The Intelligent Falling Theory – page one
Evangelical Scientists Refute Gravity with New 'Intelligent
Falling' Theory
KANSAS CITY, KS — As the debate over the teaching of evolution in public schools
continues, a new controversy over the science curriculum arose on Monday. Scientists from
the Evangelical Center For Faith-Based Reasoning (EFCR) are now asserting that the longheld "theory of gravity" is flawed, and they have responded to it with a new theory of
Intelligent Falling.
"Things fall not because they are acted upon by some gravitational force, but because a higher
intelligence, 'God' if you will, is pushing them down," said Gabriel Burdett, who holds
degrees in education, applied Scripture, and physics from Oral Roberts University.
Proponents of “Intelligent Falling” assert that the different theories used by secular physicists
to explain gravity are not internally consistent. Even critics of Intelligent Falling admit that
Einstein's ideas about gravity are mathematically irreconcilable with quantum mechanics.
This fact, Intelligent Falling proponents say, proves that gravity is a theory in crisis.
Critics of Intelligent Falling point out that gravity is a provable law based on empirical
observations of natural phenomena. Evangelical physicists, however, insist that there is no
conflict between Newton's mathematics and Holy Scripture.
"Traditional scientists admit that they cannot explain how gravitation is supposed to work,"
Burdett said.
The ECFR, in conjunction with the Christian Coalition and other Christian conservative
action groups, is calling for public schools to give equal time to the Intelligent Falling theory.
They insist they are not asking for the theory of gravity to be banned from schools, but rather
that they only want students to be offered both sides of the issue "so they can make an
informed decision."
"We just want the best possible education for Kansas' kids," Burdett said.
Grammar – object + infinitive
A. Insert one of these words and phrases into each of the sentences below to make them
grammatically correct and true:
schools
Thinkers
Some
on
for schools
of schools
the Christian right
parents
want
to
want
teach
to
learn creationist
“intelligent design”
students
theory
to
in
their
schools.
students.
Scientists say it is dangerous to teach theories like “intelligent design” to their students.
Scientists also say that it would be foolish to “send students back to the Dark Ages.”
the Intelligent Falling Theory – page two
Structure: verb + object + infinitive
Verbs such as want that take to + infinitive can be used with an object as well.
I want to go. I want you to go.
I didn’t ask to pay. I didn’t ask you to pay.
They don’t allow people to smoke.
Other common verbs which use this structure are verbs that imply advising (advise, encourage,
invite, persuade, recommend)***, commanding (command, force, oblige, order, request), giving
permission (forbid, permit),as well as other verbs such as want, expect, need, would like, or prefer
which imply a desire. (***suggest does not use this structure: I suggest that you go.)
B. Use the prompts to form sentences.
example:The ECFR / want / school / teach Intelligent Falling in science class.
The ECFR wants schools to teach Intelligent Falling in science class.
1. The opposition / calling for / the Justice minister /
step down
2. The coach / asked / the president of the club / bring new players for the midfield
3. Authorities / told /
police /
target immigrants at Madrid metro stops.
Structure: adjective + preposition + object + infinitive
After certain adjectives, the structure of (of / for) + object + infinitive can be used.
Often the adjective is one that expresses importance or urgency:
It’s essential for the classroom to be well-lit.
Or it is an adjective that expresses frequency:
It’s unusual for deer to come this close to the road.
Or a personal reaction to a situation:
It’s crazy of him to think he can beat Mike Tyson in a boxing match.
C. Combine the two sentences using an adjective + preposition + object + to + infinitive.
example: You helped me. It was nice. It was nice of you to help me.
1. I locked my keys inside the car. That was stupid.
2. Her light is on. It’s unusual at this hour.
3. Every building has a fire escape. It’s extremely important.
4. The boy turned the money he found in to the police. He was very honest.
5. I live far from the supermarket. It’s not convenient.
***Now, react to the statements in B using an adjective. Example: It’s silly of them to want
schools to teach Intelligent Design.
***Make 3 simple sentences about the news or your work and exchange with your partner.
React to their sentences using adjectives like the ones in the box above.