ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

Certainly I am not implying a "right" and "wrong" way to look at it; 
that would be nothing more than dogma.  Dialogue is critical and 
mutual (key word) respect is key, and I, too, have had wonderful and 
thought-provoking discussions with creationists.  However, in another 
institution years ago, I was the person who consistently got called 
down to speak with and listen to folks who were not shy about 
publicly (loudly in the galleries) stating that we were wrong, doing 
the Devil's work, etc.  I always told them that I respected their 
values, but that as a science center we had a mission; I would never 
think to go into a church and insist that they follow scientific 
beliefs.  We should be a forum for discussion, but also recognize 
that we also have a focus and a mission.  I have no intention of 
changing someone's mind (that would be disrespectful), but for those 
who come hoping to gain insight into the world around them, well, 
that's who we serve.
Beryl

>ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
>Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
>*****************************************************************************
>
>John,
>Thanks for clearing that up, I agree meaningful dialogue is key. As someone
>who has had many interesting conversations with creationists, I can attest
>that mutual respect goes a long way in these sorts of discussions.
>
>Rita
>
>
>
>>  ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
>>  Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related 
>>institutions.
>> 
>>*****************************************************************************
>>
>>  Rita/Beryl
>>  See Len Adams' posting.
>>  I objected to the characterization of "good" (and by implication, "bad").
>>  I certainly agree that dialogue on ways museums and science centers can find
>>  common ground or reconciliation between faith-based ways of knowing and
>>  science-based ways of knowing is most appropriate to this forum.
>>  John
>>
>>  ***********************************************************************
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>
>***************************
>Rita Mukherjee Hoffstadt
>Exhibit Developer
>New York Hall of Science
>47-01 111th Street
>Queens, NY 11368
>718-699-0005 ext. 373
>***************************
>
>***********************************************************************
>More information about the Informal Science Education Network and the
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>To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
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-- 
Beryl Rosenthal, Ph.D.
Director of Exhibitions and Public Programs
MIT Museum
265 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA  02139
Tel: 617-452-2111
Fax: 617-253-8994
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"A great place to explore ideas, invention, and innovation: 
http://web.mit.edu/museum"

***********************************************************************
More information about the Informal Science Education Network and the
Association of Science-Technology Centers may be found at http://www.astc.org.
To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
message  SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to
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