...Title: Evolution and Intelligent Design: Which Is True? Introduction: * Controversial subject * Full into beliefs * Very political * Connection between Intelligent Design & Creationism I. Background A. Evolution is the scientific theory that all life forms on Earth today are descended from a single cell organism 1. Charles Darwin & Natural Selection 2. Genes carry the DNA codes for a evolutionary trait to be passed to the next generation B. Creationists feel the need to attack the evolution theory to “free God from its shackles” 1. Evolution provides a meaningful explanation of the relationship of the Creator to man & animals 2. We are formed, by the Creator, from the dust of the Earth C. Evolution is metaphysics 1. Something transforms into other things, but the process is unexplained 2. Breathing air, wings & fins are excellent examples II. First Side- Evolution A. Does not prove there is no God 1. May not be able to prove there is a higher power, can prove that a fish grew leg & walked on land 2. Provides the basis for the Creator’s work, macro to micro B. Historical trials & their outcomes 1. Wesley Roberts-“A Struggle in Tennessee” 2. John Scopes- trial of religion & science III. Second Side- Intelligent Design A. The theory by Mr. Charles Darwin 1. No sufficient evidence to prove that one organism evolves into another 2. Evolution & Alchemy go hand-in-hand;...
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...Evolution vs. Creation: The Great Debate The Evolution vs. Creation debate is often referred to as the "Great Debate." It's the emotion-packed question of "Origins" -- why, how, and where did everything come from? 20th century science has made the compelling discovery that, at some point, the universe began. Both sides of the Great Debate now agree that the universe has not existed eternally. However, this is where the agreement ends. As far as the "why" and "how" of the "origin event," this is where the division and contention begin. There are two basic theories in this Great Debate. The first is the historical default - the Creation Model of Origins. This theory maintains that the intricate design permeating all things implies a Designer. The second theory is the more recent, atheistic explanation - the Evolution Model of Origins. This theory postulates that the intricate design permeating all things is a product of random chance and excessive time. Evolution vs. Creation: The Contentions Evolution vs. Creation is indeed the Great Debate of our scientific times. In any scientific debate, the theories must be tested according to the evidence. We propose that the burden of evidence should be upon the Evolutionists, since Creation has been the historic and inherent default throughout virtually all cultures and religions until roughly the last 200 years. Of course, Evolutionists, who view themselves as the only "scientists" in the debate, insist that the burden of evidence be upon...
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...Evolution and Intelligent Design The subject of how life started on this planet we called “Earth” is a very controversial subject. The whole topic is a battle of the beliefs of its inhabitants. It is seen in politics, as well as in schools, the workplace, and other areas that people are interacting. Intelligent Design is occasionally referred to as Creationism. However, the proper title is Intelligent Design. Creationism is more along the lines of a religious assembly. Yet the supporters of both affiliations are called Creationists. Evolution, by definition, is the scientific theory that all life forms on Earth today are descended from a single cell organism (Source B). Intelligent Design is the belief that a higher power fashioned all the forms life as they are now. Charles Darwin created the idea of Natural Selection (Source B). Within it, a specific species can adapt to a change and pass that gene onto its offspring. The genes carry the DNA codes for the evolutionary trait to be passed on (FAQ). Creationists feel the need to harass the evolution theory to “Free God from its shackles” (Leone). Evolution provides significant justification of the relationship linking the life on Earth and the Creator (Leone). As quoted from Leone, “We are formed, by the Creator, from the dust of the Earth.” Evolution is metaphysics; a branch of philosophy investigating principles of reality transcending those of any particular science (Gerdes). Some subjects transform into other...
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...ISU Controversial Issues in World Religions Evolution vs. Creation In society, there are many diverse issues that raise intense controversy. One that is particularly interesting is the ongoing conflict between the world of science and some segments of religious society. This essay will refer to the debate between evolution and creationism which has ranged through the course of human history, but intensified as the science and evolving proofs of evolution are generated. Evolution has proved that Creationist beliefs and their denial defy logic, science and reality. One of the most common questions that humanity tends to ask itself is where we came from and how we came to be. It is inherent to every human being to ask himself about their origin and purpose of their existence. Humanity’s first attempt to answer these questions was religion (Christianity, Judaism, Islamic); however science has introduced an alternative to religion’s so called answer, evolution. The current argument began with an English naturalist by the name of Charles Darwin. Darwin was the first to propose the theory of evolution, which states that mankind, through genetic mutation and natural selection, evolved from a common ancestor over a prolonged period based on natural selection processes. This theory directly defied religious beliefs at the time; more specifically those of the Catholic church which believes in creationism, or in a more general sense intelligent design. Creationism...
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...Creationism vs. Evolutionism The quandary continues of whether or not creationism should be taught as an alternative viewpoint to the theory of evolution within the American public school systems. If scientific creationists believe that God's message is the defining element for the content, aims, and conditions of educational practice, then the argument can be made that creationism belongs in the classroom. On the contrary are those who assert creationism is not science and further suggests that "creation science" is a misnomer and oppose religion into public educational programs. They maintain the position that public educational programs should be made separate from concerns of the church. Fundamentalist Christians differ from liberal Christians with respect to the basic theories to how life began. Liberal Christians mold their lives around the theory of evolution; forging their spiritual doctrine around their lifestyle, where as fundamentalist Christians remain faith based; life created by God and their lifestyle strictly follows biblical doctrine. Those who side with the theory of Darwin and claim that creationism is really anti-science are in direct conflict with adamant creationists; and somewhere among these groups are a third group, scientific creationists, who use scientific terminology to prove that only life can come from other life. During the 1960’s the United States began an initiative to catch up with newer science teaching standards which...
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...Instructor Course Date Is evolution just another story? Evolution vs creationism Ever since the British naturalist Charles Darwin published his ground breaking theory The Origin of Species by Natural Selection in 1859, there has always been this argument of whether to believe in evolution or in creationism. On one hand, evolution narrates the story of emergence of life as to result from the unlikely reactions of several chemicals that existed about 3 billion years ago at a time when the earth was just a young planet. These chemicals would go on to form a self-replicating protein molecule (Dyson 13) that somehow and despite all the odds went on to form the genesis of all living things- plants, animals, the dead and the living. For billions of years a process of gradual selection called natural selection by Darwin, that only serves the best or the most fit to survive the terms of the environment has been and is constantly in work shaping the species of today and for the prolonged period that it has been in existence led to the emergence of different forms including as it were humans (Mitchell, Sherman and Tehon 27). Accordingly all livings are but relatives of each other and have descended from one single source. The alternative to evolution is creationism a theory which purports that all that we can see, touch and even what everything is was a product of design by a superpower and a super mind called God (Dyson 45). The world in the eyes of creationists is the work of this deity...
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...schools’ design for science and evolution Nicole McCormick PHI103: Informal Logic (GSK1216H) Instructor Micheal Pelt May 21, 2012 The 1987 Supreme Court ruling on the case of Edward v Aguillard, struck down a Louisiana Law requiring “balanced treatment” between “creation science” and evolution. The Supreme Court found “creation science” to be unconstitutional, a statute that forbade teaching evolution unless “creation science” was also taught. Edward v Aguillard made it clear you cannot teach creation science alongside evolution (Brown, Feb2012). This argument of if evolution should be taught in public schools has waged on for decades, and as long as some continue to believe in intelligent design while others in evolution, it is a battle that will no doubt continue on, with unnatural selections for some. Intelligent design is primarily a religious belief and not a scientific tenet, which forms the basis for why it should not be taught in public school science courses. This essay will discuss how evolution in public school science classrooms serves best with the national science curriculum, and how theories of creationism and intelligent design (ID), try as they may, have no place in public science classrooms. Research will begin with data that includes the said appropriateness of evolution, and how the study of evolution in school is in line with the teachings of biological science. Next, what will be considered are the creationist and their attempts to introduce intelligent...
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...In the history of science vs. religion there has been no issues more intensely debated than evolution vs. creationism. In the age old debate of creationism versus evolution, many people have given their lifelong work to supporting one side of this debate. But what we must consider are the facts. Theories will only get us so far in life, but the facts, the hard evidence, will convince a doubting person to believe if they will only consider the evidence. Through my research I hope to uncover that very evidence to show those who still doubt the real truth. Creation and Evolution are two major beliefs that people follow as a guideline. The two philosophies have different effects on our lives and the make-up of who we are and what we believe. Creation is a belief followed by many people and generally speaking the Holy Bible serves as a guideline and a set of instructions to show how the earth was formed and to guide us through life. Science backs up this Holy Book it is a very reliable source of the history of the world. There are many questions in life that man has always longed to find the answers to and the questions are: Who am I, why am I here, how did everything get here, and where will I go when I die? Well if you believe in evolution then you came from non-living material that all came together from the big bang. There is no purpose to life, you have no one to answer to, so if it feels good than do it and when you die then you will be recycled into a plant. We supposedly...
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...ENG121 Evolution vs. Creationism The debate between evolutionism and creationism began thousands of years ago and the battle between the two streams of thought continues to this day. While creationists believe in a god who is the absolute creator of heaven and earth less than 10,000 years ago, evolutionists believe that the universe began billions of years ago with life started as just a single cell bacteria evolving slowly into everything we see today. “What’s the difference between creationism and evolution?” Charles Darwin’s work on evolution is the most recognized throughout history and the evidence that he discovered supporting evolution changed how many people viewed the history of our universe. His main research project was on a process called natural selection, the idea that survival of the fittest has been a main determinant is shaping how the earth and all living things appear today. Charles Darwin discuses this idea of Natural Selection in his essay “Natural Selection”, detailing evidence supporting his theory. This paper will discuss Darwin’s essay but will also go into further detail of his discoveries, other evolutionary milestones and finally comparing and contrasting the evolutionary argument to the creationism point of view. The idea of evolution first came about in the 1600’s when European naturalists started to question the current theories about how our universe was created. In 1666 the first evidence of evolution was discovered when a couple of fishermen...
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...Outline I. Introduction Thesis: In studying the underlying constructs of psychology – the origins of humanity, human nature, and human purpose – one sees the extensive influence of evolution. When contrasted with the biblical view of creationism, it becomes clear that modern psychology shares little in common with biblical principles. II. Basic Constructs of Human Psychology A. Human 1. What is a human being? 2. How do humans differ from animals? B. Human Behavior 1. Thought, feeling, action 2. Inner and outer worlds of human perception III. Human Origins A. Evolution 1. Life from non-life material/Big Bang Theory 2. Genetic mutation 3. Natural selection a. Competition as the foundation of behavior b. Law of the Jungle B. Creationism 1. God created the universe and all creatures 2. Each species was created separate and distinct 3. God created man special in God’s own image IV. Human Nature A. Evolution 1. Survival of the fittest a. Social behavior b. Mating c. Reproduction 2. Behaviorism a. Behavior is a combination of social learning and genetic influencces b. Effect on antisocial behavior on reproduction 3. Biological determinism a. No real basis for free will B. Creationism 1. Humans were made in God’s image a. God is love, justice, kindness, and joyful 2. The Fall of Man separated humans from God a. ‘War’ between good and evil b. Man’s nature is now sinful 3. Jesus the Son of God redeemed human...
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...when you received from us the word of God’s message, you accept it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Therefore, my only belief is that of faith and my faith is in God and him alone. The bible is a history book of the universe. It tells us how the earth came to be and how God has a person and plan for everything in the world he created. However, the bible is much more than a history book. It is a written inspiration of God. Since God is the one that created the Earth, then he is the only one that knows how old the earth really is, therefore, instead of listening to human( evolutionist) who is imperfect and makes many mistakes, I put my faith in God and his word and take the creationist view. Although its been said that the bible isn’t a science book, it is a good thing because all the science books that I have read are based on human knowledge and ideas. These ideas have been changed over and over again because people discover new evidence and realize that they have been wrong before. That is why a new science or history book has to be written again. For example, in old history books and in the days of Columbus people thought the world was flat and people where afraid of falling off the earth. It wasn’t until an explorer traveled around the world to prove it was round. (Siegel, 2011) However, if they would have turned to the bible, Isaiah 40:22 states “circle of the Earth” proving that the Earth was round....
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...Creationism vs. Transformism During the first week of September, prior to reading chapter 5, Evolution and Genetics, a friend by the name of Joan and I got into a long conversation about the creation of earth and the existence of god. We talked about how the earth was created according to the Catholic belief and slowly an argument unraveled. Apparently, Joan did not believe in evolution and thought I was nuts! The idea that man and woman were created from god’s hands and dirt was not something I could possibly believe. I started to explain to him about Charles Darwin’s ideas on evolution and how I thought that quite frankly; we were not created in seven days. That conversation ended because he did not want to listen to anything that did not have anything to do with god. Two days later, I finally open up our textbook and turned to the assigned reading homework: chapter 5. As I began to read, I learned that the idea that life was created in 6 days was called Creationism. I then logged onto to my laptop to do further research on this idea and of course the first thing I stumbled upon was a website called creationtheory.org. In this website, it stated that there was a fossil finding in Kenya that dated back between 2 to 3.5 billion years ago. Researchers suggest that the fossil is unlikely to be of our human kind but rather our ancestor. It then began to point out that creationists could not believe in these findings because humans were fully developed at creation. As I began...
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...Evolution VS Creation Faith Collins Honors Biology 4/22/2014 For over the past one hundred and fifty years there has been an ongoing battle about evolution versus creation. Evolutionists believe we evolved over millions and millions of years; while creationists believe that God created us and the rest of the world in seven days. Both theories do seem quit absurd. People think there is no possible way we could have evolved from nothing. Still, other people believe there is no possible way God could have created us. Charles Darwin was a British scientist and the founder of evolutionism. Darwin was born and raised in a wealthy and well connected family. He started his higher education studying medicine, but half way through transferred to divinity at Cambridge. In 1831, he joined a five year scientific expedition. On this expedition he started studying and observing things, and thus the idea of evolution was born. Evolution is the theory that everything descended from a common ancestor. Everything that has life, trees, flowers, bears, fish, humans – they’re all related. Charles Darwin, the founder of evolution, believed strongly in natural selection. He thought that animals, by natural selection, could practically change into a whole new species of animals. Darwin stated that this process takes long periods of time. He said it can’t just happen overnight, rather it takes millions of years for this to take place. Evolution, just like creation, is considered...
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...boggling the minds of the erudite and the simple minded alike for years. The topic of creation vs. evolution has become increasingly controversial. In biology, Darwin’s Theory of Evolution is a change in the genetic material of a population of organisms from one generation to the next. Though changes produced in any one generation are normally small, differences accumulate with each generation and can, over time, become substantial changes in the population. Such similarities among species suggest that all known species are descended from a common ancestor (or ancestral gene pools process of gradual divergence). Evolution is supported in many different ways, but one major category pointing to its validity is fossils. Through fossil dating, hominoid fossils, and, evolution has become the theory accepted by the majority of those in the scientific forefront. Evolution is supported through fossil records. The study of the sequence of occurrence in rocks reveals the relative time in which organisms lived. This technique shows that one layer of rock is older or younger than another. Later through the discovery of radioactivity, scientists were given the opportunity to learn the age of fossils and rocks . Through these records, a vague timeline is illustrated of the evolutionary change that has been occurring over the past four billion years. This proves that the earth is much older then creationist would like to argue. A popular criticism of the fossil records is that the gaps in this timeline...
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...central Pennsylvania, but in October 2004 when the local school board proposed a slight alteration to the high school biology curriculum a fault line erupted between those who think of intelligent design as science and something that should be taught alongside evolution, and those who think of it as religion disguised as science. As a science teacher myself, I was very interested in this subject, and how school districts nationwide are pushing initiatives recently to put intelligent design in their biology classes. These school districts are struggling with the dilemma of whether or not to teach creationism as an alternative view to evolution theory. If, as many scientific creationists believe, God's message is important in defining the content, aims, and conditions of educational practice, then creationism does belong in the classroom. However, those who propose that creationism is not science, and that "creation science" is a misnomer, are opposed to the intervention of religion into the public educational program; after all, public educational programs should be separate from concerns of the church. The Scientific Argument against Intelligent Design “Evolution has three core, defining elements, life forms change over time; they all descended from one or a few common ancestors; and natural selection produces these effects” (Slack 2007). But what exactly is Intelligent Design? Intelligent Design is a recent theory proposed...
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