A lecture sponsored by the
Biology Department
Saginaw Valley State University

The subject of origins – of where we, Earth, and the universe come from – is one that has been considered by many religions since time memorial. Science, as a relatively recent actor on the intellectual stage, also considers these topics, coming up with answers at variance with those of most religions, including Christianity. How do these two approaches differ? Are there similarities? And is there an uncrossable divide between the two? The answer is not just philosophically interesting, but directly relevant to decisions being made about what to teach in public school science courses.

A lecture in the
C.P. Snow Lecture Series
sponsored by Ithaca College

A presentation in the
SkepTalk Speaker Series
sponsored by the
Bay Area Skeptics

This conference celebrates reason, and I suspect the meaning celebrated is one or both of the dictionary’s definitions of reason, as “the mental powers concerned with forming conclusions, judgments, or inferences”, or “sound judgment; good sense.” The intersection of reason and creationism is understandably a small one, when viewed in this manner. But reason is also defined as the basis or cause of something, as when we speak of the reason for doing something. A reason can also be a statement explaining a belief or action. Viewed this way, of course creationists have reasons for their beliefs – but the beliefs rarely have much to do with the other kinds of reason, reflecting empirical evidence and science. Using examples from creation science and intelligent design, I will explore “reason and creationism”.

After the failure of creation science and intelligent design to survive legal tests of their constitutionality, the creationist movement evolved new strategies. These call for teaching the “strengths and weaknesses of evolution” or the “critical analysis of evolution” which are creationism in disguise. In lieu of policies promoting the teaching of creation science or Intelligent Design, modern creationists try to change state science education standards or pass state legislation to promote these “softer” and less-obvious approaches. Such “Academic Freedom Act” legislation has popped up in several states already, and reflects the creationism du jour.

Presentation sponsored by
The Victorian Skeptics

Creationism usually is considered an American (or North American) controversy, but it is spreading internationally, as conservative Christian missionaries use creationist literature in their missionary activities. Its spread, as one might expect, is also influenced by idiosyncrasies of culture, politics and national pride.


Sponsored by
the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry,
the Gesellschaft zur wissenschaftlichen Untersuchung von Parawissenschaften (GWUP,
and The European Council of Skeptical Organisations (ECSO)

Twenty-two lucky members will raft the Grand Canyon from Marble Canyon to Diamond Creek, experiencing one of the most beautiful and majestic natural features on the planet.

Of course, as Eugenie Scott, NCSE's executive director, will inform the rafters, the whole Colorado plateau was laid down by the receding waters of Noah's Flood about 4,300 years ago, and the Grand Canyon itself was gouged catastrophically in a matter of days. Geologist Steven Newton will present the standard geological history of Grand Canyon to the rafters — and "they can make up their own minds."

NCSE's "Creation/Evolution Grand Canyon Raft Trip" is a wonderful way to learn about the creationism/evolution controversy in a fabulous natural setting.

For more information: 

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