CREATIONIST TACTICS IN MISREPRESENTING THE SCIENCE OF EVOLUTION

Creationists regularly misrepresent geology, evolutionary biology, and other sciences. Although many creationist writings display frank ignorance of mainstream science, cleverer creationists cite legitimate peer-reviewed research in an effort to prop-up their conclusions with an assumed air of scientific respectability. However, they cite such research using very selective “quote mines” that always reinforce their anti-evolutionary positions, even as they distort the meaning and data of the original articles. Crucial details are omitted, caveats are discarded. Creationists also misrepresent peer-reviewed research with “anomaly mongering,” where they seize upon some minor observation, superficially irreconcilable with evolution, that they then proffer as irrefutable “evidence against evolution.” The intelligent design creationists are especially nimble in their use of rhetorical techniques to demonize Darwin and evolution, weakening public support for the teaching of evolution. Such techniques are rampant in creationist literature, and illustrate the importance of defending science from creationist assaults.