I received a phone call today: from a reporter for a large newspaper in Houston, Texas. As we talked about Marfa Lights and reports of living pterosaurs, she asked me if creationists believe in living pterosaurs. Grateful for an easy question, I answered, “Yes.” I then remembered the exceptions: I told her that some creationist scientists are cautious about the possibility of modern pterosaurs, for the investigations are still mostly in the realm of cryptozoology.
After that phone conversation I thought a bit deeper. Some Americans disagree with me and my associates about the origin of life, choosing to believe that live came about through many millions of years of evolution from simple small organisms to large complex ones. Most of those “evolutionists” have little if any respect for living pterosaur investigations. But a few of them actually believe in living pterosaurs, notwithstanding how their interpretation differs from that of creationists. In fact, I occasionally interview an eyewitness who will talk about the creature in terms suggesting an evolutionary perspective.
Perhaps my thinking today has not been as deep as it could have been. All I got from it is this: Individuals often believe or disbelieve something based upon individual personality, more than upon how they are labeled.
I just remembered my 2004 expedition and the only financial donation I received as I prepared to travel to Papua New Guinea. It was only a few dollars, but it was from a man who was labeled “evolutionist.” Interesting.