But I point out this piece by Falwell not for its arguments in favor of creationism (he doesn't make any), but instead for what it reveals about the passion surrounding the issue.
In a challenge directed at Vanity Fair writer Christopher Hitchens, Falwell equates the assault on evolution in the public schools to "the efforts of religious conservatives who want to preserve their rapidly disappearing rights in this great land."
He then goes on to promote a conference on creationism at his Liberty University, and writes the following passage in reference to one of the conference scholars:
Answers in Genesis founder Ken Ham, who will be the moderator of our Creation Mega Conference, often states, “If you can’t trust the Bible’s history, how can you trust its morality?” Christians must be equipped to defend their faith and be prepared to give an answer to everyone who challenges them on their views.
Which is, of course, the entire issue in a nutshell. Falwell and his fellow creationists aren't really concerned with science. Rather, they are concerned with literalism and authority. Nothing more, nothing less.
I don't think most Christians feel this way, but those who are in a "go along to get along" mood on intelligent design might want to consider the priorities of the people pushing this agenda.
