'NOVA' TAKES ON SCIENCE VS. CREATIONISM DEBATE.

Byline: DAVID KRONKE

>TV CRITIC

To some, it's inconceivable that our country is still debating whether the Genesis account of the creation of our planet is literally true.

To others, it's inconceivable that our country is willfully attempting to plunge the nation into moral chaos.

That most divisive argument is examined in tonight's PBS "Nova" documentary, "Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial." Despite its daunting evidence, it likely will only change the opinions of a few, as lines have been drawn in the battlefield of reason vs. faith; with some, as Stephen Colbert has declared, only "truthiness," one's gut instincts -- and not actual facts -- will prevail.

"Judgment Day" examines a contentious federal court battle between parents of students in Dover, Pa., who argued that the local eationism by another name -- violated the constitutional amendment separating church and state. It cogently delineates how the battl se and insight from scientists who have devoted their lives to the issue, how it was resolved.

The film assiduously details the differences between a "theory" (in the case of Charles Darwin's, on evolution) and a mere idea in 150 years, Darwin's theory has not only been proved but, via scientific research, has actually been strengthened. By contrast, In

Religious faith has much to offer a country in need of a moral compass, but when it resolutely refuses to accede to common reason ssons posited by this "Nova" production, but perhaps one of its most urgent.

David Kronke, [phone] [e-mail] www.insidesocal.com/tv/

JUDGMENT DAY: INTELLIGENT DESIGN ON TRIAL - Three and one half stars >What: "Nova" documentary on the landmark court case challenging the Dover, Pa., school board's efforts to teach Intelligent Design in science classes. >Where: KCET (Channel 28). >When: 8 tonight. >In a nutshell: An absorbing and thorough refutation to a debate that refuses to end.