I live in a place where creationism is a science and evolution just one of many questionable theories. I know science (high school) teachers who swear that the moon landing was faked and is nothing more than a government conspiracy, that global warming was invented by the democratic party to divert the public from their scandalous behavior, and where a law was passed that effectively goes against the constitutional separation of church and state by pretending that the bible will be taught as literature and history.
For example, an Arizona bill that creates a high school course for public and charter school students that teaches the Bible and its role in Western culture is now law.
"Republican Gov. Jan Brewer signed legislation Tuesday that requires the state Board of Education to design a high school elective course titled The Bible and its influence on Western Culture" which would include lessons on the history, literature and influence of the Old and New testaments on laws, government and culture, among other aspects of society."
This is an excerpt from a Huffington Post article from 4-19-2012; the law was passed with a vote of 21-9, and approved by the House in February
Yes, that is the sad state of affairs in the US, where Young and Flat Earth, creationism, and intelligent design are considered sciences that ought to be taught in school. Given the way budgets are being slashed and many worthwhile programs fall away (art, music, sports and general elective classes that enrich the curriculum), we now have to decide what else we can do away with to make room for bible study.
Personally, I think that those who want to cram religion down the throats of their own children should do so. But not in a public school system that is barely able to teach children enough of the basics to help them function in the modern world. Or is it really beneficial to sacrifice math, language, social studies, or science on the altar of religious manipulation and coercion?