A letter from a Texas lizard in a predicament:

Recently moving to East Texas has brought me in close contact with many who believe the earth is 6000 years old and that teaching any aspect of evolution is a Satanic plot.  I need some guidance as to what to read so as to counter this mind-set.  Just some basic texts that will acquaint me with the pro-evolution (and old earth facts) responses that might counter the creationist point of view in debates with anyone capable of honest and rational discourse.  Thanks.

I just happen to have some titles handy, after my recent move to a new secret underground facility, because I’m finally getting around to unpacking boxes and placing their contents on my scaly shelves. Here are some excellent books that can help anyone in our Texas lizard’s situation fight back against the most determined fanatics.

Evolution: What the Fossils Say and Why It Matters: Donald R. Prothero, Professor Carl Buell — an in-depth look at the fossil record, and the mountains of scientific evidence that overwhelmingly support the theory of evolution by natural selection. A bit pricey in hardcover, but worth it.

Why Evolution Is True: Jerry A. Coyne — an exhaustive case for evolution by a geneticist at the University of Chicago.

The Counter-Creationism Handbook: Mark Isaak — a compilation of hundreds of the most common arguments made by creationists, with definitive refutations for each one. Highly recommended. You won’t believe how much deception and misdirection is employed by creationists. (Or maybe you will.)

Intelligent Thought: Science versus the Intelligent Design Movement: John Brockman — A collection of essays by renowned scientists, examining the current thinking about evolution and destroying the deceptive arguments made by proponents of “intelligent design” creationism.