One-Sixteenth

You obviously don't have the secret Christian decoder ring with the framework plan for Global Domination Through Conversion (tm).

Basically, it says that if you can first convince unsuspecting people that Creation Science is correct, then you can get them on the road toward joining the next Great Crusade!

Was she a the-earth-is-really-only-6000-years-old wingnut? Or is she one of the more harmless "Maybe God is an evolutionist" types? I just don't get that creationism and evolution have to be mutually exclusive, to the dismay of my fellow Christians. (Oh wait, they don't think I'm Christian anyway, so why am I defending them?)

Oy. Of course, if you let her know you aren't Christian, you may be in for a whole 'nother type of bombardment. Is there any way to tell her gently that she's there to teach piano, not science?

one way to handle it is to be truthful, but vague. In other words....say, we prefer to teach our children about creation on our own and would rather piano lessons remain simply PIANO LESSONS.

I do this a lot being a lone prochoicer at the catholic school (while not lone, but it feels that way at times) and it isn't dishonest and it avoids the uncomfortable place that saying what you really think might lead to. My thought is I do it to maintain the relationship, because you won't change what you feel, and she won't either. Even though we know you are right and she is wrong ;-)

Maybe you can take her aside and gently remind her that you have scheduled science for another time? She sounds young and some young people who have been sheltered really don't get that the whole world is different from them.

Stephanie,

You have completely the wrong attitude here!

Look, your kids need to learn science, right?

It’s common sense that you *really* learn something when you have to teach someone else. Despite having a Ph.D. in theoretical physics, I’m finding that I’m learning a good deal about physics and math trying to figure out how to explain it all in simple terms to the kids -- for example, I think I almost understand conservation of angular momentum now that I’ve explained to them, without using the phrase “conservation of angular momentum,” how the ice-skaters do their spin thing by pulling their arms in.

So, have your kids start reading up on evolution and explain to the piano teacher where she’s wrong.

Unfortunately, she’s going to weary of this pretty soon, but it is a good educational opportunity while it lasts!

All the best,

Dave

Kevin, she's a fully-fledged Young Earther, you bad Christian, you. (It's kinda funny how most Christians I know are not considered to be "real" Christians by the rest of them. Then again, it's the same with most Pagan groups.)

Here's how I plan to handle the issue. First, I'm going to politely ensure and insist that these conversations take place outside of lesson time. Griffin got a crappy lesson last week, because she got carried away. That's not what I'm paying for. I can give him a crappy lesson at home, for free.

I will be vague and polite, myself. However, my kids are very interested in this conversation. I have no problem having them listen to her arguments, research the topic, and explain their point of view to her. It will be fun to watch. My role will be to make sure all sides stay polite and respectful, that all appropriate boundaries are enforced. Honestly, I want the kids to think about this for themselves, and walk through the arguments with their own brains.

And no, Drew, I don't plan to let her know we're not even Christian. This sweet girl and her mother were both absolutely crushed and horrified, though they tried to hide it, when I admitted to not being a young earther. I don't think they could handle the rest of the truth ;-)

The latest theory I've heard (I guess it's been recycled for almost 2 centuries, but I just heard it this week) combines 6000-years wackiness and acknowledges carbon dating. Basically, the theory is that this world is made up of recycled worlds, and the fossils are the wreckage of old worlds that God used to make this one.

I'm serious. And speechless.

I told a friend, who wanted me to take a side on something, that I leave science for science class and philosophy for philosophy class.

(I have a good friend who has decided that being considered un-Christian by other Christians, despite his and my church's being so obviously Christian -- is actually a good selling point. If the Christian nuts don't like you, maybe you're doing something right. I don't go that far, but it's interesting.)