Ga. official: Evolution an evil lie

ATHENS, Ga. - Rep. Paul Broun (R., Ga.) said in videotaped remarks that evolution, embryology, and the big-bang theory are "lies straight from the pit of hell" meant to convince people that they do not need a savior.

The Republican lawmaker made those comments during a speech Sept. 27 at a sportsman's banquet at Liberty Baptist Church in Hartwell. Broun, a medical doctor, is running for reelection in November unopposed by Democrats. He sits on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

"God's word is true," Broun said, according to a video posted on the church's website. "I've come to understand that. All that stuff I was taught about evolution and embryology and big-bang theory, all that is lies straight from the pit of hell. And it's lies to try to keep me and all the folks who are taught that from understanding that they need a savior."

Broun also said he believed that the Earth was about 9,000 years old and that it was made in six days. Those beliefs are held by fundamentalist Christians who believe the creation accounts in the Bible to be literally true.

Broun spokeswoman Meredith Griffanti told the Athens Banner-Herald that Broun was recorded speaking off-the-record to a church group about his religious beliefs.

It seems unlikely that Broun's remarks were supposed to be kept private. The banquet was advertised, Broun spoke before an audience, and the video of his remarks was posted on the church's website.