Trust defends NI creationist exhibit

UTV reported on Wednesday that the Trust had worked alongside the Caleb Foundation, which represents evangelical Christians in Northern Ireland, during the development of the £18.5m state-of-the-art centre.

As well as detailing the science behind the Causeway's formation 60 million years ago, the centre includes debates from historical figures- including the biblical view that the world is just 6,000 years old.

In a further statement on Thursday, the National Trust stressed that such views were only presented in a small part of the exhibition and reflected both historic debate and the views held by "some people today".

All of the information presented to visitors in relation to how the Giant’s Causeway was formed, and how old it is, clearly reflects mainstream scientific understanding that the Causeway stones were formed 60 million years ago.

National Trust

During an interactive audio exhibition, the historical figures of the rector of Clonfeacle Reverend Doctor William Richardson and geologist James Hutton debate the formation of the Causeway.

"I am a keen naturalist, so I have every sympathy for open-minded scientific enquiry. But as I say, I am deeply concerned that Mr. Hutton may mislead you with his theories on the age of the Earth," the rector is heard to say.

"We know from the Bible that the Earth is 6,000 years old - one has merely to count the generations between Adam and the birth of Our Lord.

"And for all his eminence as a geologist, and his standing with the Royal Society in Edinburgh, that makes Mr. Hutton's theory nonsense!"

Mr Hutton responds: "Now, now, Dr. Richardson - I am well aware that my theory is challenging, upsetting to many. I myself find it dizzying.

"Yet when I look at the evidence, at the slow and steady volcanic formation of rocks - occurring even as we speak - I am driven to believe that 6,000 years is a mere blink in the life of the Earth.

"I see no vestige of a beginning, no prospect of an end!"

The National Trust says it encourages people to view and listen to the interpretation and judge for themselves.

The Giant's Causeway world heritage site is visited by approximately 600,000 visitors every year.

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