"Making up evidence where none exists is THE hallmark of evolutionary
paleontology. Period. Let's not ever forget this. We see it every-
where we look, from tabloids to the most esteemed journals. It is
THE defining constant of evolutionary explanation. Without imagination,
evolution would fall in a moment. Evolution is not largely supported by
evidence folks, but by the pronouncement and perpetuation of endless
stories which fill the gaps where evidence is lacking."
This seems harsh. And I don't believe it is completely fair:
Curiously, today I received a thank you note in the mail from my cousin's
son, for a small high school graduation present. In the note he remarks,
"We are about to leave for Wyoming (from Durham, NC) to hunt fossils." He
will go with his parents, both paleontologists, and perhaps with his older
sister. They are serious hunters, who know what they are doing as they
seek to find additional data on ancient life forms. It is hard work.
Some years ago, my cousin's wife, in such a hunt, made a significant find
of an early form of hippopotamus. These are scientists, who, yes, accept
the the organization of thought which the theory of evolution brings, but
are still spending their time gathering real data (not concocting "endless
stories") from which to learn what has taken place.
I believe such data were written by God in geological time. Even if they
don't know the Author, they are finding out for the rest of us what the
record really shows. And I say, "May God give them good success."
Gordon Simons