A California creationist believes the Biblical book of Genesis is a literal account of the universe's origins—and he's putting his money where his mouth is. Dr. Joseph Mastropaolo is offering $10,000 to anyone who can successfully disprove a literal interpretation, using science, in front of a judge. He's calling the challenge the Literal Genesis Trial, the Guardian reports. Anyone who wants to take him up on the offer must also pony up his or her own $10,000; winner takes all.
A dispute resolution model known as a minitrial would be used to hear the arguments from Mastropaolo and his opponent. A bailiff and court reporter will attend, in addition to a judge OKed by both sides. Per the rules, all "evidence must be scientific, that is, objective, valid, reliable, and calibrated." Mastropaolo, who has a PhD in kinesiology and has taught both biomechanics and physiology, says his goal is to heighten the quality of creation science vs. evolution debate. But first he has to find a willing opponent: "They [evolutionists] are not stupid people, they are bright, but they are bright enough to know there is no scientific evidence they can give in a minitrial," he says. (More Joseph Mastropaolo stories.)