Rules of Engagement

Although I no longer believe in creationism of any kind, I am strongly committed to treating its advocates with the same respect I might accord evolutionists. (As a constant reminder to do so, I have kept above my desk a framed handbill from the early 1940s announcing a public lecture on "God's Answer to Evolution: Are Men and Monkeys Relatives?" The featured speaker was my father, Raymond W. Numbers, then holding a series of evangelistic meetings in the Kansas City Canvas Tabernacle.)

Ronald L. Numbers, The Creationists: From Scientific Creationism to Intelligent Design, Expanded Edition, page xvi

Dialogue is my purpose here, and it is my hope that I can respect the opinions of all who choose to engage with me. I ask the same of you.

Try not to poke me with either the Kirk Cameron or the Richard Dawkins sticks. I'm a bit tender at the moment.

I also ask that you respect my need to keep my identity to myself. Were this all about me, I'd be happy to tell you who I am. Since it's also about my husband, my family, and his family, I'm going to have to keep it to myself (for this reason, comments are moderated, in case anyone decides to publicly play Sherlock Holmes. I can't stop you, but do it somewhere else.). If you feel comfortable sharing your identity during this dialogue, I welcome the openness. If you can't, I understand. Someday I hope to live up to my nom de plume.

And to the extent it doesn't compromise my privacy, I'll be happy to share more of my experience.