However,  I was told a couple of years ago by a fundamentalist classmate that their preachers encouraged people to go into business or engineering (education is another choice) because it would reduce their exposure to evolution and "immoral teaching".  They were concerned that "higher education" would destroy the students "faith".  

The hostility towards people who don't toe the fundamentalist line is also rather strong.  I've seen several incidences of "Christian vandalism" on campus- as recently as yesterday!  One of my professors put up a news article dealing with fake archaeology (regarding Noah and his ark) and it was ripped down twice- and in the last few days someone wrote on it "Get Saved!"  The professors have to spend a significant amount of time dealing with fundamentalist hostility (towards evolution, but also towards other subjects).  In the introductory anthropology courses I took, on average one class period per course was spent on evolution and dealing with the fundamentalist hostility.  I remember hearing harsh words coming from fundamentalists and seeing numerous people walking out in a huff because evolution was being discussed.  I've also heard and read some really insulting things- for instance one person was very upset because a professor (friend of mine) wouldn't discuss his religious views in public nor would he allow her to preach her version of the subject in his class!

It is distressing to see such willful and blind ignorance!!

So, based upon what I've seen on campus (and experienced in this area), what Bill Keller did was pretty tame, and not surprising.  If you come to campus on most Wednesdays, I can pretty much guarantee you'll hear far worse from the local jackleg preachers!!!


by ArchaeoBob on Wed Jun 06, 2007 at 01:25:19 AM EST
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