Deadly Disclosures

by Julie Cave

At 5:20 p.m. Andy Coleman found himself in the green room at NBC studios in New York City with a tiny and efficient woman brushing powder on his face while directing other assistants around the room with military precision. Andy didn’t dare move his head in case he brought down the wrath of the makeup woman upon his head. He had caught a flight from Cincinnati early that morning and instead of feeling tired, he felt buzzed. In several moments he was due to face live television for one of the most controversial issues to grip the nation in years. His opponent in the debate would be the prominent anthropologist Thomas Whitfield. The two had built up fairly decent reputations in their own fields of interest, and this was bringing them into more frequent conflict.

  While he was made to look presentable for the television audience, Andy prayed for eloquence and wisdom. He was deep in concentration and was startled when someone behind him tapped him on the shoulder.

  “Hi, Andy, we meet again!”

  Andy turned and found himself looking at the familiar features of Thomas Whitfield.

  “Hi, Thomas,” he replied. “Are you here about the MacLeod case, too?”

  “Yeah. Looks like they enjoyed our last debate so much they’ve invited us back for another round,” said Thomas. In his television makeup, his skin was too dark and his eyebrows and eyelashes almost looked blond.

  A pretty blond production assistant poked her head around the door to the green room. “Let’s go, guys!” she called.

  Thomas and Andy stood and meekly followed the assistant to the set, where the host of the show sat with a helmet of sprayed silver hair and a distinguished expression. He shook hands with his guests, had makeup applied, and then it was time to go on the air.

  “Welcome back to the show,” he began in his impressive baritone. “We now move on to an issue which has gripped the country since earlier today, when the Supreme Court threw out the appeal of a teacher who had been removed from his high school biology classroom for teaching creationism or, as he calls it, ‘intelligent design’ in his classroom. To discuss both sides to the controversy, I have with me the renowned anthropologist Thomas Whitfield, and the president of the Genesis Legacy and creationist Andrew Coleman.”

  The television cameras panned to each of the guests, and both Andy and Thomas tried to appear both pleasant and knowledgeable.

  There was the briefest of pauses, and then the host continued, “Professor Whitfield, I’ll begin by asking you, are you happy with the outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision?”

  “Yes, I am,” replied Thomas smoothly. “The Supreme Court has upheld one of the most fundamental elements of our Constitution — that of separation of church and state. The premise of the separation of church and state is that the government, represented in this instance by the government school, does not have the right to impose religion on the students of the school. Thus I believe that the ruling was absolutely correct.”

  “What is your reply, Mr. Coleman?” The anchor turned to look at Andy.

  Andy had practiced what he was going to say on the plane. “I disagree with the decision because it was based on an incorrect assumption. The assumption, that Professor Whitfield has already mentioned, is that the courts believed Mr. MacLeod was forcing his religious beliefs on his students. Actually, he made no mention of the Bible, of God as Creator, or any other religious precept. He simply truthfully explained to his students that evolution has not yet been scientifically proven — which it hasn’t — and encouraged his students to think critically about the evidence that clearly points to design.”

  “What do you say to the criticism that Mr. MacLeod was an outspoken Christian and that his intention, however subtle, was to indoctrinate his students?” the host asked.

  “Everybody in this country has the freedom to choose his or her own religion, and to speak about his or her beliefs,” said Andy. “In that regard, Mr. MacLeod was exercising his freedoms afforded by our Constitution. There has never been any question that Mr. MacLeod taught the curriculum of the biology course diligently and at no time taught alternatives to evolution nor spoke about his own personal views. I would like to make clear a fundamental point. If you teach evolution, you teach about a past event you cannot prove. The same is true if you teach about creation. Creationists refer to a book that claims to be an historical account of origins and consider the evidence in the light of that claim. Evolutionists claim that there is no accurate historical account and look at the evidence according to their own assumptions about the past. At the very least we should be presenting both views to students if we are interested in education. At the moment we are simply indoctrinating rather than educating children. We give our children no platform of education to allow them to decide upon. At the moment there is no freedom of choice in the classroom — students are taught only one concept, which is evolution.”

  “If that’s true, Mr. Coleman,” interjected Thomas, “if the teacher was in fact teaching all alternatives to evolution, then why didn’t he speak about all of the other religious theories about how we all got here? Why didn’t he also teach the Muslim and Hindu teachings about the beginning of life? That is truly religious freedom without bias. The truth is that he didn’t, and the reason he didn’t is because he is a Christian, and he wanted the students to learn about Christianity.”

  “Mr. Coleman, what relevance does Christianity even have in a high school biology class?” the anchor asked.

  “I want to make it clear that when we talk about science in this regard, we need to differentiate between observable science and origins science. Observable science consists of theories that are testable in a laboratory setting in the present. Origins science is quite different because it happened in the past and it’s unobservable and unrepeatable. What the teacher, Mr. MacLeod, was correctly pointing out was that evolution requires faith, just like any religion. To believe a creationist’s version of events, we also require faith, but contrary to popular belief, it’s not a blind faith. It’s a faith that is confirmed on the basis of biblical historical accuracy being confirmed by evidence and scientific observation. Therefore, both points of view do deserve to be spoken about as legitimate theories on the origin of life in a high school science class, and Dr. Whitfield well knows that the Judeo-Christian account of origins is the only other account of origins with a historical record detailed enough to test on the basis of observational science.”

  “Mr. Coleman, am I correct in saying that you and your colleagues are proponents of an earth and human race created by God, and that the earth is only about six thousand years old?” The anchor tried, and failed, to keep an incredulous look off his face.

  “That’s correct,” confirmed Andy. “Furthermore, I believe that everything on this planet was created by God, including plants and animals. I believe that there is astounding evidence in the complexity of life to confirm the existence of a Designer. I simply cannot agree that the diversity of life on this planet was the result of random chance. Finally, I would like to add that the Bible states exactly what happened at the beginning of the world, and that nobody — modern science included — can disprove it. In fact, the evidence overwhelmingly confirms its historical accuracy.”

  Thomas made a noise of disgust. “That’s what I’m talking about. These Christians would have you believe that the Bible is as valid as a science textbook in a classroom.” He shook his head. “What I don’t understand is why you can’t be happy with teaching your Bible stories in religion class, and leave science out of it.”

  “Is the evolution model so weak that you would want to suppress any alternatives being taught?” demanded Andy. “That’s what it looks like to me.”

  “Professor Whitfield, is evolution a scientific fact?” The anchor stepped in once more to take control of the discussion.

  “Of course it is,” replied Thomas. “The scientific community at large, which includes biologists, geologists, chemists, physicists, anthropologists, and so on, have accepted evolution based on sound scientific research. We have ev
idence of evolution with the presence of fossils, bones, footprints, skeletons, and other displays you might find in museums all around the world. Evolution is actually foundational to all other types of science! The simple fact is that evolution has eliminated the need for humans to believe in God altogether, and Christians simply don’t want to believe it.”

  “You know as well as I do that none of those fossils or bones prove that evolution is correct,” said Andy, staring straight at his counterpart. “It’s how you interpret them that makes a difference. Those same items of evidence, considered in light of biblical history, also show that the earth is very young and that most fossilized remains found throughout the world could be explained by a single catastrophic disaster, namely a worldwide flood. This eliminates the need for millions of years, which is the backbone of the evolutionists’ case for their theory. It simply doesn’t work unless you add millions of years.”

  “By worldwide flood, Mr. Coleman is referring to the great Flood as told by the Book of Genesis in the Bible,” said Thomas contemptuously.

  “Gentlemen, although I get the feeling this discussion could run into many hours, we’ve run out of time. Could I have your final thoughts on this court case?”

  “Separation of church and state,” said Thomas quickly, “and therefore, church and education, is a fundamental precept of our Constitution. If you want your children to learn about religion, send them to church.”

  “Teachers should have the freedom to teach their students to think critically and expose the flaws in any concept posed to them during their education. Evolutionists have transformed our science education into evolutionary indoctrination. It is a theory never proven and so not a fact, despite what Professor Whitfield would have you believe.” Andy wanted to say more but knew that he would be cut off by the host who was even now signaling for a commercial break.

  The anchor thanked both of his guests and was immediately surrounded by powder brushes.

  Andy and Thomas were whisked off set and found themselves together again in the green room. The viewing audience might not see any further debate, but both men knew that the argument wasn’t over — not by a long shot.

  • • • •

  Neither of them spoke as their makeup was removed.

  Finally Thomas said, “You know, I respect the passion with which you argue your case and the strength of your beliefs. But I do think you Christians are holding onto the past. Science has replaced the need for God now.”

  Andy digested this for a moment. “Then why,” he asked, suddenly feeling enormously weary, “do you even care what I believe or how many people I tell? Why does it matter to you and your fellow atheists if I believe in God? There really is not one reason why you should even care. If we are all here because of random chance from a cosmic bang that happened in a vacuum, there really is no reason to care about anyone’s belief. We live, we die, we get eaten by worms.”

  “I care because it’s scientific discovery that pulled our ancestors from the misery of the Dark Ages and propelled us into enlightenment. I care because science has been able to lengthen life, improve the quality of life, and eliminate superstition. We live in a civilized society because of science.” Thomas rubbed his temples. “I think it’s time you faced facts. We live in a post-modern era, where human freedom and self-determination have become the new religion.”

  “Firstly, Thomas, much of the scientific discovery that pulled us out of the Dark Ages was from Christian men that believed the Bible. Take Isaac Newton, for example. Second, can’t you see you’ve just replaced one religion with another?” countered Andy. “For if, as you say, I can’t prove the existence of God, you certainly can’t disprove the existence of God, either. You have never proven an alternative. Therefore, your willingness to believe or disbelieve in God comes down to one thing — faith. And where there is faith, there is religion. As much as you will hate to admit it, Thomas, atheism and evolution is religion.”

  There was silence for a few moments. “Can I ask you a question?” Andy asked at length. “Because I am truly interested in the answer.”

  Thomas shrugged. “Okay.”

  “Why is it so offensive to you to even consider whether there is a Creator?” Andy took a bottle of water and took several sips.

  Thomas answered, “I believe in advancement — not just scientific advancement but social advancement. That good ol’ gospel religion suppresses mankind’s freedom. To me, it’s oppressive and it’s fictional and you guys want it to be a part of mainstream education.”

  “True freedom can only be found in truth. Please remember that. You know, one of the first questions I am asked when I talk to the public is, ‘If there is a God, why is there so much suffering in the world?’ People correctly don’t see a lot of good in this world. The difference between you and me, Thomas, is that I can offer them answers and hope based on authoritative truth. I know that you don’t accept that truth, but I also know you have never really looked to see if it’s authentic. You spend more time denying it. No truth, no hope.”

  “Misguided truth and misguided hope,” muttered Thomas.

  “Now we’re just back where we started. Why would an atheist care? If there is no God, and I’ve got it all wrong, then why is it a problem to offer people hope and make their lives more meaningful, before we all turn to dust?”

  Thomas glanced at his watch. “I guess I dislike people being deceived. And you know what? God or no God, it’s a gamble I’m willing to take.”

  Andy grabbed his bag and stood. “That’s a pretty big gamble, Thomas. A gamble with odds you don’t understand and eternity at stake.”

  Thomas looked like he wanted to argue but instead said, “I’ve got a plane to catch. See you later, probably at the next debate, I would guess.”

  “I’ll be there,” promised Andy. He sat back down at the small dressing table and closed his eyes. I can’t do this on my own strength, Lord. Not my strength, but Yours.

  Cincinnati, Ohio — Present Day

  By the time Andy Coleman had finished his story, it was well after midnight and Dinah was beginning to feel the effects of a long day. Both Colemans, who were still jet-lagged, looked even worse than she felt. The agents agreed to come back the next day to continue their discussions.

  On the way back to the hotel, Ferguson asked, “Can you see Andy Coleman wanting to kill Thomas Whitfield?”

  Dinah considered. “Ordinarily, I would say no. But when you add religion to the mix, who can say what people are capable of?”

  “You think God ordered a hit on the irreverent atheist Thomas?”

  “Perhaps, though I wouldn’t have put it quite so crudely,” said Dinah. She frowned as her cell phone suddenly burst into life. She glanced at her watch as she dug it out of her bag. “Who on earth would call at a quarter to two in the morning?” she muttered.

  “Hello?”

  For an instant, all Dinah heard was quick breathing, like the person on the other end had just finished a sprint. “Hello, is this Dinah Harris of the FBI?” a familiar female voice said.

  “Yes, it is. Who is this?”

  “It’s Lara Southall.”

  Dinah gaped, then motioned at Ferguson to pull the car over. “Lara! Where are you? Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” said the girl. “But I don’t want to say where I am.” She paused. “I’m sorry it’s so late.”

  “Don’t worry about it, Lara,” said Dinah. Ferguson had yanked the car onto the shoulder of the road and bunny-hopped it through a series of potholes. “What can I do for you?”

  “I wanted to tell you what I know about Thomas Whitfield,” said Lara. She sounded tired and sad. “I heard that you found his body.”

  “Yes, we did. He has been murdered.”

  Lara sighed. “I feel absolutely horrible that I did nothing that may have prevented it. I didn’t talk to you because I was scared.”

  “I understand,” said Dinah gently. “They got to you in a bad way.”

&
nbsp; “I don’t know much, but I hope it’ll help,” said Lara. “I know that Mr. Whitfield and the board of regents were at each other’s throats. I know that Thomas was under a lot of pressure.”

  Dinah glanced at Ferguson, who was watching the one-sided conversation intently.

  “Do you know why they were at each other’s throats?”

  “No, I don’t. I just know that they argued with him all the time, and several times Thomas told me that he sometimes thought they wanted him gone.”

  Dinah’s ears pricked up. “Gone? As in dead?”

  “No,” said Lara, “I mean, as in no longer in that position. He thought they wanted him to resign. But he didn’t want to resign. I also know that the board held quite a number of meetings without Mr. Whitfield there. I remember thinking that that was unusual. The only reason they should meet under normal circumstances would be to discuss the museum, and the secretary would be a part of that.”

  “Was there anyone in particular who argued with Thomas frequently?”

  Lara thought for a moment. “I remember Justice Maxwell Pryor was usually the spokesman for the board. So he would have been the one communicating to Mr. Whitfield the most.”

  “And you don’t know what any of the arguments were about?”

  “No, I don’t. I just know that the arguments were getting progressively longer and more heated, and they occurred more often, too.”

  “Did you observe any threatening or abusive behavior toward Thomas from Justice Pryor or any other board members?”

  “Not directly. I believe any argument was over the phone. Mr. Whitfield would come out of his office looking anxious, so that’s when I knew he’d had an argument. Since I was the one who patched the call through to him, I knew who the caller was who’d upset him. It was always Justice Pryor. That’s pretty much all I know. I wanted to tell you because straight after I’d reported Mr. Whitfield missing, Justice Pryor rang me directly to warn me to tell the police — or you guys — that there were no problems between the board and Mr. Whitfield. I asked him why, and he said it was because it would waste the police’s time in investigating a harmless difference of opinion instead of looking for the real culprit.”