Creationism's Sins

On July 22, we were treated to a talk on "The Sins of Creationism" by our ebullient program director, Craig Olsen. Craig is a naturalist who justly refers to himself as an educator. He is the antithesis of the stereotypical venomous seething skeptic finding sick joy in annihilating sacred cows. His style was most accommodating and empathetic to the feelings of the creation believer.

Craig's opening used audience participation in a memorable metaphor of the human tendency to throw away pieces of the picture which fail to contribute to a priori wishful thinking. He demonstrated his openness to the other side by passing out examples of creationist literature and acknowledging times when creationists have made valid critiques of evolution "theory."

On the other hand, among his criticisms of "creation science" were: Creationists require members to sign a secret statement of faith (something not found in the real sciences); Creationist conjectures are not falsifiable; Creationists have frequently left inaccurate information in their literature; Creationists' cladistical definition of "kind" (in reference to critters on the ark) is tenuous; Enough water to cover the entire earth does not exist; Continental drift clashes with the young earth creationist model; The fossil record does not mix modern era creatures with ancient ones; Creationists don't seem to do real research or to have papers peer reviewed before publication.

Craig gave a plug to the National Center for Science Education, a group which monitors and responds to creationist attempts to infiltrate public schools. [Call 1-800-290-606 for more information.] He also reminded us that among their worst sins, creationists badly misquote prominent evolutionists and are trying to use the legal system to achieve their ends where reason has failed.

After Craig's talk many people lingered for a lively discussion of the issues pertaining to creationism.