Recent findings of microbes, different from any other life forms heretofore known, will probably not deter religious fundamentalists from pushing creationism as a scientific theory to be taught in public schools. Without question, we are all entitled to our opinions, and have the right to express them. But creationism, or "intelligent design", is not scientific theory on a par with evolution, and a decent respect for reality requires they be kept apart.
The scientific method arrives at conclusive theories after careful study of physical evidence, based on extensions of the five senses, not what is printed in a book, even if some insist that book is divinely inspired. Our practical lives are lived on the basis of physical evidence, including science. Our spiritual lives are lived on different principles, within our own hearts and minds. Many excellent books are available to help us live on a spiritual level, but they have nothing to do with science.
Scientists, overwhelmed by physical evidence based on sensory information, are often agnostics, as no physical evidence of spiritual matters has been discovered. Spiritualists, who spend much of their time looking inward, are oft-times impervious to science and other practical things. The huge mass comprising the rest of us must find a balance between the two, and as our material and emotional needs are always changing, so our balance will constantly shift. Still, science and spirituality will retain specialties that are theirs alone.
The scientific method deserves credit for all the material progress the human race has made. Mankind's material bounty grows steadily as we make new discoveries based on previous ones. We travel farther faster, communicate instantly on a planetary level, eat more, live more comfortably in all climates, lead longer, healthier lives, because of the scientific method. We know more, kill one another more efficiently, have come close to ruining our environment, and possess the wherewithal to save the environment, because of science.
The Bible has nothing to do with it.
Religion helps many people live happier lives. It does not explain physical reality. To insist on creation as a scientific theory, equal to evolution, without the tremendous amount of evidence that backs up evolution's probability, is to require an outright rejection of all scientific knowledge we have gained up to this time, and to reject anything we might learn in the future. For creationism to make any sense at all, humanity would need to return to a primitive state where the creation myth would make sense.
Most religious fundamentalists (at any rate the ones who insist on teaching creationism in schools) drive cars, fly, watch TV, talk on phones, go to modern doctors, eat food procured from supermarkets, drink clean piped water, and generally enjoy the advantages of our modern age. Some, such as Amish and Christian Scientists, eschew many trappings of modern life, but also mind their own business. Religious fundamentalists who insist on Biblical teachings in science classes tend to be among the ones who also advocate the abolition of public schools, which would point to an aversion to knowledge and learning in general. Human beings are naturally leery of changes, and we will always have to deal with irrational fears. But facts are facts.
Scientists right now are accepting the discovery of life forms that can survive under circumstances they had previously thought incapable of sustaining life. The scientific method never accepts any theory as absolute, no matter how much supporting evidence there might be. The creation theory rejects all contrary evidence, so it is unscientific. Since it was written, The Bible has been thought by many to be a good read. Many have found it profoundly inspiring. But it is not science.
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