In The Beginning: The Creationist Controversy

In the ongoing war between the Christian Right and secular society, one of the major battles is the teaching of evolution in public schools. Written and hosted by Randall Balmer (Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory [VL-2/93]), this two-part program allows both sides a chance to articulate their views. Balmer isn't completely objective though; he is respectfully skeptical of the Biblical literalists he interviews, and seems to sympathize with the scientists who espouse evolutionary theory. For example, a creationist claim that the Grand Canyon was formed in weeks or months--which flies in the face of fossil records from strata that show a geological time line--draws a questioning response. The first tape focuses on the Vista, California, school board--the flashpoint of a 1993 brouhaha over introducing creationism to the school curricula. A recall movement unseated pro-creationist members after a contentious school year. The second part looks at the origin of the controversy, recent court decisions, and the school-book selection procedure. This reasonably balanced presentation of the creationism controversy avoids soundbite journalism in favor of articulate reasoning. Recommended for public and academic libraries. (J. Dick)