Andrew Miall states in his letter ("End of Enlightenment" March EXPLORER>) "Evolution is a fact. You all know it." I'm sorry, but perhaps I am the only geologist who considers evolution a theory, and an unproven one at that.

For something to be established as a scientific fact one must be able to run a repeatable experiment to demonstrate it. This, of course, is impossible in geology when we are speaking about the origin of life and explaining the many species we observe today and in the fossil record. All theories regarding orgins are necessarily inferences and extrapolations based on incomplete and fragmentary physical evidence.

One of the most important concepts in geology is multiple working hypotheses. Rational and competent geologists can come up with numerous alternative hypotheses to evolution that fit the available scientific data. I think that the theory of evolution has taken the form of religious dogma such that if anyone dares to question it, they will be excommunicated from the fold of "enlightened" geologists.

Miall insulted Texas and Oklahoma as being backward as far as integrating the knowledge that arises from earth science into their daily lives. My daughter attended a public high school in the Houston area, and I can assure you that evolution was taught in her biology class as a scientific fact. I guess I was one of those conservative parents mentioned in Miall's letter, because I had some discussions with the teacher regarding some of her statements that were not scientifically valid.

Many scientists assert that it is not scientifically permissible to consider the possibility of a supreme being. This is being closed-minded, because this excludes a viable alternative for how life came about on planet earth.

I prefer to believe the Bible over Charles Darwin.

Grant Zimbrick
Houston