Slot Canyon -
Dinosaur Dig Site -
Starting Points -
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Slot Canyon
Have your ticket ready because despite the grandeur of the Main Hall
your museum experience starts here at Slot Canyon. Literally a pair of
narrow unassuming slots, one for adults and one for children, that lead
into the Ranger Station. Enjoy the panoramic views of the majestic Mt.
St. Helens and the vast Grand Canyon; these stand in stark contrast to
the closure you will experience throughout the remainder of the museum.
(If you need to use the rest room turn back now, because the rest of
your visit has been carefully planned out for you and you won’t have
another chance until you come out the other side.)
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Dinosaur Dig Site
The Ranger Station opens up seamlessly into the Dinosaur Dig Site where
you are greeted by the soothing voice of a paleontologist whose
likeness sits within a life size diorama of a dinosaur dig site. On
monitors located above the dig site you’re introduced to his colleague,
a fellow paleontologist, whose likeness is also represented within the
diorama. Unlike the narrator, this paleontologist believes in the
traditional scientific explanation of fossils and earth’s history. The
two sit side by side at the same dig site using the same techniques and
studying the same fossils, but reaching different conclusions about
their origin. The reason, you are told, is that the two begin at
different starting points: one starts with the biblical account of
creation, the other with the scientific account. The past, as explained
by science is presented as a belief system endowed with human
fallibility while the past as explained by the Biblical account is
endowed with the infallibility of God.
The distinctions made between science and Creationism are subtle. Both
are presented as belief systems, but only one has the authoritative
voice of God. The narrator’s friendly tone and warm regard for his
friend and colleague portrays a level of mutual respect that further
advances the illusion that science and religion are each being fairly
and equitably represented.
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Starting Points
Starting Points, while exuding the atmosphere of a sophisticated art
gallery in contrast with the rustic atmosphere of the dig site,
continues the message that God’s Word trumps human reason. Large color
posters representing the origins of life from the perspectives of Human
Reason versus God’s Word adorn the walls. Large wooden benches invite
you to sit down and ponder the two perspectives.
Although human reason and God’s Word are represented side by side, like
the two paleontologists, it is clear that the museum does not see them
as merely different, but equal. Human reason is presented with little
information, leaving you to interpret it using common sense rather that
providing a scientific explanation. Depictions of Biblical reason,
however, are presented along with the authoritative Word of God.
As you work your way through to the conclusion of Starting Points, you
are confronted with a series of questions: Do starting points matter in
our personal lives? Why am I here? Am I alone? Why do I suffer? Is
there any hope? Why do we have to die? Following these questions a life
sized mannequin of a young man, whose facial expressions portray his
feelings of confusion and hopelessness, is being lead by a young lady
down a path that, unlike real life, is impossible to deviate from.
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Exhibits: Starting Points
