Letter: When religious bias dictates science education, we are in deep trouble

I was stunned to read that a member of the Utah Board of Education is not familiar with scientific theory. Scientific theory has nothing to do with what is “politically expedient.” This board member tells us that “There’s a heavy emphasis on global warming. There’s a heavy emphasis on evolution as a fact and not a theory.”

Apparently she doesn’t know the definition of scientific theory. I wonder how she feels about the theory of relativity. Or cell theory? Or the theory of gravity? Yes, evolution is a theory; a tested, proven theory.

“Liberal and secular viewpoints” appear to be an issue for the board. Are not all scientific viewpoints “secular”? Are they supposed to be anything else? Science is not there to support religion. Science is objective.

That someone who is obviously religiously motivated is a member of the Utah Board of Education doesn’t surprise me. What does is the pretense of promoting “critical thinking” when the actual objective is indoctrination.

When religious bias dictates science education, we — and our children — are in deep trouble.

Mary Dillon, Park City

from The Salt Lake Tribune https://ift.tt/2qHw8vx