Title: Creationism's upside-down pyramid
First published: 1994
Description: Scientists and educators are deeply concerned that as fundamentalists gain ever more political power, their clout will be used to foist creationism onto the curriculums of tax-supported educational institutions. In recent years, creationists have invoked academic freedom, balanced treatment, and equal time in an effort to influence policies pertaining to public education. These crusaders assert that biblical stories represent true science and deserve to be taught in public school science classes.

In the name of ensuring "balance and fairness," they argue, "creation science" should be presented in the public schools. A consensus among many scientists, educators, and members of mainline churches is that "scientific creationism" does not warrant a place in the public school science curriculum.

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Creationism's Upside-Down Pyramid looks behind creationism's mask to provide a better understanding of what creationists believe and what strategies they employ to achieve their sectarian goals. Author Lee Tiffin discusses essential creationist assumptions, their unscientific methods, and their remarkable ability to twist facts to their own advantage.

Tiffin clearly demonstrates why creationists should not be allowed to teach their "science" and why their curriculum guides should not be adopted for public school use. He introduces objective scientific information to provide a foundation of physical measurement and numerical data based upon recognized standards thereby showing that "creation science" rests on guessing, such as the falling-sky vapor canopy, and not on solid, verifiable evidence.

Readers will learn not only how leading creationists have discredited themselves, but that their "remedies" for America's science illiteracy totally lack credibility. Tiffin explains why we should be concerned about the intellectual crisis creationism poses for society and about the climate of sanctimony that permits sectarian groups to fashion religious tests for office seekers and politicians.
Subjects: Religion and science, Religion and politics, Creationism, Creationisme, Geloof en wetenschap, Evolution, Controversial literature
Places: United States
LC classification: BS651 .T54 1994