PART 2: "...a deep difference..."

There is a continuing debate over the National Park Service Policy regarding the dissemination of knowledge at one of its parks. Some people "believe" that the flood that Noah's Ark foiled, thus rescuing Earth's fauna, actually carved the Canyon out west. People who have studied the Canyon say that it is much older than that.

To what extent does our government support the anti-scientific notion of creationists? If Americans are asked to believe a non-scientific myth, that the "Great Flood" carved the Grand Canyon, should the government be involved in promoting such a notion?

"RANGER X" has written an interesting comment on our blog. It can be found in the comments section of the Saturday posting, "A Really Deep Difference." He says that National Park Service personnel at the Grand Canyon are NOT forbidden from stating the age of the canyon. We are inclined to believe him because he has made a good effort to check the facts. We thank him for his contribution. Although we have no independent knowledge that he's telling the truth, we think that most Americans, such as Park Service employees, will resist being spokespeople for a religious notion.

Like everyone else who might be interested, we will continue to watch the discussion as it unfolds, if it does, in the media. This is because we care whether or not the government is promoting a particular religious belief. The Bush administration has no hesitancy in promoting its brand of the Christian religion.

We are of the opinion that creationism is woefully mistaken and anti-democratic. We know that creationism is a religious compunction of some people. We think that creationism is NOT a correct understanding of Christ's teachings much less of the world. We are of the opinion that people of strong religious conviction are inclined to seek government support of their beliefs and practices rather than let them sink or float of their own vitality. That's what the creationists are doing.

At Arboretum, our interest is in preserving the separation of church and state in this well-founded democracy. We think that the government should NOT be employed in the practice of furthering anyone's religious beliefs, not even a group of "Christians." (Nor do we think that the government should suppress any religion.) As the creationists have made clear, one of their first priorities would be the destruction of scientific education. The Bush-ites are doing what they can to help the cause.

Ranger X's blog discusses some of these questions and can be found here: CLICK