government, it would be unconstitutional. Creationism is False I do not intend to argue this point in great detail, as I have debated this before. Please look at my other debate about this topic and consider my arguments: . http://www.debate.org...; My opponent himself is an Atheist, but a debate is truly about convincing the viewers, not your opponent. So, as Creationism is false to begin with, why would you teach it at schools? It is absolutely illogical. Analysis My arguments can be summarized in the following points: - The United States is a secular country; teaching anything religious in schools and other similar institutions is unconstitutional. - Creationism being taught at school violates the first amendment; Atheists and members of religions without a God would have an issue with sitting through a class like this. - The United States clearly has a separation of church and state; even if the first amendment were not in existence and even if the U. S. were not a secular country, it would still break that one principle of government. Schools are, in part, sponsored and endorsed by government, so Creationism being taught at school is surely unconstitutional. - Creationism is false anyway. Sources 1. . http://www.merriam-webster.com...;2. . http://www.merriam-webster.com...3. . http://www.merriam-webster.com...4. . http://www.stephenjaygould.org...5. . http://www.archives.gov...;