Tom Bethell

The seven-part series “Evolution” is billed as educational. Its high-minded goals are to “heighten understanding of evolution,” to “dispel common misunderstandings,” to “illuminate” evolution’s relevance, “improve its teaching,” and “encourage a national dialogue.” But it comes across as propaganda for Charles Darwin and his cause. Evolution (no “theory” here) is the proud galleon, sailing forth under the banner of Science. The lesser barques and rowboats that move about in the background are those of Religion. But they are rather quaint and old fashioned and reactionary and of course cannot impede the stately progress of Science. One of the small craft, captained by Ken Ham, fundamentalist, has a supporting crew in choir robes. The first installment dramatizes scenes from Charles Darwin’s Read More ›