Young Australian Skeptics

I don’t really know how to introduce this one…a gent called C. David Parsons left a comment on an article the other day that has to be seen to be believed. I know that my first reaction was ‘Poe’, as it seems Elliot’s was too. But it’s not…it’s so, so much better. The link, which Elliot deleted but which I’m giving you now for the lulz, takes you to a page advertising the same C. David Parsons’ series of textbooks called The Quest for Right. What, you may ask, actually is The Quest for Right - aside of course from a really shitty name for a textbook? According to Mr Wayne Lin of Tate Publishing, this is

“A book that will change the world.”

That endorsement would probably mean more if Tate Publishing weren’t the company that published the book in the first place…and if there actually was a Mr Wayne Lin working at Tate Publishing. That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was fired because he gave his approval to what amounts to glossy toilet paper…but I digress.

“Against the backdrop of a nation embroiled in debate and legal battles over whether creationism or evolution, or both, should be taught in the classroom, The Quest for Right proclaims a Day of Victory!”

*eyebrow raise*

“The backbone of Darwinism is not biological evolution per se, but electronic interpretation, the tenet that all physical, chemical and biological processes result from a change in the electron structure of the atom which, in turn, may be deciphered through the orderly application of mathematics, as outlined in quantum mechanics.”

*blink*

“The philosophy rejects any divine intervention. Therefore, let the philosophy of Darwinism be judged on these specifics: electron interpretation and quantum mechanics. Conversely, the view that God is both responsible for and rules all the phenomena of the universe will stand or fall when the facts are applied. The view will not hinge on faith alone, but will be tested by the weightier principle of verifiable truths — the new discipline.”

*blank expression*

And then there’s this:

“Note: The cost averages 35 — 60% below the price of other textbooks.”

Because apparently, it costs more to revise and produce a textbook when it’s not just full of shit. Check out some of the content (if you can call it that) of the books…

“…the failed photoelectric effect, theory of antimatter, quantum creation (big bang theory), disappearing color, magical application of mathematics to explain certain rudimentary principles, Rayleigh scattering (sunsets), electricity, lightning, electrolyte, the browning of fruit, the mystery of fire, and the role of oxygen in the ignition of hydrocarbons. Then, there’s the dessert: you will marvel at the comprehensive law of fixed choice. Wow!

[…]

…trichromatic theory of light, the little amoeba’s remarkable inherent abilities, ultimate barrier of any new species or lasting hybrids, how the whale accomplishes the miracle of navigating the great oceans, black holes, differential rotation of sunspots, ring material of the fast-​​spinning planets, and the Great Red Spot…

[…]

The four major hypotheses expounding the origin of the moon are subjected to the absolutes of classical physics. In conjunction, the causation of twice-​​daily tides is on the agenda. While the premise may be stated in a matter-​​of-​​fact manner, the inquiry promises to be a white water adventure for those who wish to ride along with the investigation. On the agenda are: volcanism, pressure solids, differentiation of the moon/​earth distances, the causation of high and low tides, and the crossover of perigees …

[…]

The factual exposé of the so-​​called ‘absolute’ dating systems is science at its best. It is a fact that the uranium-​​thorium and potassium-​​argon systems were developed in an attempt to verify the developing geological and evolutionary charts and, thus, waste the biblical record. When the old physics of cause and effect are applied, the term absolute turns out to be a scurrilous invective. Also tested are tree ring and radiocarbon dating.”

Aaaaand that’s enough crazy for one post. To finish off, I’ll leave you with the reviews on Amazon — my favourite comment so far is this one (scroll down on Amazon to find it):

“Every non-​​fiction work attempts to solve some problem. In this case the author thinks he is solving scientific/​religious mysteries by the bucket load. In reality he is solving an upcoming problem for the economy as the illegal immigrants, who fill the unskilled farm jobs, work as maids, cooks, and gardeners, leave. The US will then have a serious need for workers to fill these low-​​paying jobs. David Parson’s books will ensure that there will be a sufficient quantity of home-​​grown, home-​​schooled, uneducated workers to fill the openings. Just think of it, parents, you can ensure that your child will have exposure to the great outdoors, working as a lettuce picker in the summer sun in California. Such is the promise this book series offers.”

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 12th, 2009 at 6:00 pm and is filed under Creationism, Education, Richard Hughes, Skeptic. Tagged as: Creationism, morons with bibles, Richard Hughes, wackaloon. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.