Evolution Korea
For a long time the Korean scientific community was hesitant about working with creationists due to the fear of giving the movement more credibility. But silence is no anymore an option.
The STR has been battling to remove content from textbooks that describe evolution, including the discovery of the feathered dinosaur Archaeopteryx as an ancestral bird's ancestor. This is only one example of the way in which the development paradigm has evolved.
What is Evolution?
Evolution is a theory of science that explains the evolution of the genetic traits of living organisms over time. The theory is based on the fact that living things adapt to their environment which can result in changes in genes, or even entire genomes. These changes can, over generations lead to the creation of new species. The predominant theory of evolution is called natural selection, which explains the process by which those with favorable characteristics live and reproduce more often than those with disadvantages. This differing reproduction may be a catalyst to the emergence and evolution of new species.
The word "evolution" originates from the Latin for unrolling or revealing has been used in many different ways as the concept has evolved in both science as well as elsewhere. Early evolutionists like Erasmus Darwin (Charles’s grandfather) and Jean Baptiste de Lamarck believed that species were predetermined to change into another species. Etienne Geoffroy St.Hilaire was Lamarck's embryologist student who came up with the term "transmutation" to describe this theory. Charles Lyell, in his Principles of Geology, published in 1833, criticized the idea of evolution and borrowed the term from Geoffroy’s student.
Evolutionary biologists define it more recently as a process through which living things develop characteristics to improve their chances of living or conceiving offspring. Over time, genetic variability can cause a population to acquire new physical traits or biological functions. Natural selection is the process that drives most evolutionary changes. Changes that are not genetic, like an increase in muscle mass due to exercise or diet, cannot be considered to be evolutionary because they aren't passed down to the next generation.
Creationists are using the argument that evolution is controversial, despite the fact that it has been proven to be valid by a multitude of scientific tests and it has been tested over time. They argue that the theory should not be taught at school. In South Korea, creationists won some 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 dino that is believed to be the ancestor of birds.
Why is Evolution Important to Humanity?
Evolution explains the origins and evolution of Earth and all living species. It also serves as a basis of biology and helps scientists to learn how living organisms function and grow. Evolution also shows how different species are interconnected. Scientists study evolution to better understand the natural world, and to make useful discoveries like the development of new medicines.
The evidence for evolution of biological species is overwhelming. There is no other scientific theory that can explain so much about the universe as well as life on this planet and has been rigorously tested and verified over many years. Many people, including religious leaders, are in favor of the scientific theory of evolution. It is essential to remember that evolutionary biology isn't in conflict with religious beliefs as it only addresses physical objects, events and processes.
In reality many religious people have found ways to reconcile their beliefs with evolutionary theory. Some Christians, for example, believe that God created everything through evolution and that humans have an ancestry that is shared with other animals.
It is essential for science educators to advocate for the teaching of evolution. Unfortunately, in a few countries around the world there is a growing anti-evolutionist sentiment. In the United States some states have taken steps to limit teaching evolution. In South Korea, a group called the Society for Textbook Revise, an offshoot of the Korea Association for Creation Research (KAC) is pushing for textbook content on the evolution of horses and their ancestral avian species Archaeopteryx.
It is crucial to keep in mind, however, that the evidence in favor of evolution is overwhelming. The evidence for evolution comes from a variety of sources, including fossils, genetics, and even the behavior of living creatures. The evidence is also independently verified by other scientists.
The vast majority of scientists support the theory of evolution. The reasons behind this belief vary. Certain scientists study evolution in order to make practical discoveries, such as developing new medicines and other treatments, while others use it to improve the lives of animals and plant species, typically to benefit humans. Some scientists are simply curious, while others have an intense faith in God.
What is Creationism?
Creationists are people who believe that God created the universe and everything within it. They also believe that the Bible is the word of God and should be taken as such. While Creationists may not all be Christian however, they are a majority. Creationists generally fall in two categories: Young Earth creationists (YEC) and old earth creationists (OEC).
The most well-known type of creationist is known as 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 six days of creation was true and that the universe and the life on Earth were only created recently.
OECs are less well known however they're just as enthusiastic about their beliefs as YECs. OECs believe that the universe and all life on Earth are billions of years old and they believe that evolution is an untruth.
Both types of creationism deny that scientific theories such as natural selection and abiogenesis could explain the origins of life on Earth. They claim that evolution is impossible because it requires a miracle, and that the founders of modern science eschewed miracles for fear of losing credibility.
Some creationists are able to accept both naturalistic evolution and special creation, and call their position "theistic evolution." It is sometimes referred to as "continuous creationism" or "evolution from the created species." The theory suggests that God creates species from scratch and then allows them to evolve over time. Eventually these evolutionary changes will result in new species identical to the original species.
Other creationists believe that God created the universe and all living things during a single event, called the Great Flood. They believe that the first species were all created at the same time, and that they developed slowly afterward. They also reject the concept of abiogenesis, and argue that the emergence of self-replicating organisms from nonliving matter is impossible.
In general, creationists are against teaching of evolution in schools. Numerous professional associations, like the National Science Teachers Association and the Association for Science Teacher Education are in support of this view, as do the American Anthropological Association and the Geological Society of America. Some scientists and educational institutions are however more flexible and allow evolution and creationism to be incorporated into their curricula.
What is Creationism in Korea?
When people think of creationism, they often think of the United States. South Korea also has an anti-evolutionist group. 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 of the Korea Association for Creation Research (KACCR) has been the driving force behind this effort. STR has secured its first victory by eliminating examples of the evolution of the horse as well as an avian ancestor called the Archeopteryx in textbooks. Its sights are now set on removing snippets of Darwin's notorious finch research as well as on human evolution too.
STR claims to have the support of 4000 families and individuals. The goal, according to STR is to clear the world of what it calls "atheist materialism" which paints a negative view for students. It also aims at countering the influence of American Creationists across the country. A survey of students in biology revealed that a majority of them didn't believe in evolution. The causes are not certain, but could be related to religion or the absence of creation scientists in the United States.
The KACR has achieved many things through its lectures and seminar events. It also publishes a bimonthly magazine called Creation and an ebook. Among these is a textbook on the natural sciences that has an evolutionary perspective that attracted the attention of college communities. In 1991, a professor, along with a minister began teaching Creation Science at one university. It is still taught in the present.
On August 6-7 1993, KACR hosted a second International Symposium on Creation Research. The event was held in conjunction with the opening of the World Expo in Daejeon. Six lecturers from around the world including ICR's John Morris, Duane Gish and Steven Austin spoke to audiences of over a thousand. KACR members and KACR have also given talks on creation science in major seminaries. KACR plans to establish a Creation Science Education Center.