Popping Bubbles

If knowledge of the true age of the earth and of the fossil record makes it impossible for a balanced intellect to believe the literal truth or every part of the Bible, as fundamentalists do, then why is creationism even being considered as part of public school curriculum? According to the video Fundamentalism Is A Mental Disease, creationists are wrong on the facts, the science and the methodology and creationism is taught "only by those who cannot think." It is rather concerning that a practicing Pentacostal, whose fundamentalist views cannot be completely ignored, is just two steps away from the presidency. Sarah Palin is in favor of teaching creationism alongside evolution in public schools but I do not feel that creationism has a place in a science classroom. If they want to include it in a World Religions class or a biblical mythology class then fine, but to claim that both views have valid arguments and that children should be able to examine both sides and come to their own conclusions seems a little absurd to me.

Evolution: The "universal acid" that burns through every concept, ideology and 'ism'; that allows us to put aside emotion and examine factual evidence behind the true nature of the universe . It may not paint as pretty a picture as creationism and an all knowing, benevolant God, and many people, parents especially, are hesitant to expose their precious babies to the cold, hard truth of the world, for fear that it may be too devastating. We maintain the illusion of Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy and the old man in the clouds watching everything we do because it is easier than having to explain to children things that even we cannot fully grasp. To me, it is easier to tell my children I don't really know and let us speculate together rather than facilitate a fable that will just leave them confused and disappointed. Once we learn to accept life and the universe as it is, we have a better chance of being able to move forward and become well adjusted, rational, intelligent minds rather than hanging our hopes and dreams on a bubble that will one day inevitably pop.