Christian School Attacked for Teaching Creation

When atheists gained access to a 4th grade biblical creation exam from Blue Ridge Christian Academy of Landrum, SC they thought Internet distribution of the exam, along with criticism, would stop "those dumb Christians," but instead it brought donations to the financially struggling school.

"Even though the attack on the school was meant to be harmful, God has used it to provide affirmation regarding the importance of our work."
-- Diana Baker, administrator at Blue Ridge Christian Academy

For background, read Scientists Call to Outlaw Non-evolution Theories & Beliefs and also read Media Scoff at Christians Advancing Science in Tennessee as well as Religion Taught in New National Science Curriculum

-- From "Fourth-grade creationist science quiz: Dinosaurs lived millions of years ago — False" by Valerie Strauss, Washington Post 5/14/13

The test questions and answers reflect the beliefs of Young Earth creationist theory, which holds that the universe and everything in it was created by God some 6,000 years ago. Dinosaurs and humans co-existed, in this belief system. This explains some of the answers on the test.

There are religious schools around the country that teach this, including some that take students who have publicly funded vouchers.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Christian school: ‘atheist controversy’ over creationist quiz may keep academy open" by Valerie Strauss, Washington Post 5/16/13

. . . Angie Dentler, a teacher and publicist from Blue Ridge Christian Academy . . . sent the following press release. It says that the school was having major financial trouble but that the release of the quiz, which first hit the Internet and Facebook weeks ago, may wind up helping the school stay open.

[Excerpts from] the release:

It was announced on March 28th that there would be little hope for Blue Ridge Christian Academy to keep its doors open past May 31st .

On April 21st, an Atheist website features a photo of a Quiz on Creationism that was given to a 4th grade class at Blue Ridge Christian Academy on March 28th. This thread has been viewed over 898,000 times and generated 3,677 comments.  Some comments were extreme stating things such as:  ”I crave blood, give me the principals head!” and “I hope the teacher dies a horrible death.”

The media attention has brought awareness of the school reaching from the upstate of South Carolina, throughout the US and into over 70 countries around the world.  Donations have been given ranging in amounts from $1 – $1000.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Christian School's Creationism Quiz Sparks Online Debate, Financial Donations" by Katherine Weber, Christian Post Reporter 5/16/13

. . . the school does not receive tax vouchers, and approximately 45 percent of students receive financial aid funded by private donors.

The school's website states that one of its academic goals is to teach students that "God's truth is authoritative and is the foundation for all living and learning," so that students may "develop a biblical worldview while both understanding the culture in which they live and [be] ready to confidently defend their faith."

The school noted that it does in fact include the evolution theory in its science curriculum.

South Carolina is one of seven states in the U.S. that specifically requires its schools' science standards to allow students to critically analyze key aspects of evolutionary theory.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Poll: 15% of Americans Believe Darwinian Evolution as well as Few Believe Evolution Enough to Teach It