Christian theology in the news

PZ Placeholder at Pharyngula is reporting that evangelical churches in Kenya want to shut down the rich human fossil exhibit at the Kenya national museum. He's concerned that a rich heritage of all humanity will be Talibanised (remember the Buddha statues in Afghanistan?). From what I know of African religion, churches there tend to be more conservative than western churches, but I doubt Kenya will accede to their requests. Despite Arap Moi's previous dictatorship there, it's now a democratic nation not based on religion.

More encouraging for me is that the current Australian federal science minister has repudiated the previous minister's enthusiasm, shortlived though it was, for intelligent design.

Christian theory not science: MP
Jason Koutsoukis, Canberra

THE controversial theory of "intelligent design" has been ridiculed by
Federal Education and Science Minister Julie Bishop, who says it should
not be taught in schools.
Her views are a major setback for conservative Christian groups who
have mounted a concerted campaign to have "intelligent design" taught
alongside evolution in school science courses.
[snip]

"If, however, there are those who wish certain subjects to be taught or
certain aspects or themes to be taught to their students, then that's a
matter for parents to take up with individual schools or education
authorities," she said. "But as minister for science, no, I would not
advocate it be part of science courses."

Ms Bishop's comments represent a comprehensive denunciation of the
views of her predecessor Brendan Nelson, who last year endorsed
"intelligent design" being taught alongside evolution. Dr Nelson also
said he had met the group Campus Crusade for Christ, the Australian
advocates of intelligent design, or ID, and said he had been impressed
by a DVD called Unlocking the Mystery of Life they had presented to
him.

Previously on the old blog site, I recounted how Brendan Nelson had flown that kite and how he backed down rather quickly. There are signs that the current conservative government is not moving towards religious principles as much as before, and that the moderates in the party are unhappy with the descularisation of Australian polity. When Bishop was appointed, to the federal education as well as the science portfolio, to replace Nelson, she was an untested quantity. We knew little about her. But it seems that the reaction to the Christianisation of Australian politics has receded somewhat.

Now, if only the treasurer, who has thrown his lot in with various evangelical movements, can be prevented from succeeding the current prime minister...