KU prof behind creationism class takes roadside beating

[towski]

http://www.kansas.com/mld/eagle/living/education/13337930.htm

A professor whose planned course on creationism and intelligent design was canceled after he sent e-mails deriding Christian conservatives was hospitalized Monday after what appeared to be a roadside beating.

University of Kansas religious studies professor Paul Mirecki said that the two men who beat him made references to the class that was to be offered for the first time this spring.

Originally called "Special Topics in Religion: Intelligent Design, Creationism and other Religious Mythologies," the course was canceled last week at Mirecki's request.

The class was added after the Kansas State Board of Education decided to include more criticism of evolution in science standards for elementary and secondary students.

"I didn't know them," Mirecki said of his assailants, "but I'm sure they knew me."

One recent e-mail from Mirecki to members of a student organization referred to religious conservatives as "fundies," and said a course describing intelligent design as mythology would be a "nice slap in their big fat face." Mirecki has apologized for those comments.

She said Mirecki reported he was attacked around 6:40 a.m. in rural Douglas County south of Lawrence. Mirecki told the Lawrence Journal-World that he was driving to breakfast when he noticed the men tailgating him in a pickup truck.

"I just pulled over hoping they would pass, and then they pulled up real close behind," he said. "They got out, and I made the mistake of getting out."

He said the men beat him on the head, shoulders and back with their fists, and possibly a metal object.

Wempe said Mirecki drove himself to the hospital after the attack.

[prst31]

You've got to watch out for those Mennonites out there. :) Just kidding but there is a "colony" of them south of Lawrence.
He's since resigned as head. He's been found to have posted some rather insensitive comments at a KU forum as I understand it. Like (paraphrasing from my memory) - The pope is nothing more than a KKK leader in a funny hat. That doesn't excuse him being beaten, don't get me wrong.

[meloakey]

You've got to watch out for those Mennonites out there. :) Just kidding but there is a "colony" of them south of Lawrence.

No one has to worry about Mennonites, they are pacifists. What everyone needs to worry about is religious extremists.

[KMFDM]

I'm honestly confused that he could think to be able to say things like that and not expect a strong response. I'm all for freedom of speech but boy this guy needs to learn about something called tact.

[dittohead not!]

"If thou hearest some professor say that thy creationist theory is mythology, thou shalt not stone him, but merely drag him from his chariot and beat the living crapeth out of him"

Nope. I looked and looked, but couldn't find that in the Bible anywhere. I did see a lot of much ignored nonsense about loving enemies, turning the other cheek, and stuff, but no one really takes that seriously.

[Dangerrmouse]

Obviously a group of inteligunt desiners at work.

[Dangerrmouse]

Isn't it ironic?

http://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/2071702.html

[dittohead not!]

Isn't it ironic?

http://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/2071702.html

Oh, well. Science is just a bunch of anti god, athiestic, and probably commie propaganda anyway. Who needs it? Kansas has creationsim. They don't need no stinkin' science anyway.

[sub_zer0]

Oh, well. Science is just a bunch of anti god, athiestic, and probably commie propaganda anyway. Who needs it? Kansas has creationsim. They don't need no stinkin' science anyway.

Somebody had to say it.... ;p

[NiteGuy]

Oh, well. Science is just a bunch of anti god, athiestic, and probably commie propaganda anyway. Who needs it? Kansas has creationsim. They don't need no stinkin' science anyway.

Gee, I certainly hope that none of their kids was looking forward to a major university education. It's gonna be kind of hard to get into MIT or Harvard without a real understanding of science, and Kansas has pretty much ensured that their kids are screwed over in that regard.

Oh well, live and learn.

[dittohead not!]

Somebody had to say it.... ;p

yes, but did anyone really take it seriously? I hope not.

[Radon]

the term mythology does not necessarily mean that it is false. the mythology of democracy is a good class to take.

furthermore, creationism is not only possible, but <ahem> true, and at least equally equally as possible as other theories about how everything came into being and why it is here.

if any theory is a 'singularity theory' is is creationism.

[Void Image]

It doesn't matter if it's a valid alternative. That's not the question, the question is whether or not it's science. It is clearly not science, and unless the very definition of science is changed globally (which will never happen.) it never will be.

[dittohead not!]

the term mythology does not necessarily mean that it is false. the mythology of democracy is a good class to take.

furthermore, creationism is not only possible, but <ahem> true, and at least equally equally as possible as other theories about how everything came into being and why it is here.

if any theory is a 'singularity theory' is is creationism.

That's right. Now, try to convince the closed minded yahoos that want to substitute creationsim for evolution. While you're at it, tell them that evolution is a scientific theory, while creationism is a religious/philosophical concept. Tell them that the two are from two different lines of thought altogether, and are not mutually exclusive.

Then run like hell before they drag you out of your car and beat you up, in a Christian sort of way, of course.

[Strel]

yes, but did anyone really take it seriously? I hope not.


Oh but they do. Can you imagine these people with real power? Now that is a scary thought. Hello Dark Ages II.