Evolution Korea
Up until recently, the Korean scientific community was hesitant about engaging with creationists for fear of giving the movement more credence. The silence is no longer a viable option.
The STR has been campaigning to get rid of textbooks that describe evolution, such as the discovery of the feathered dinosaur Archaeopteryx as an ancestral bird's ancestor. This is just one aspect of the way in which the development paradigm has evolved.
What is Evolution?
The theory of evolution is a branch of science that explains the evolution of genetic characteristics over time. The theory is based on the fact that living things adapt to their environments which can result in changes in genes or even whole genomes. Over time the changes could lead to the emergence new species. Natural selection is the predominant theory of evolution. It describes how individuals with traits that are advantageous are more likely to reproduce and survive than those with less advantageous traits. Over time, this differential reproduction could result in the creation of completely new species.
The word "evolution" originates from the Latin word for unrolling or revealing, but the concept itself has had many different meanings as it has taken form in the fields of science and other fields. Some early evolutionists, like Jean Baptiste de Lamarck and Erasmus Darwin (Charles's grandfather), believed that existing species transformed into other species in a certain way. The term"transmutation" was coined by Lamarck's student, embryologist Etienne Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, to describe this idea. Charles Lyell, who published the second volume of his Principles of Geology in 1833 opposed this notion and borrowed the term "evolution" from Geoffroy's student to describe the notion that species are evolving into new species in an orderly and predictable manner.
Recently, evolutionary biologists have defined evolution as a process when living organisms develop traits that enhance their chances of survival or the ability to produce offspring. As time passes the genetic variability could lead to the emergence of entirely new physical or biological traits in a population. Such a shift in gene frequency is known as natural selection and it is the main driver of evolutionary changes. Changes that are not genetic, like an increase in muscle mass from exercise or diet, can't be considered evolution because they don't pass on to future generations.
Despite the fact that evolution has withstood the test of time and a multitude of scientific studies, creationists have seized on the idea that the theory is controversial to claim that it shouldn't be taught in school. In South Korea, creationists won a few victories against evolution in textbooks for high school. This includes the removal of all references about the evolutionary origins for humans as well as Archaeopteryx - a feathered dinosaur that is believed to be the ancestral bird's first ancestor.
Why is Evolution important to humanity?
Evolution is the explanation for the origins of Earth and all living species. It is one of the fundamentals of biology, and helps scientists discover how living things operate and grow. Evolution also shows the connections between species. Scientists study evolution to better comprehend nature and make important discoveries, such as the development of new medicines.
The evidence for evolution of biological species is overwhelming. No other scientific theory explains more about the universe and the life on earth. It has been thoroughly scrutinized and confirmed for a number of years. Many people, including some religious leaders, are in favor of the theory of evolution as a scientific fact. It is important to remember that evolutionary biology doesn't conflict with religious beliefs as it only deals with physical objects, events, and processes.
In reality many religious people have found ways to reconcile their beliefs with the theory of evolution. For example, some Christians believe that God created the world through evolution, and that humans share an ancestry with other animals.
It is essential that science educators advocate for the teaching of evolution. Unfortunately, in a few countries around the world, anti-evolution sentiment is growing. In the United States some states have taken measures to restrict teaching evolution. In South Korea, a group called the Society for Textbook Revise, an offshoot from the Korea Association for Creation Research (KAC), is campaigning for textbooks that cover the evolutionary history of horses and their Avian ancestor Archaeopteryx.
Although these are alarming developments, it is also important to keep in mind that the evidence for evolution is overwhelming. The evidence comes from a broad range of sources, including fossils, genetic studies, and the behavior of living organisms. The evidence is also independently verified by other scientists.
The majority of scientists supports the theory of evolution. The reasons behind this support are diverse. Some scientists study evolution to discover practical solutions, such as developing medicines or developing new medicines, while others are driven by an interest in improving the quality of life for animals and plant species, generally for the benefit of humans. Some scientists are simply curious, whereas others have an intense belief in God.
What is Creationism?
Creationists believe that God created everything in the universe. They also believe the Bible is God's word and should be taken literally. Many creationists are Christians However, not all. Creationists generally fall into two categories: Young Earth creationists (YEC) and old earth creationists (OEC).
The most well-known kind of creationist is called the YEC. They believe that God created the universe in exactly the way described in the Bible. They believe that the biblical account of the creation's six days is literal and that the universe and the life on Earth began only recently.
OECs may be less well-known, but their beliefs are just as passionate like the YECs. OECs believe the universe and Earth are billions-of-years old and believe that evolution is a lie.
Both kinds of creationism deny the scientific theories that biogenesis and natural selection can explain how life started on Earth. They claim that evolution is impossible, because it requires miracles. The pioneers of modern scientific thought resisted miracles in fear that they would lose their credibility.
Some creationists believe in naturalistic evolution as well as special creation, and refer to their position "theistic evolution." It is sometimes referred to as "continuous creationism" or "evolution from the original species." The theory suggests that God creates species from scratch and then allows them to change over time. These evolution changes will eventually result in new species that are similar to the original.
Some creationists believe that God created all living things and the universe in a single event called the Great Flood. They believe that the first species were created simultaneously, and that they developed slowly afterward. They deny the notion of abiogenesis, and argue that self-replicating living cannot come from non-living matter.
In general, creationists oppose the teaching of evolution in schools. Numerous professional organizations, like the National Science Teachers Association and the Association for Science Teacher Education endorse this view, as do the American Anthropological Association and the Geological Society of America. Some academic institutions and scientists are however more flexible and allow both evolution and creationism to be incorporated into their curriculum.
What is Creationism in Korea?
When people think of creationism typically think of the United States. However, South Korea is also home to an anti-evolution movement. Publishers of high school textbooks have recently declared that they will be removing references to evolution from their textbooks. The Society for Textbook Revise, an independent body which is an offshoot from the Korea Association for Creation Research (KACCR), has led this campaign. The STR has won its first victory by removing from textbooks the evidence of the evolution and ancestor of the avian, called the Archeopteryx. The focus is now on removing snippets of Darwin's notorious finch research and on human evolution too.
STR claims to have the support of 4,000 families and individual members. Its mission, it states is to clear the world of what it calls "atheist materialism" that paints an unflattering image for students. It also aims to counteract the influence of American creationists in the country. A survey of students in biology revealed that half of them did not believe evolution. The reasons aren't clear, but could include religious beliefs or the lack of creation scientists in the country.
The KACR has achieved a lot through its seminars and lectures in the past. It publishes a bimonthly journal called Creation and the book. One of them was a textbook on natural science that had a creationist perspective. This led to an interest in the college community. In 1991, a professor, together with a get more info minister began teaching Creation Science at one university. It is still taught today.
On August 6 and 7 in 1993, the same day that the World Expo opened in Daejeon, KACR held a second International Symposium on Creation Research. Six lecturers from the world, including ICR's John Morris, Duane Gish and Steven Austin spoke to audiences of over a thousand. KACR and its members have been giving talks on creation science at major seminaries, too. KACR is planning to create a Creation Science Education Center.