Walking with Dinosaurs
I came across this article on the BBC web site recently and was amazed to learn that Young Earth Creationists - who apparently believe that the Planet Earth was created only 6,000 years ago - were able to influence public policy and the use of public funds at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland.
Now I've been to the Giant's Causeway, though not to the new visitor centre, and I'm pleased to say that it is indeed a magnificent site - a true wonder of the natural world.
And I've no problem people saying that - according to myth - these 40,000 interlocking basalt columns were built by the giant Fionn McCool - because it is a good 'fairy story' not unlike that of the Loch Ness Monster which adds a bit of colour and romance to the scientific explanation which revolves around volcanic eruptions and cooling rocks.
But I draw the line at people suggesting in official documents that there is a 'scientific interpretation of the bible and, in particular, the account of creation in the book of Genesis' - which is plainly daft.
The notion that human beings once walked with dinosaurs seems completely crazy to me - as does the unshakeable belief that some people still hold apparently - that Elvis Presley is still alive.
The point is that these 'faith based claims' as opposed to ancient and harmless myths - should have no place in determining public policy or in the way that public money is spent.
So, I am glad that the National Trust has now set the record straight.
Now I've been to the Giant's Causeway, though not to the new visitor centre, and I'm pleased to say that it is indeed a magnificent site - a true wonder of the natural world.
And I've no problem people saying that - according to myth - these 40,000 interlocking basalt columns were built by the giant Fionn McCool - because it is a good 'fairy story' not unlike that of the Loch Ness Monster which adds a bit of colour and romance to the scientific explanation which revolves around volcanic eruptions and cooling rocks.
But I draw the line at people suggesting in official documents that there is a 'scientific interpretation of the bible and, in particular, the account of creation in the book of Genesis' - which is plainly daft.
The notion that human beings once walked with dinosaurs seems completely crazy to me - as does the unshakeable belief that some people still hold apparently - that Elvis Presley is still alive.
The point is that these 'faith based claims' as opposed to ancient and harmless myths - should have no place in determining public policy or in the way that public money is spent.
So, I am glad that the National Trust has now set the record straight.
Trust amends Causeway centre 'Creationist' exhibit
The National Trust has amended a controversial exhibition at the new Giant's Causeway visitor centre.
An audio exhibit revealed how people's explanation of how the Causeway was formed developed as scientific understanding improved.
Young earth creationists believe the Causeway was formed 6,000 years ago. The vast majority of scientists say it was formed 60m years ago.
The trust says it has always supported the "scientific view" of its formation.
The Causeway is a Unesco World Heritage Site and features more than 40,000 interlocking basalt columns.
The £18.5m centre was opened on 3 July.
The National Trust decided to carry out a review of the exhibit after the creationist element provoked what it termed a "wide and mixed response".
In July, an online campaign to remove it began.
A new piece of audio, approximately 20 seconds long, now replaces the previous recording.
Graham Thompson, project director for the Giant's Causeway, said the change would clear up "any misunderstanding there may have been".
The Giant's Causeway is a Unesco World Heritage Site and features more than 40,000 interlocking basalt columns
The National Trust has amended a controversial exhibition at the new Giant's Causeway visitor centre.
An audio exhibit revealed how people's explanation of how the Causeway was formed developed as scientific understanding improved.
Young earth creationists believe the Causeway was formed 6,000 years ago. The vast majority of scientists say it was formed 60m years ago.
The trust says it has always supported the "scientific view" of its formation.
The Causeway is a Unesco World Heritage Site and features more than 40,000 interlocking basalt columns.
The £18.5m centre was opened on 3 July.
The National Trust decided to carry out a review of the exhibit after the creationist element provoked what it termed a "wide and mixed response".
In July, an online campaign to remove it began.
A new piece of audio, approximately 20 seconds long, now replaces the previous recording.
Graham Thompson, project director for the Giant's Causeway, said the change would clear up "any misunderstanding there may have been".
According to myth the Giant's Causeway was built by giant Fionn McCool
He said: "The National Trust only endorses the scientific explanation of the origins of the stones, yet recognises that others have alternative beliefs.
"The National Trust is content that this review is complete."
Previously the audio which accompanied the exhibit said that questions had been raised about the formation of the rocks.
"Young Earth Creationists believe that the earth was created some 6000 years ago," it said.
"This is based on a specific interpretation of the bible and, in particular, the account of creation in the book of Genesis," it said.
"Some people around the world, and specifically here in Northern Ireland, share this perspective."
The new audio now says there is a "clear understanding among scientists that the heat of the earth was the driving force behind the formation of the Giant's Causeway".
It adds that the earth is "far older than had previously been thought".
"All the scientific evidence points to a volcanic origin for the columns of the Giant's Causeway, around 60m years ago.
"However, not everyone agrees with the scientific view. There are some people who believe - often for religious reasons - that the earth was formed more recently: thousands of years ago rather than billions."
He said: "The National Trust only endorses the scientific explanation of the origins of the stones, yet recognises that others have alternative beliefs.
"The National Trust is content that this review is complete."
Previously the audio which accompanied the exhibit said that questions had been raised about the formation of the rocks.
"Young Earth Creationists believe that the earth was created some 6000 years ago," it said.
"This is based on a specific interpretation of the bible and, in particular, the account of creation in the book of Genesis," it said.
"Some people around the world, and specifically here in Northern Ireland, share this perspective."
The new audio now says there is a "clear understanding among scientists that the heat of the earth was the driving force behind the formation of the Giant's Causeway".
It adds that the earth is "far older than had previously been thought".
"All the scientific evidence points to a volcanic origin for the columns of the Giant's Causeway, around 60m years ago.
"However, not everyone agrees with the scientific view. There are some people who believe - often for religious reasons - that the earth was formed more recently: thousands of years ago rather than billions."
