Rally for Reason

Y’all come to Kentucky y’hear.

Do you have something more important to do this Memorial Day?

See: www.rallyforreason.com

Edwin.

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From:

A M E R I C A N A T H E I S T S

A A N E W S

#1232 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5/8/07

http://www.atheists.org

http://www.americanatheist.org

http://www.atheistviewpoint.tv

Feel free to distribute, AANEWS update on Memorial Day RALLY FOR REASON

CREATIONIST MUSEUM SET TO OPEN: HAS BIBLICAL LITERALISM PERMEATED

MAINSTREAM AMERICAN CULTURE, REPLACED SCIENCE?

Raquel Welch, Barney Flintstone Meet Genesis

It was once only a fantastic belief preached in fundamentalist and evangelical churches, tent-revival meetings, and the most hard-shell Baptist seminaries and other religious schools.

Now, though, creationism -- the belief that human and other life on our planet, along with everything we know to constitute the observable universe, was recently created by a supernatural deity, and the literal account revealed in passages from the Old Testament -- is rapidly going mainstream. The teaching of creationism and similar accounts like "Intelligent Design" in public schools has become a culture war skirmish playing out across the country. Authors and lecturers regularly debate the topic in the media and even college campuses as they attempt to "challenge" and refute Darwinian evolution. Personal opinions about evolution and creationism were even solicited during last week's nationally televised debate among the major Republican contenders seeking their party's nomination for the presidency.

And what may be a high water mark in the public relations campaign to showcase creationist doctrine is slated to occur on Memorial Day, Monday May 28, 2007 when the group "Answers in Genesis" opens its $27 million, 60,000-square-foot Creation Museum in Petersburg, Ky.

Supporters pray that the museum will present an "alternative" to scientific evolution. The core audience is expected to be the millions of Christian evangelicals and fundamentalists who look to the Bible as a literal, true and reliable source. Other visitors, though, may agree with much of the message being promoted by "Answers in Genesis" and its president, Ken Ham. A Gallup Poll released in March showed that 47% of Americans believe a supernatural deity created humans similar to their present form within the last 10,000 years.

This belief contradicts findings in geology, biology, astronomy and other sciences that indicate life and the present condition of our universe to be the result of long evolutionary processes taking place over "deep time," millions and even billions of years.

The museum is strategically located. Ham boasts that the facility is within one day's drive of 60% of the U.S. population, and expects to draw over 250,000 visitors in the first year. AIG has spared little expense in putting together what is described as a first-class exposition. A second construction phase is now underway, adding another 10,000 square feet of space. Crosswalk.com reporter Michael Ireland described the project as "a one-of-a-kind, high-tech museum filled with animatronic displays (e.g., moving dinosaurs), striking videos, a state-of-the-art planetarium, Special Effects Theater, etc.

that is spread over 60,000 square feet incorporating up to 40-foot ceilings to contain some of its massive exhibits."

"The museum will go beyond telling the compelling story of the creation of life on this planet," Ireland added, "to proclaiming the Bible as supreme authority in all matters in addresses."

The expansive undertaking was possible thanks primarily to AIG's 8,500 charter members and tens of thousands of other donors. There has been considerable media coverage of the museum project on the major television networks, PBS and print media including The Washington post, The New York Times and Discover Magazine. International media from Australia, Europe and elsewhere have also covered the story.

"Answers in Genesis" -- Crankery to Mainstream

"Answers in Genesis" has evolved from humble beginnings into one of the nation's leading crusaders on behalf of Biblical literalism and supremacy. Its roots go back to the Creation Science Association which, in 1980, became the Creation Science Foundation. Ken Ham, born in Australia in 1951, moved to the U.S. in 1987 after earning a bachelor's degree in science. In 1993, he was granted an honorary doctorate of literature from Jerry Falwell's Liberty University.

During this period he worked at the Institute for Creation Research, and in 1994 established the "Answers in Genesis" Christian ministry.

Ham and his organization expound a religious doctrine known as "young Earth creationism." This belief rejects Darwin's Theory of Evolution, along with most mainstream scientific findings about the origins of life and the rest of the universe. Instead, believers point to select passages in the book of Genesis, taking as literal truth stories that Jehovah created everything in six days, along with the tale of Noah and his ark. In lectures and debates, Mr. Ham and other advocates of creationism often attempt to discredit evolution by asking, "Were you there?" They also claim to find evidence of flaws or shortcomings in evolutionary evidence, or take the position that "fairness" and free speech require creationism be given equal time in public school classrooms.

Not all Christians, of course, accept Biblical literalism or oppose the science behind evolution. There are also advocates of so-called "Intelligent Design" who reject the proposition that the universe is the result of recent divine creation, but instead claim that physical laws and other scientific findings are evidence of deity who played a role of "first mover" in bringing life and the universe into existence at some point in the distant past. Like the "young Earth"

creationists at AIG, supporters of "ID" claim to challenge mainstream, evolution-based scientific findings, and promote themselves as a legitimate "alternative," especially in public school classrooms.

Blaming Darwin

Just as they promote a Biblical-supremacist theology, Mr. Ham and other creationists condemn evolution as a pernicious force in human history. Wikipedia notes, "Ham believes the Theory of Evolution indirectly caused or heavily contributed to the rise of humanism, racism, eugenics, euthanasia, pornography, homosexuality, family breakup, abortion, and more by increasing the influence of atheism."

Like others on the religious right, Ham also links the teaching of evolution with increased secularization and social changes. Reacting to the recent shootings at Virginia Tech, Ham posted an opinion piece on the "Answers in Genesis" web site declaring, "We live in an era when public high schools and colleges have all banned God from science classes," presumably resulting in "a culture (that) allows the killing of the unborn" and the perception that human life is "cheap."

GENESIS AND RAQUEL AND BARNEY, OH MY!

As creationism has become a major cultural project for many evangelical Christians wary of secular science, the academic community has managed to respond with books, articles, web sites and conferences. The fact that anti-evolution activists have taken over local and, in some cases like Kansas, even state school boards and education departments has also generated concerns about the status of science education in America. Meanwhile, creationists and Intelligent Design proponents have become more sophisticated in getting their message out to the public.

Despite a more polished and sophisticated message, many of the claims of "young Earth creationists" remain difficult to defend. That will not stop the Creationism Museum from presenting every detail of the literal Genesis story as truth -- such as the claim that dinosaurs co-existed with our early human ancestors. Dioramas and 3-D exhibits at the museum will reportedly depict dinosaurs and humans living in the same environment. It may not be as titillating as the 1966 film hit "One Million Years B.C." starring a buxom Raquel Welch and other humans who battle their monstrous reptilian neighbors. Fossil and other evidence points to a different sort of time-line, where dinosaurs became extinct about 6o million years before human beings made their appearance. Film producers and executives at Hammer Studios made no claim to scientific accuracy, though, and instead indulged in fantasy, violence and, of course, titillation in the form of a sexually-charged heroine.

The AIG may also have to deal with charges that it is simply blending ancient Bible-based allegory with American pop-culture, especially the Hanna-Barbera Production animated sitcom, "The Flintstones." The show ran from 1960-1966 on the ABC television network, and portrayed the travails and triumphs of a stone-age, working class family living in the imaginary town of Bedrock. "Friendly" cartoon-style dinosaurs were part of the natural environment, and the show skillfully amalgamated a semblance of contemporary technology built from stone-age implements often powered by animals.

While pop-culture entertainment like "The Flintstones" or movies featuring ancient monsters and distressed fashion models make no pretense to scientific or historic accuracy, creationists are serious in citing the Bible as a literal, accurate answer to complex questions about human origins. As Biblical supremacists, they embrace the works found in the Old and New Testaments as revealed truth from God. AIG and other creationist groups, for example, not only reject evolution as an explanation of how life appeared on Earth, they also expand their theology to reject much of contemporary cosmology. Their "young universe" -- only 6,000 or so years old -- still betrays compelling evidence that it is much larger and far more ancient. Creationists have invented interesting but nevertheless flawed arguments to explain this discrepancy, including claims that God created light "en-route,"

or that the speed of light was considerably greater in the not-too-distant past.

Collision in the Classrooms

Creationists not only argue the validity of the Biblical account in Genesis, but also insist that their views are at least as "valid" as contemporary science, and thus worthy of "equal time" in school science classes. They also oppose efforts to censor teachers who want to introduce creationist ideas, especially as "an alternative" to most science texts now used.

Because of its stance on behalf of "Biblical Supremacy," AIG also opposes any pro-life position in respect to abortion rights, and challenges homosexuality as a violation of Christian teaching. It also maintains that Darwinism and evolutionary teachings have been the basis of destructive racial theories and eugenics. They cite the Holocaust and the rampages of Stalinism as examples. According to Wikipedia, "In dealing with Christendom's own violent history, AIG asserts that anyone using the Bible to justify atrocities (such as the Crusades, the colonization of the New World, pogroms, the burning of 'witches,' the Wars of Religion etc.) are 'completely contrary to the teachings of Christ.' "

Critics, though, see creationist undertakings like the Answers in Genesis Creation Museum as destructive; they worry that young children may be influenced by such ideas at the expense of scientific literacy.

Several hundred people are expected to join a "Rally for Reason"

outside the gates of the AIG museum on Memorial Day, May 28 during the facility's grand opening. "Many educated people realize that creationism is a myth," said Edwin Kagin, Kentucky State Director for American Atheists and an organizer of the Rally for Reason in an interview with Associated Press. "Myths aren't necessarily untrue, but they aren't literal, either."

For further information:

http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/evol20.htm

"Federal judge bars 'Intelligent Design' from classrooms (12/20/05)

http://www.atheists.org/evolution/

(Numerous articles on creationism, evolution)

http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/evol4.htm

(Nearly half of Americans accept creationist accounts over scientific

evolution.)

**

"RALLY FOR REASON" COALITION PLANS MASSIVE PROTEST DEMO

AT MAY 28th OPENING OF CREATIONIST MUSEUM

When "Answers in Genesis" opens its $27 million Creation Museum to the public this Memorial Day (Monday, May 28, 2007), hundreds -- maybe even thousands -- of demonstrators are expected to gather outside to challenge the message AIG is sending to the public.

"The Creation Museum is a charming fantasy," Edwin Kagin told the Cincinnati Inquirer newspaper. "They are helping to dumb down society and we have to make a response."

Kagin is National Legal Director for American Atheists, and has watched over the years with alarm as religious fundamentalist have tried to smuggle their doctrines into the public schools under the guise of challenging evolution. He has also monitored the construction of the state-of-the-art museum being built by the creationist group "Answers in Genesis" not too far from his residence in Union, Kentucky. Both critics and supporters say that the 60,000-square-foot museum is an impressive undertaking, complete with lavish exhibits (some reportedly depict dinosaurs and human beings living together in a Garden of Eden-style setting), cafeteria, gift shop, planetarium and much more.

Even some mainstream religious groups are upset at the progress being made by evangelical and fundamentalist brethren who, they insist, wrongly interpret the Bible as a literal text revealed word-for-word by Jehovah. The Rev. Mendle Adams, pastor of St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Cincinnati, plans to be one of the protesters outside the museum gates and is urging fellow clergy to join in.

"The views (of AIG) are homophobic and anti-science," Adams told reporters. "It's what I consider to be dishonest to people regarding science. It's anti-reason and plain goofiness."

Adams says that those who use scriptural texts like the bible to dispute scientific evidence embarrass other Christians.

"They (creationists) make us a laughingstock," he groused.

Kagin has organized the "Rally for Reason" which he describes as an ad hoc coalition of secular and religious groups who oppose creationism, and don't want to see the Bible or other religious texts used in public schools -- particularly science classes -- for fear of promoting a sectarian agenda.

Atheists, Freethinkers, Secular Humanists and other nonbelievers will be on the picket line alongside progressive religious groups, all speaking out against the Answers in Genesis museum. Kagin emphasized that "Rally for Reason" was not disputing the right of AIG or other creationist groups to speak out and spread their message.

Here's the official announcement, plus updates on lodging and other protest details, from Rally for Reason:

ANNOUNCEMENT of RALLY for REASON

Did you miss Woodstock? Did you miss Stonewall? Did you miss Selma?

Did you miss People's Park? Did you miss the 60s?

Don't miss this! Y'all come, y'hear!

WHO: People who accept evolution over superstition and myth.

WHAT: Rally for Reason.

WHEN: 9:00 am (EDT) Monday, May 28, 2007 (Memorial Day)

WHERE: Outside the gates of "Answers in Genesis," Bullittsburg Church Road, Exit 11 (Petersburg Road), off of 275 in Kentucky, Boone County, Kentucky

Please note: The "Creation Museum" of Answers in Genesis is in a rural area. There are motels and restaurants within a few miles from the site, however. You can also go inside the Creation Museum for facilities. We recommend that you buy a ticket and see it.

People from all over the country are invited to join outside of the gates of "Answers in Genesis" (AIG) in Northern Kentucky. We want to let the world know that most rational people do not share the primitive world view of Creationists that the Earth is only a few thousand years old, and that humans and dinosaurs existed at the same time. This is the story that will be actually presented as true by the 27 million dollar plus "Creation Museum" opening Memorial Day, May 28, 2007. Various groups, representing both religious and secular orientations, will join together to protest this destructive world view.

The organizers stress that they do not challenge the right of AIG to present their worldview. "They can teach that things fall up if they wish," said Edwin Kagin of Union, Kentucky. "We are simply trying to show that the nonsense they are vending is not accepted by those who do not share their fundamentalist religious views, and their effort to sneak those teachings into the public schools."

AIG believes that the book of Genesis in the Bible is literally correct. See: www.AnswersInGenesis.org .

For contrast see:http://www.talkorigins.org ; http://home.austarnet.com.au/stear/default.htm

More details will be provided as they become available. So pay attention, make some signs, bring your musical instrument, water bottle, and trail mix, and plan to come to Kentucky y'all.

See: http://rallyforreason.com

For more information contact: reasonrally@hotmail.com

If you plan to attend, please try to let us know about how many will be joining us.

**

Notes on the Announcement of Rally for Reason

By Edwin Kagin

Several well meaning people, for whom I have great respect, have expressed their opinion that it is a mistake to give any attention or press to something as unacceptable to rational persons as the idea of "Creationism" and the "Creation Museum" dedicated to forwarding this mythology.

Ordinarily, I would agree with this analysis. We need not protest those who hold to a Flat Earth "theory," etc. However, the situation in Northern Kentucky is different. "Answers in Genesis" has managed to get world wide press for their fantasy presentations. The "Creation Museum" is being endorsed by official convention and tourist outlets for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Governor of Kentucky has expressed support for teaching Bible stories in public schools, and Boone County, Kentucky is giving breaks on laws and taxation, denied others, to the vendors of religious dogma. The temporary President of the United States has even opined that the jury is still out on evolution.

Foolish ideas can come dressed up, just as there can be dressed up fools. And the presentations of the "Answers in Genesis"

(www.AnswersInGenesis.org) outfit are well dressed indeed - yes, this is a compliment to their marketing. But such well dressed ideas can deceive many to their great cost. Just ask some Germans and Italians whether they would rather their country had not been treated to, much less accepted, the dressed up ideas of Hitler and Il Duce.

If, given all of the publicity that has been generated, nothing supporting science and evidence is offered, the impression will be given to the public, the press, and lawmakers that no one objects, and that if fancy, growling, expensive, mechanized displays of dinosaurs and humans living at the same time, and sharing "Noah's Ark," are presented as true, with no word to the contrary, then it must be so.

Discussing these matters learnedly in secular groups that are attended by few, and snickering at those who think it is only fair to teach creationism in public schools, does not get the message to well meaning, but misinformed, people who will visit the "Creation Museum"

to view displays and dioramas slickly designed to "prove" the Earth is only some 6,000 years old. And thus will our society become a bit more "dumbed down," and will in consequence be internally weakened.

The attitude that it is best not to give nonsense credit by opposing it can be quite dangerous. School boards and legislators might well conclude, without further information, that if scientists, teachers, and the public are not opposed to the well publicized idea of teaching Bronze Age myths as fact, then such misinformation is permissible.

As unpleasant as such may appear, the appropriate way to respond is to be there, and to go through the "Creation Museum." Get over the idea that you are helping to fund them by buying a ticket. This is the only way to obtain the knowledge needed to help save the scientific method and civilization from returning to another Dark Age. You should see it, if for no other reason than to know what you are talking about.

We can politely, and with dignity, carry signs, perhaps humorous ones, and pass out serious literature, and listen to entertaining talks, all designed to inform, to present fact over fantasy, truth over dogma, light over darkness. We can help those, who do not know, understand that evolution is a "theory" in the same manner that gravity is a "theory." People do understand that things do not fall up when dropped.

And you can meet some nice people.

While the site is quite rural, with no facilities, do not despair.

There are motels, restaurants, gas stations, etc. within a very few miles from the site. And it you need to go inside, this might be a good time to inspect the Creation Museum.

Here is our website with more information: http://rallyforreason.com

And, if you think being outdoors in response to a threat to the foundations of knowledge is too much trouble, do not worry. Those who would establish a theocracy over us have promised to attack only when it is convenient for you, when it is not raining, when you can be warm, dry, safe, well fed, and have had plenty of time to engage in Liberal Angst over just what to do. Meanwhile, others will fight the American Religious Civil War and protect your freedoms for you.

Edwin Kagin

Organizer

Rally for Reason

* In Re: getting to the "Creation Museum" of Answers in Genesis and Housing.

It is recommended that you arrive on Sunday, May 27th. This is so you can maybe go to the "Rally for Reason Speak-Out," being generously sponsored by the Free Inquiry Group of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky (FJIG) the evening before the event.

You can perhaps stay on the ground outside of Answers in Genesis in a sleeping bag if you wish. Maybe even in a tent. But you must bring everything you need.

* To get here, you must first figure out how to get to Kentucky, or, if already in Kentucky, how to get to Exit 11 off of I-275, which can be gotten to from I-71/I-75 or from 1-74.

* The Cincinnati Airport (yes, the Cincinnati Airport is in Kentucky-don't worry about it. The Cincinnati IRS is in Kentucky too, and Kentucky owns the Ohio River. It is a long story) is quite close to Answers in Genesis.

* These are the official AiG directions to the Creation Museum and AiG-USA headquarters, borrowed with our thanks from their website:

http://www.answersingenesis.org/feedback/directions_aigus.aspx

From south

. Take I-75/71 north.

. Go west on I-275 for about 11 miles.

. Take the Petersburg exit (exit 11), bear right.

. Go south (under I-275 overpass)-this is route 8.

. Take the first left (Bullittsburg Church Rd.) and go about

1/3

mile.

From north

. Take I-75/71 south to the lower part of the

I-275 loop.

. Go west on I-275 for about 11 miles.

. Take the Petersburg exit (exit 11), bear right.

. Go south (under I-275 overpass)-this is route 8.

. Take the first left (Bullittsburg Church Rd.) and go about

1/3

mile.

From west (Indianapolis)

. Take I-74 east.

. Go south on I-275 for about 10 miles.

. Take the Petersburg exit (exit 11), bear right.

. Go south-this is route 8.

. Take the first left (Bullittsburg Church Rd.) and go about

1/3

mile.

Once at the site, you should be able to park off of the road on Bullittsburg Church Rd.

Now, if you wish to get here on Sunday, May 27th and have some sleep and food (all three are recommended) before the beginning of this event at 9:00am.on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28th, 2007, here are some motels and their contact information:

Airport Inn

648 Donaldson Rd./Rt. 236

Erlanger, KY 41018

Phone: 859.342.6200

Fax: 859.342.6077

Comfort Inn Erlanger

630 Donaldson Road

Erlanger, KY 41018

Phone: 859.727.3400

Fax: 859.727.1378

Email: erlangerkyci@supertelinc.com

www.choicehotels.com

Days Inn Cincinnati Airport

599 Donaldson Road

PO Box 18549

Erlanger, KY 41018

Toll Free: 877.237.1834

Phone: 859.342.7111

Fax: 859.342.6098

gmdaysinn@trianglehospitality.com

Econo Lodge

633 Donaldson Road

Erlanger, KY 41018

Fax / Phone: 859.342.5500

www.choicehotels.com/hotel/ky077

All of these are within sight and easy walking distance of each other and they are all reasonably close to I-71 and I-75 (which run together at the point they intersect with I-275) and to the airport. Some of them have shuttles to and from the airport. A wide variety of restaurants of every type are just down the road, as is the famous Turfway Race Track, and lots of other stuff. You are of course welcome to come a few days earlier and to stay a few days thereafter.

There is quite a bit to do and see in Kentucky and in that city just north of our Ohio River, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Here is some wonderful news about a place to stay. Jen Warner owns a beautiful bed and breakfast, complete with acreage and horseback riding, named "First Farm Inn." It is two miles from Answers in Genesis. When I was less aged, I could have walked that easily and so can some of you. Biking would be even easier. Jen has a limited number of bed and breakfast rooms available for May 27th and thereabouts. And, she has graciously agreed to let people coming for the Rally for Reason do primitive tent camping on her property for a much reduced fee. The term "primitive camping," as used herein, means you may sleep on the ground in a sleeping bag or cot and you may put up a tent. However, you may not have a fire. There will not be bathroom facilities.

For more information, call Jen. Tell her Edwin sent you. Here is the contact information:

http://www.firstfarminn.com

First Farm Inn

2510 Stevens Road

Petersburg, KY 41080

Jen (jen@firstfarminn.com)

859 586 0199

Because the event is on Memorial Day, if you are planning to attend it is recommended that you make reservations NOW. If you can get a number of folks to agree to group together, you may be able to (probably can) get a group rate. Ask the motel.

There is a suggested list of what to bring and what not to bring on our website:

www.rallyforreason.com

PLEASE NOTE: You have to get to the site and get back to wherever you are going next on your own. There are no buses, cars, bikes, rickshaws, mules, or any such whatsoever provided by the organizers to transport you. It is strongly suggested that you make arrangements with someone with a car for a ride. Failing this, you could take a cab.

This rally is an exercise in self reliance and in independence and mastery. It should be great training for surviving the American Religious Civil War.

Edwin Kagin, "Rally for Reason"

**

FIG TO HOST "RALLY for REASON SPEAK-OUT" SUNDAY, MAY 27

WHO: The Free Inquiry Group of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky (FIG)

WHAT: "Rally for Reason Speak-Out"

WHEN: Sunday, May 27th, 2007, at 7:00 pm. (EDT)

WHERE: Hilton Cincinnati Airport, 7373 Turfway Road, Florence, Kentucky. Phone (859) 371-4400.

The hotel is easy to get to. It is just off of the Turfway Exit on

I-71 / I-75 in Northern Kentucky.

The Hilton is also holding us some rooms at a group rate. Tell them you are coming for the Rally for Reason.

This meeting will be the evening before the Rally for Reason, set for outside of the gates of Answers in Genesis, on Monday, Memorial Day, May 28th, 2007.

Come and meet others, and hear such speakers as Arlene-Marie, President of Michigan Atheists; Rev. Mendle Adams, a Christian minister; Frank Zindler, author and scientist, Dr. Gene Kritsky, an evolutionary biologist; Helen Kagin, a retired physician and many others.

Yes, there will also be an open mike and an opportunity for those of you who have come for the Rally for Reason to speak out as well. The press has been invited. Some folks are making a documentary of this event.

Details for the Rally for Reason will be discussed.

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Feel free to distribute, AANEWS update on Memorial Day RALLY FOR REASON