Salon: Science vs Faith in the Grand Canyon

Christian young-earth creationists have constructed a range of models to explain the facts of Grand Canyon geology. These are in stark contrast to the model used by all national, state and secular universities, all national geologic surveys, and by oil and mining companies. The Grand Canyon, and areas just to the north, such as Zion and Bryce National Parks, are the best, and most spectacular places on Earth to view geologic and life history. It is a magnet for geologists from all over the world, and a key piece for the scientific model of earth history. As such, young-earth creationists are compelled to offer their own interpretation of the undeniable facts of the canyon, such as the thickness, order and types of rocks there, and changes in fossils found in them.

The presentation for the Salon of January 8th, 2017 "Science vs. faith in the Grand Canyon" will compare the young-earth models of a six-thousand-year-old Earth with the standard scientific model of the Grand Canyon, illustrated by views of the canyon and surrounding areas, and the rocks and fossils found therein. We will concentrate on why science and industry have chosen the scientific interpretation of the canyon, and the lengths to which young-earth creationists have gone to defend interpretations based on a literal reading of the Bible. There is a faction of creationists who admit a great age for the earth (old-earth creationists) and their views will also be noted. Plenty of time will be available after the 45-minute talk for questions and comments. Please note this salon will be held at the Community Center, 59 Winburn Way.

Len Eisenbery worked as an exploration and production geologist with Chevron Overseas, where he worked on exploration and production projects, mostly in Africa and Papua New Guinea. He now volunteer teaches in public schools and the community. Len hosts school programs for Briscoe Geology Park, and is on the Science Advisory Board at ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum, and built the Briscoe Geology Park in Ashland, the Climb through Time geologic climbing wall at ScienceWorks, and the earth history walk at Oregon Hills Park in Medford. Len promotes the teaching of evolution using a family approach through evogeneao.com. His current research interest is giant floods in the 190-million-year-old Navajo Sandstone in Utah.