Evolution Korea
For a long time the Korean scientific community refrained from engaging with the creationists in fear that it could increase the credibility of the movement. But silence is no any longer an option.
The STR has been battling to eliminate content from textbooks that explain evolution, such as the discovery of the feathered dinosaur Archaeopteryx as an ancestral bird's ancestor. This is only one aspect of the development paradigm's evolution.
What is Evolution?
Evolution is a theory of science that explains the evolution of genetic traits over time. The theory is based upon the fact that living organisms adjust to their environment, which could result in variations in genes or entire genomes. Over many generations the changes could result in the emergence of new species. Natural selection is the dominant 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. In time, this disparity in reproduction could lead to the emergence of entirely new species.
The term "evolution" comes from the Latin word"evolution" which means unraveling or revealing, however the concept has had a variety of meanings as it has taken shape in the sciences and other fields. Early evolutionists, such as Jean Baptiste de Lamarck and Erasmus Darwin (Charles's grandfather), believed that existing species evolved into new species in a planned manner. Etienne Geoffroy St-Hilaire, Lamarck's embryologist disciple who coined the term "transmutation" to describe this theory. Charles Lyell, in his Principles of Geology, published in 1833, challenged the concept of evolution and borrowed the term from Geoffroy’s student.
In recent years evolutionary biologists have defined evolution as a process that occurs when living creatures develop characteristics that enhance their chances of survival, or their ability to produce offspring. Over time, genetic variability can cause a population acquire new physical traits or biological functions. Natural selection is the process that drives the majority of evolutionary changes. However other changes that are not genetic, such as increases in muscle mass due to diet or exercise can't be considered examples of evolution since they're not inherited by future generations.
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 that it has been tested over time. They argue that the theory should not be taught in schools. In South Korea, creationists have gained a few victories in their efforts to eliminate evolution from high-school textbooks, including the removal of any references to the evolutionary roots of humans as well as the Archaeopteryx feathered dinosaur thought to be the ancestral bird's ancestor.
Why is Evolution important to humanity?
Evolution explains how the Earth and all its living species came to be. It is also one of the foundations of biology, and helps scientists discover how living things operate and develop. Evolution also reveals the relationships between species. Scientists study evolution to gain a better understanding of the natural world and to discover useful information like the development of new drugs.
The evidence for evolution of biological species is overwhelming. There is no other scientific theory that explains so much about the universe as well as life on earth, and it has been rigorously tested and confirmed over a long period of time. Many people, and even religious leaders, are in support of the scientific theory. It is important to note that evolutionary biology does not conflict with religious beliefs, since the theory is based on processes, objects, and events in the physical world.
Many religious people have come up with a way of reconciling evolution with their beliefs. Certain Christians for instance, believe that God created everything through evolution, and that humans share a common ancestry to other animals.
It is essential that science educators stand up for the teaching of evolution. In certain countries, anti-evolution sentiment has been rising. In the United States some states have taken measures to restrict teaching of evolution. In South Korea, a group known as the Society for Textbook Revise (STR) which is an offshoot of the Korea Association for Creation Research is urging the removal of textbooks about the evolution of horses and the Avian ancestor Archaeopteryx.
While these are disturbing developments, it is also important to remember that the evidence for evolution is overwhelming. The evidence for evolution is based on a variety of sources, such as fossils, genetics, and the behavior of living creatures. Other scientists independently confirm the evidence.
The majority of scientists support the theory of evolution. This support is based on various reasons. Some scientists are studying evolution to discover practical solutions such as the development of new medicines or enhancing existing ones. Others do this to improve the quality of animal and plant species, usually for the benefit of humans. Some scientists are just curious, whereas others have an intense faith in God.
What is Creationism?
Creationists are those who believe that God created the universe and all that is in it. They also believe the Bible is God's word and should be interpreted in a literal manner. While not all creationists are Christian however, many are. Creationists are typically divided into two groups: Young Earth Creationists (YEC) or old earth creationists.
The most well-known type of creationist is the YEC. They believe that God created the universe in the exact manner described in the Bible. YECs believe that the biblical account of the six days of creation is literal and that the universe and life on Earth was created only recently.
OECs are less well known however they're just as committed to their beliefs as YECs. OECs believe that the universe and all life on click here Earth are billions of years old and that evolution is a myth.
Both forms of creationism reject the notion that scientific principles like natural selection and abiogenesis could explain the origin of life on Earth. They argue that evolution is impossible, because it would require miracles. The pioneers of modern scientific thought resisted miracles because they feared they might lose their credibility.
Some creationists accept naturalistic evolution and also special creation. They refer to their belief as "theistic evolution." This is also referred to as "continuous evolutionism" or the "evolution of species created." The theory says that God creates original species 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 one event called the Great Flood. These creationists believe that the first species were created at the same time and that they developed slowly afterwards. They deny the notion of abiogenesis and claim that self-replicating living cannot come from nonliving matter.
In general, the creationists oppose teaching evolution at schools. Numerous professional associations, like the National Science Teachers Association and the Association for Science Teacher Education endorse this view and so do the American Anthropological Association and the Geological Society of America. However, some researchers and educational institutions are more flexible, and allow the inclusion of both evolution and creationism in their curriculum.
What is Creationism?
When people think of the concept of creationism, many of them think of the United States. South Korea also has an anti-evolutionist group. The publishers of high school textbooks have recently declared that they will be removing references to evolution from their textbooks. A group dubbed the Society for Textbook Revise (STR) is an unofficial body that is an offshoot of the Korea Association for Creation Research, has led the drive. The STR has scored its first victory by removing from textbooks the evidence of the evolution and ancestor of the bird, the Archeopteryx. The next step is to eliminate the finch-research of Darwin's famed as well as on human evolution.
STR claims that it has the support of around 4,000 families and individuals. The goal, according to STR is to cleanse the world of what it calls "atheist materialism" that paints an image of students as being negative. It also hopes to combat the influence of American creationists in the United States. A survey of the newest biology teachers revealed that a majority do not believe in evolution. The reasons for this are not clear however, they could be related to religious beliefs or the absence of full-time creation scientists across the country.
The KACR has achieved many things through its lectures and seminar events. It publishes a bimonthly magazine called Creation and the book. One of them is a textbook on the natural sciences with a creationist viewpoint, which has sparked interest among college students. In 1991, a professor along with a minister, began teaching Creation Science at one university. It is still taught today.
On August 6-7, 1993, coinciding with 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 given lectures on creation science in major seminaries as well. KACR plans to create a Creation Science Education Center in the near future.