"God created the universe to look old." This is just one argument of just one creationism theory. Evolutionism is not the only theory of how the earth and every living being were created. People who believe in a supernatural "higher being" involved into the development of life claim that creationism is a science too. But if God created the universe to look old, though the Bible is an unquestioned truth: Is God a deceiver?
US creationists usually support a literal interpretation of the Bible, although even the Vatican itself claimed that the evolution theory by Darwin is compatible with the history of creation written in the Bible. (Pope Benedict XVI., 2007)
The following text will focus on the discussion between creationists and evolutionists in the USA. The two most common theories in the USA are "Scientific Creationism" and "Intelligent Design Creationism". The dossier will cover the position of the creationists in respect of the US education system, their involvement in political decisions and the "Institute of Creation Research". As the theory of creationism is found not only in devout regions of the USA but worldwide, the paper will also give a comparison of the situation in the USA and Europe.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction - By the hand of God?
- 2. Creationism vs. Evolutionism
- 2.1. What is "Intelligent Design (ID)"?
- 2.2. Definition of "Creation Science"
- 2.3. Difference between Evolutionism and Darwinism
- 2.4. Graph "Creationism vs. Evolutionism"
- 3. Creationism in the USA
- 3.1. Acceptance of Evolution
- 3.2. Creationism and politics
- 3.2.1. The Kansas case
- 3.3. Institute of Creation Research
- 3.3.1. History
- 3.3.2. Philosophy
- 4. Europe and "Creation Science"
- 4.1. Creationism in Europe
- 4.2. Position of the European Council
- 5. Conclusion – "And on the seventh day..."
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the ongoing debate between creationists and evolutionists in the United States. It focuses on the two most prevalent creationist theories in the USA: "Scientific Creationism" and "Intelligent Design Creationism". The paper explores the creationists' position within the US education system, their involvement in political decisions, and the role of the "Institute of Creation Research." Additionally, it compares the situation in the US to that in Europe, where creationism has gained less traction. The key themes explored in this paper include:- The definition and different interpretations of creationism
- The impact of creationism on education and politics in the USA
- The influence of the "Institute of Creation Research" on the creationist movement
- The contrasting views on creationism in the USA and Europe
- The relationship between religious beliefs and scientific theories
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter 1, "By the hand of God?", introduces the topic of creationism and its central arguments. It highlights the clash between creationism and evolutionism, emphasizing the belief that a supernatural force intervened in the development of life. The chapter establishes the significance of the creationism movement in the US and its connection to religious interpretations of the Bible. Chapter 2, "Creationism vs. Evolutionism," delves deeper into the diverse interpretations of creationism. It examines two prominent theories: "Intelligent Design (ID)" and "Creation Science." The chapter discusses the philosophical and scientific underpinnings of each theory, highlighting their differences and similarities. It also addresses the debate over the scientific validity of creationism and the implications of its inclusion in the education system. Chapter 3, "Creationism in the USA," focuses on the prevalence and influence of creationism within the US context. It explores the acceptance of evolution in different parts of the country and the creationists' involvement in political decisions, using the "Kansas case" as a prime example. The chapter also delves into the history and philosophy of the "Institute of Creation Research," a prominent organization that promotes creationist views. Chapter 4, "Europe and 'Creation Science'," offers a comparative perspective on creationism outside the US. It examines the prevalence and acceptance of creationism in Europe and analyzes the European Council's stance on the topic. This chapter sheds light on the different approaches to creationism across continents.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper explores the central issues and key concepts related to the creationism debate. The core terms and concepts examined include: creationism, evolutionism, intelligent design, creation science, US education system, politics, the Institute of Creation Research, religion, science, and the intersection of religious beliefs and scientific theories.Frequently Asked Questions: Creationism vs. Evolutionism
What is the difference between Creation Science and Intelligent Design?
Creation Science seeks scientific evidence to support a literal interpretation of the Bible, while Intelligent Design (ID) argues that certain features of the universe are best explained by an intelligent cause rather than undirected processes like natural selection.
Why is the creationism debate so prominent in the USA?
The debate is fueled by strong religious movements and has significant political implications, especially regarding science curricula in the public education system.
What was the "Kansas case"?
It refers to a series of political and educational conflicts in Kansas over whether evolution or creationist-friendly theories should be taught in public schools.
What is the role of the Institute for Creation Research (ICR)?
The ICR is a leading organization that promotes creationist views through research, publications, and educational programs, aiming to prove that science aligns with biblical truths.
How does the situation in Europe compare to the USA?
Creationism has much less traction in Europe, where mainstream religious organizations and political bodies like the European Council generally accept evolutionary theory as compatible with faith.
- Quote paper
- Melanie Buchmayr (Author), 2007, By the hand of God? , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/148162
