"David E. Haberstich" wrote:
>
> When a "creationist" looks at the artifacts in an "evolution" exhibition and
> declares that there is no scientific "evidence" to support the theory of
> evolution, it piques my curiosity.  It makes me wonder how creationists
> interpret or explain these objects and their relationships to each other.

Creationists believe that the fossil record is "a lie of Satan" (actual
quote).

> It makes me envision a curatorial collaboration between a "creationist"
> scientist (and they assure us that there are such people) and an
> "evolutionist" scientist, presenting their disparate interpretations of
> appropriate artifactual evidence, side by side.  So if anyone is looking for
> a REAL exhibition challenge, that's my suggestion...

While I am in favor of providing differing interpretation, I would look
very carefully at the "science" provided by so-called Creation
Scientists, who deny stratigraphy, radiocarbon dating, genetic evidence,
and just about every underlying principle of modern science.  I would
not give flat Earth advocates equal time in a science exhibit for the
same reason.  Creationists want us to believe that they are a legitimate
science and are entitled to equal time so that they can push a narrow
religious agenda in opposition to real science, and create an impression
that there is no consensus in the scientific community on evolution.  I
might show the two side-by-side, but in an open exchange, the
creationist argument would look sort of silly.

(OK, getting off soap box now.)

> David Haberstich
>

--
James H Tichgelaar
Registrar, Arkansas State University Museum
http://museum.astate.edu

"All we ever wanted was everything.  All we ever got was cold."

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ museum-l.html. You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to
[log in to unmask] The body of the message should read "Signoff
Museum-L" (without the quotes).