Creationism

Scientists and theologians have written eloquently about their awe and wonder at the history of the universe and of life on this planet, explaining that they see no conflict between their faith in God and the evidence for evolution. Religious denominations that do not accept the occurrence of evolution tend to be those that believe in strictly literal interpretations of religious texts.

"Diagram of Three Genesis Kinds." Evolution, Creation and Science. Frank L. Marsh. Washington: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1947.

By the early 1960s opponents of evolution still had no coherent theoretical alternative to the theory of evolution. Many were concerned that without an argument against evolution, they would lose their opportunity to present their point of view in high schools and colleges.

These fundamentalists moved on to relabeling themselves as supporters of Scientific Creationism and Creation Science. They drew upon the expertise of fundamentalist scientists and geologists to create detailed counter arguments to evolution that could be used in classrooms. The first such text was the 1961 book The Genesis Flood; the Biblical record and its scientific implications.

Creation Science was the new preferred term and there were lobbying efforts at the state level to be allowed to teach this as an alternate theory to the theory of evolution. Their basic argument being that in the interest of education all possible theories of creation should be taught in textbooks and classrooms. These efforts lead to another round of cultural discussions and lawsuits about the place of creation science in science education.

Another attempt to link scientific evidence with a critique of evolution has arisen in recent years with the Intelligent Design movement. This movement advocates that the complexity of organic life implies it has to be the product of a designer. Furthermore, the theoretical and experimental problems with the theory of evolution mean that scientists should search for an alternative theory.

All sides continue to debate the place God and science should meet. The big questions that Darwin brought to the forefront of society 150 years ago continue to go on. Where do we come from, why are we here, and what is our destiny?