1	Is a No-Nonsense Approach to Creationism and Intelligent Design a Good Choice? Joseph Meert (Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL) jmeert@geology.ufl.edu
2	Outline of Talk Scientific Issues and History of the ID/creationism movement: Is it Science? Who is the intelligent designer? Legal Issues: Separation of Church and State How to handle kangaroo hearings- Lessons from Kansas. Be polite, but not afraid to point out the intellectual and scientific bankruptcy of their claims. Scientists must take time to become active. Intelligent Design (stealth creationism) has legs and is moving to a school near you.
3	Are there real differences between ID and Creationism? ID proponents would like us to think this is the case; however they share several features that make them interchangeable: Both are Non-Scientific Both hold (one publicly and one privately) that Goddidit. Both seek to replace evolution with a theistic philosophy and even more ominous they are both aimed at theocratic social reform.
4	What is Intelligent Design? Sensu Stricto: The definition is purposefully vague, but the basic notion is that certain biological structures are created ex-nihilo by some intelligent force. Sensu Lato: Everything is designed. If true there is no reference for ‘not designed’. ID is a political movement aimed at social reform via indoctrination (Statements from the ‘Wedge’ document): The proposition that human beings are created in the image of God is one of the bedrock principles on which Western civilization was built. The social consequences of materialism have been devastating. As symptoms, those consequences are certainly worth treating. However, we are convinced that in order to defeat materialism, we must cut it off at its source. That source is scientific materialism. This is precisely our strategy.
5	History of Intelligent Designers/Creators and Destroyers Most often tied to Paley’s Natural Theology (1802 watchmaker). Modern-day creationism/ID is fond of Mt. Rushmore.
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7	Is Modern ID/Creationism any different from the ancient myths? Example: Blood Clotting Cascade The ‘mystery’ may be no more complex than a coherent explanation for earthquakes, although it may still elude biochemists. Mike Behe claims that he can’t figure this out and since: Behe’s a smart guy… ergo There must be a supreme intelligence responsible.
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9	Is the Designer ‘Intelligent’? Michael Behe (among others) would concede the point that the Earth is old and does not quibble with the 4.5 Ga age of the earth. While ID’ers are loathe to identify the designer, the claims of ID’ers at least provide some hints: (1) The Intelligent designer is not very good. Nearly 99% of all species are extinct and all life forms die (usually painful deaths due to equipment failure). (2) The intelligent designer appears to be a meddler, one always seeking to unsuccessfully get more ‘power’ from it’s designs. If not God, Who might the ID’er be?
10	Tim taylor the ID’er?
11	The Legal Side of Intelligent Design Creationism. We also desire to train others to develop a biblical worldview, and seek to expose the bankruptcy of evolutionary ideas, and its bedfellow, a “millions of years old” earth (and even older universe)-Answers in Genesis 2005. "This new creationism is really not very new, except perhaps for the terminology. Progressive creationists, as well as traditional creationists, have been documenting intelligent design (that is, the magnificently organized complexity of every living creature) and "abrupt appearance" (that is, the complete absence of any true transitional forms in the fossil record) for well over 150 years." Henry Morris (Institute for Creation Research.) Now the way that I see the logic of our movement going is like this. The first thing you understand is that the Darwinian theory isn't true. It's falsified by all of the evidence and the logic is terrible. When you realize that, the next question that occurs to you is, well, where might you get the truth? When I preach from the Bible, as I often do at churches and on Sundays, I don't start with Genesis. I start with John 1:1. In the beginning was the word. In the beginning was intelligence, purpose, and wisdom. The Bible had that right. And the materialist scientists are deluding themselves” Philip Johnson (author of the Wedge Document.)
12	Stated Goals of the ID Movement (from the Wedge Document-1999)
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14	Kansas-Dover and the Kangaroo Courts We should not fool ourselves into thinking that ID will just go away (it’s deeply rooted in history). Polls repeatedly show that in the US, citizens are amenable to the call for ‘fairness’ in presenting ID creationism alongside evolution. How do we handle ID creationism when it comes to town? Hearings: Should we defend science in front of a non-receptive audience (e.g. situations like the 2005 Kansas School Board hearings)? Scientists should avoid discussion of the so-called ‘scientific creationism/ID’ because this terminology is a façade meant to give scientific legitimacy to the ID creationism movement. Instead our focus should be on revealing the socio-political and theocratic goals of the ID movement and how they misuse science to achieve those goals. We should treat ID’ers and creationists politely, but we should not give their ideas any respect. In science, good ideas earn the respect of fellow scientists because they can withstand a scientific assault. ID does not conduct science and has earned no respect. We should understand and recognize the arguments that will be brought forth in the public arena by ID-creationists.
15	Become Involved Creationism is a multi-million dollar business. They are active in every community and in every state. Don’t underestimate this activism simply because their ideas are nonsensical. Creationism is well-organized- Near simultaneous introduction of ‘academic freedom’ legislation in many states. Hidden agenda is to teach creationism. -Example from Florida: Support the efforts of NCSE through donations or becoming a supporting member. ID has a clear plan for introducing creation in the US and polls show that more than 50% of the American public are receptive to ‘teaching the alternative’. The alternative is deadly for the future of science in the US.
16	How do you get involved? Use the ‘e-word’ often in class. Stay aware of what is happening in your state and community. Offer to speak on the topic. Be aware of the arguments used by creationists. Don’t be caught off guard. Be aware of what is being talked about on Sundays. Offer to give a scientific presentation. Give talks at local schools including private Christian schools if allowed.
17	Here Be Dragons!!