Critical Thinking
I can’t be the only person who wishes there were more details to this story:
During his eight days as a part-time high school biology teacher, Kris Helphinstine included Biblical references in material he provided to students and gave a PowerPoint presentation that made links between evolution, Nazi Germany and Planned Parenthood. [ Ore. Teacher Fired Over Bible References ]
There’s a difference between “Bible references” and proselytizing. Many of my teachers in high school used Bible references — and for good reason. They are especially important in humanities and the social sciences. But judging from the first paragraph, it sounds like Kris Helphinstine had his hands on some Conservative Christian propaganda.
Helphinstine says he was just trying to incorporate “critical thinking” education into the science program. That’s a laudable goal, and central to scientific education. All too often, though, I find conservative Christians mouthing the words but unable to describe the process. Did Helphinstine _genuinely_ attempt to educate about critical thinking? Or was he just offering “alternative viewpoints”? I’m guessing the latter.
