Creationism

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Creationism is the religious belief that the Universe and life originated "from specific acts of divine creation," as opposed to the scientific conclusion that they came about through natural processes. The most common form of creationism is based on Christianity, specifically the accounts of Genesis in the Bible. However, the term can be applied to similar beliefs in other religions, reflecting a broader spectrum of viewpoints on the origin of life and the universe.

Overview

Creationism covers a spectrum of beliefs which have been categorized into two broad types: young Earth creationism and old Earth creationism. Young Earth creationists believe that the Earth and the universe were created by a supreme being over a period of days, approximately 6,000 to 10,000 years ago. This belief is based on a literal interpretation of the Book of Genesis. In contrast, old Earth creationists accept the scientific evidence for the age of the Earth and the universe (about 4.54 billion years and 13.8 billion years, respectively), but still believe that life's origin and development were guided by a supreme being.

Types of Creationism

Young Earth Creationism

Young Earth Creationism (YEC) asserts that the Earth and all life on it were created by direct acts of God less than 10,000 years ago. Its adherents are often linked to a literal interpretation of the Genesis creation narrative. They reject much of modern science, particularly evolutionary biology, and instead promote flood geology as an explanation for the Earth's geological features.

Old Earth Creationism

Old Earth Creationism (OEC) differs from YEC by accepting the scientific consensus for the age of the Earth and the universe. However, OEC maintains that the process of creation was guided by God. This view often encompasses a range of beliefs, including theistic evolution, which reconciles some aspects of science, particularly the theory of evolution, with the belief in God.

Intelligent Design

Intelligent Design (ID) is a related but distinct movement that argues certain features of the universe and of living things are best explained by an intelligent cause, not an undirected process such as natural selection. ID is a form of creationism that avoids explicit reference to Biblical creation, aiming instead to present itself as a scientific hypothesis.

Controversy and Education

The teaching of creationism, particularly in public schools in the United States, has been a subject of legal and educational controversy. The Scopes Trial in 1925 was an early landmark in the debate over the teaching of evolution and creationism in American schools. More recent legal cases, such as Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District in 2005, have focused on the teaching of intelligent design. The scientific community and major educational bodies have consistently stated that creationism and intelligent design are not scientific theories, but religious beliefs.

Impact on Science and Society

The creationism debate is not just a scientific issue but also a cultural, theological, and educational one. It reflects deeper conflicts between science and religion, interpretations of the Bible, and the role of faith in public life. Despite widespread acceptance of evolution within the scientific community, creationism continues to have a significant impact on educational policy, particularly in the United States.

See Also

• Evolution
• Scopes Trial
• Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District
• Theistic Evolution
• Flood Geology