Darwinian Fundamentalism

David Klinghoffer relates the story of a scientist, Richard Sternberg, who is being ostracized because he dared to allow an article advocating Intelligent Design in one of the publications of the Smithsonian Institute.  He did not write the article, mind you, he simply let it pass across his editorial desk.  Klinghoffer describes the knee-jerk reaction of the evolutionists at the Smithsonian:

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Zoology Department, Jonathan Coddington, called Mr. Sternberg's supervisor. According to Mr. Sternberg's OSC complaint: "First, he asked whether Sternberg was a religious fundamentalist. She told him no. Coddington then asked if Sternberg was affiliated with or belonged to any religious organization. . . . He then asked where Sternberg stood politically; . . . he asked, 'Is he a right-winger? What is his political affiliation?' " The supervisor (who did not return my phone messages) recounted the conversation to Mr. Sternberg, who also quotes her observing: "There are Christians here, but they keep their heads down."

Dr. Sternberg happens to be a practicing Catholic.  He describes himself this way, "I would call myself a believer with a lot of questions about everything.  I'm in the postmodern predicament."  Well this is unacceptable to the Darwinian Fundamentalists in the scientific community.  Dr. Sternberg, along with many other "believing" scientists are victims of a not-so-quiet inquisition. 

Who is the real fundamentalist here?  The believer who is open to questions and debate about the role of faith and science, or the scientist who slams the door shut on serious doubts raised about his conclusions?