Creationism vs Evolutionism Essay Example for Free

Creationism vs Evolutionism Essay From the beginning of time there has been a controversy about how the world was created. At this time we can agree that there can only be one of two ways that the world could have been created, and that is scientifically or non scientifically. While in the world today mostly everything is being created from science although that might not have been the case back in the days. In this research paper I will try to show the difference between the two and how they are still one in the same. While this research paper is not designed to persuade you in your beliefs, it is a bucket of knowledge that will better educate you on the two. The Creationism vs. Evolutionism controversy represents a clash between two ways of relating to the world (scientific/non-scientific). The central idea of biological evolution (scientific) is that all life on Earth shares a common ancestor, just as you and your cousins share a common grandmother. Creationism (non-scientific) is someone who believes in a god who is absolute creator of heaven and earth, out of nothing, by an act of free will. Creationists do not believe that all of today’s living things evolved from simple organisms changing slowly over time. Creationism opposes the idea of human evolution. (Ruse, Michael, fall 2008) Since the creation of the universe is typically explained by two popular beliefs. One being the scientific explanation and the other being biblical explanation. These are two very different explanations, and while I believe ones religious beliefs can have a role in which explanation one chooses to follow, one is free to choose how they believe the world was created. The scientific explanation is explained by the Big Bang Theory. A basic definition of the Big Bang Theory is that the universe began at a specific time and has been cooling and expanding ever since. According to this explanation, a hot ball of energy expanded outward in all directions and in time radiation and matter began to rise. Gravity now comes in to play and draws the matter into dense regions. After billions of years this formed all things that exist now, stars, planets and galaxies. In our text the biblical explanation for the creation of the universe is explained to us through the Judeo-Christian Biblical account of the creation of earth. The Judeo-Christian account is believed that God made its first inhabitants, fashioning them out of clay, and breathing life into them. With this theory it is obvious to see the two explanations; scientific and biblical are very different. Scientific belief is the universe was created through hot energy expanding and eventually creating our galaxies. The biblical explanation is the belief of the Holy Spirit (God) created all things. With these two very different explanations I dont see how they can become reconciled. Being of Pentecostal faith, I was taught, and brought up to believe in the biblical explanation. However, one cannot ignore the scientific explanation. With the research given today it’s hard to deny the scientific facts available. For some it can be difficult picking one explanation if they don’t believe in religion, for me, I can believe is that the world was created by (god) and the continued creation that came there after over time is created through science. Creationism vs. volutionism has often been incorrectly drawn out as a debate between science and religion, very little can be gained by debating evolution vs. creationism. Two of the biggest obstacles to effective debate on the topic are: †¢The lack of conclusive scientific evidence to forever resolve the issue †¢And the lack of open mindedness on the part of both camps. The geneticist Theodosius Dobzhansky stated that, nothing in biology makes sense except in terms of evolution. The theory of evolution merely explains a process by which species undergoes change over an extended period of time. It is believed that different species evolved from a common ancestor. In order to understand the concept of evolution we must think of time in large units like millions of years. Blocks of time like months and years are of little significance. Evolution refers to entire populations and not individuals. The changes must be passed on to the next generation. Though not the first person to present the idea of evolution; Charles Darwin has been dubbed the father of evolution. He is the most noted and supported, for his theory of natural selection. Darwin’s theory of natural selection simply states that nature favors the survival of organisms that have traits that are best suited for their environment. In other words, only the strong survive. (Max O. Hallman third edition pp 159- 166) Since Darwin’s proposal, scientists such as geologist, biologists, biochemists and others have conducted studies, gathered evidence and developed theories to explain the probable mechanisms of evolution. Modifications are constantly being made to findings and theories as new evidence is accepted. These scientists have conducted studies to compare organisms. Their research includes the study of fossil records, cell structure and function, DNA and the process of heredity (ancestral background). Their theory of evolution suggests that species that currently exist on earth, developed from ancestral species that have adapted to changing conditions. Scientist evidence suggests that life on earth probably began billions of years ago with a unicellular organism. This information has been obtained through Radio-carbon dating which is a method of obtaining age estimates on organic materials. It has been used to date samples as old as 50,000 years. The method was developed immediately following World War II by Willard F. Libby and coworkers, and has provided age determinations in archaeology, geology, geophysics and other branches of science. Radiocarbon determinations can be obtained on wood; charcoal; marine and fresh-water shell; bone and antler; peat and organic-bearing sediments, carbonate deposits such as tufa, caliche, and marl; and dissolved carbon dioxide and carbonates in ocean, lake and ground-water sources. Darwin hypothesized that changes in species is due to the concept of natural selection (only the strong survive). Organisms with favorable traits to those environments are more likely to survive, reproducing and passing on the better traits to the next generation. The new off spring world have an increased chance of survival. Over time, the fittest of the species will survive with different characteristics from those of the original species. This will now be recognized as a new species. (William P. marryA. cunningham chapter 4. Pp 75-90) While absolute proof of the existence of God cannot be realized by any human being, the great weight of evidence, when rationally evaluated, clearly balances the scales heavily in favor of God. We can demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that He is, and that He is a rewarded of them that diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6) Creationism is the religious belief that all life on earth is the creation of a supernatural being- god. This relates to the history of religion as described in religious text and the bible. As described in genesis, humans, the world, the universe and all that exists was created by god: Creatio ex nihilo- Latin for creation from nothing.