Steamin' Willie,

You perhaps noticed that I neither attempted to persuade you that young earth creationism is true nor made snide remarks about ancient earth theories. I brought up the subject as an example of a potential conflict between individual conscience and the state, a conflict which has been resolved through liberty.

I am not sure where you got the idea that I think "dinosaurs were put there by ...God just to test our faith". I don't think that, and have never met anyone who does think that.

I will be sure to let my children know of your pity for them. You will be relieved to know that they are at least as well informed about evolutionary theory as the typical public school student. Science certainly does open one's mind to how the world works. I agree that, by making science one's study, one can do something useful with one's life, like make the world a better place. You really don't need to apologize for not being a psychiatrist. I am not one either. Although my practice is currently limited to psychiatry (because I work for a non-profit mental health agency), my board certification is actually in family practice.

Kent