Creationism's Upside-Down Pyramid

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.

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. 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.

Lee Tiffin received his master's degree in plant physiology and botany from the University of Maryland, and has worked for a number of U.S. government agencies. He also holds a Master's of Divinity and has been a pastor in a number of Christian churches.