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Entry: The Galileo Myth Link: http://www.takimag.com/site/article/the_galileo_myth#15855 Post contents: >> I should like to ask cognate how he would react if the Church were to claim that it possessed the real truth in the area of physics. Let’s suppose the Church put forth insufficient proofs in support of its claims (such as, for example, that Verse so-and-so of the Bible proves that matter is not composed of discrete atoms), yet insisted upon claiming absolute truth for them, all the while baiting scientists with rude insults and satire. Let’s suppose that the Church insisted upon replacing the old, now-discredited views of the scientists with its new doctrine in the schools, so as to properly indoctrinate the minds of children. James Newland, the real issue here is not science versus religion but government-run schooling. In such a system the state and its agents decide what is to be taught and the children are forced to regurgitate the lessons, willy-nilly, in order to get a passing grade. If instead the government got out of the business of education - thereby lowering taxes – that would open the field to privately organized education, with or without religious affiliation, and each school would be free to teach as it saw fit. If parents wished to send their children to schools that taught the moon was made of green cheese that would be their business. I expect the graduates of such schools would find their range of employment opportunities somewhat reduced. Sent at: 2008 12 02