The Land Before Time
Creation science in action

The Institute for Creation Research is a Texas-based organisation dedicated to equipping "believers with evidence of the Bible's accuracy and authority through scientific research, educational programs, and media presentations, all conducted within a thoroughly biblical framework", and as part of its mission it may have come up with the worst careers advice ever offered to aspiring young scientists.

"Many young people choose careers for all the wrong reasons (e.g., maybe a college major is “easy” or they can earn a lot of money). Yet some choices in this area can have negative consequences later in life.What good is it to earn a large salary if your job is unfulfilling? Is it worth it to major in an easy field if you ultimately get a job that you dislike? Little wonder that so many adults are eager to retire from the workforce—they hate their jobs!

How much better to choose a career path that will bring ultimate fulfillment, a decision inspired by a God-given desire to work in a field that will bring glory to the Creator. Young Christian, if God has given you a desire to serve Him in a particular area, then consider His promptings. Maybe He is leading you to serve Him in the field of science. It may involve short-term sacrifice, but God’s best often requires hard work."

And how should one go about bringing glory to the Creator through gainful employment? Well that's simple – join the creation science movement!

"Even now, ICR is making exciting discoveries in the fields of biology and geology, and we have started new research initiatives in the field of astronomy. However, there is much work that still needs to be done, and this work is hindered by a lack of trained scientists.

Therefore, we appeal to any Bible-believing young person with an interest in science—have you considered cultivating that science interest for the glory of God?"

But before you head off to pursue your dreams, aspiring young scientists, one final word of advice. Advancing into a career pursuing God's glory through science will not be easy – in order to get there, you're going to need to spend the rest of your time in education not-really-lying-but-actually-kind-of-lying about what you believe. All those teachers and highly-qualified professors are going to tell you lots of things about the universe that aren't really true – just nod your head and pretend to go along with it all:

"Although you should not be dishonest about what you believe, it’s probably prudent to not draw attention to your creationist beliefs while you are a student, particularly if you are in a field that directly touches upon the origins controversy (such as paleontology, biology, or geology)."

And there you have it – your easy guide to how to definitely not make it as a leading research scientist.

(Via @Targh on Twitter)