Please don't speak for "...many, many Mormons...", I am Mormon and speak for myself and no one else. The LDS Church teaches that all religion has some truth... no one has the right to try to talk any person out of his or her belief. If each individual is open to discussion, than fine...but don't speak for others and don't criticize and demean them for their beliefs. As for science, please read the article at http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menu...&hideNav=1w (2nd question down), which states: "Morris S. Petersen, professor of geology, Brigham Young University, and stake president, Provo Utah East Stake. There is much we do not know about the creation and early history of the earth. The scriptural record is sketchy, and the record of science is incomplete. Indeed, what we imagine to be true now about the history of the earth may prove to be only partially true in the light of greater knowledge. We are assured, however, that the day will come when the Lord "shall reveal all things— "Things which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew, things of the earth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof— "Things most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath, things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven." (D&C 101:32-34.) Until that day comes, we must rely on what we are taught in the scriptures and what we assume to be true based on the evidence gathered and examined by science. <A name=6>We are, in fact, encouraged to obtain both scriptural and secular knowledge in striving to learn about God and his creations: "Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand..." There are many books written by Mormon scientists and scholars on the subject of reconciling creationism and science. Richard Ingebretsen wrote the book, "Joseph Smith, ([paraphrase]who IS not a mystic or paranormal believer) and , Modern Astronomy"; which covers theories concerning the life and death of stars, time, the nature of light, etc. How much more scientific could an uneducated country boy from the 19th century be? I respect all beliefs, please respect mine. And please don't state what Mormon beliefs are unless you've been taught the gospel as we interpret it.