Are Evolution Korea As Vital As Everyone Says?
Are Evolution Korea As Vital As Everyone Says?
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Evolution Korea
For a long time, the Korean scientific community avoided working with creationists due to the fear of giving the movement more credibility. But silence is no any longer an option.
The STR has been fighting to eliminate content from textbooks that explain evolution, including the discovery of the feathered dinosaur Archaeopteryx as an ancestor of birds. This is only one example of how the development paradigm has evolved.
What is Evolution?
The theory of evolution is a branch of science that explains changes in genetic characteristics over time. The theory is based on fact that living organisms adapt to their environment, which can cause variations in genes, or even entire genomes. These changes can over many generations lead to the creation of new species. The most popular theory of evolution is natural selection, which explains the process by which those with favorable characteristics live and reproduce more often than those with disadvantages. Over time, this differential reproduction can lead to the emergence of entirely new species.
The word "evolution" comes from the Latin word for unrolling or revealing, but the concept itself has had many different meanings over the years as it has taken form in the sciences and elsewhere. Early evolutionists such as Erasmus Darwin (Charles’s grandfather) and Jean Baptiste de Lamarck believed that species were predetermined to change into a new species. Etienne Geoffroy St.Hilaire was Lamarck's embryologist disciple who coined the term "transmutation" to describe this idea. Charles Lyell, in his Principles of Geology, published in 1833, attacked the idea of evolution and borrowed the term from Geoffroy’s student.
Recently, evolutionary biologists have defined evolution as a process that occurs when living things develop characteristics that enhance their chances of survival or ability to reproduce offspring. Over time this genetic variation can cause the emergence of entirely new biological functions or physical traits in a population. Natural selection is the main force behind most evolutionary changes. Other changes that aren't genetic, such as an increase in muscle mass from exercise or diet, can't be considered evolution because they aren't passed on to the next generation.
Despite the fact that evolution has stood the test of time and a multitude of scientific experiments Creationists have taken advantage of the notion that the theory is controversial and argue that it shouldn't be taught in school. In South Korea, creationists have gained a few victories in their campaign to exclude evolution from high school textbooks and have also gotten rid of any references to the evolutionary origins of humans and the Archaeopteryx feathered dinosaur that is thought to be an ancestral bird's parent.
Why is Evolution Important?
Evolution explains how Earth and all its living creatures came into existence. It also serves as a basis of biology, and aids scientists learn how living organisms function and develop. Evolution also shows how various species are connected. Scientists study evolution to better understand nature and make useful discoveries such as new treatments.
The evidence for biological evolution is overwhelming. There is no other scientific theory that can explain so much about the universe and 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. It is important to remember that evolutionary biology isn't in interfere with religious beliefs since it only deals with physical objects, events and processes.
In fact many religious individuals have discovered ways to reconcile their beliefs with evolutionary theory. Certain Christians for instance, believe that God created everything through evolution, and that humans share an ancestry that is shared with other animals.
It is essential for scientists to stand up for the teaching of evolution. In some countries, the anti-evolution movement has been rising. In the United States, efforts to restrict the teaching of evolution have made some progress in some states. In South Korea, a group known as the Society for Textbook Revise, an offshoot of the Korea Association for Creation Research (KAC) is pushing for textbook content on the evolutionary history of horses and their ancestral avian species Archaeopteryx.
It is vital to remember that the evidence in favor of evolution is overwhelming. The evidence comes from a broad variety 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 agree with the theory of evolution. The reasons behind this belief are diverse. Scientists study evolution to make practical discoveries, 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, while others have an intense belief in God.
What is Creationism?
Creationists believe that God created all things in the universe. They also believe the Bible is God's word and should be interpreted in a literal manner. Although not all creationists are Christian, they are a majority. Creationists generally fall into one of two categories: Young Earth creationists (YEC) and old earth creationists (OEC).
YECs are the most well known type of creationist, and they believe that God created the world exactly as described in the Bible. They believe that the biblical account of the six days of creation is true and that the universe and life on Earth was created only recently.
OECs may be less popular, but their beliefs are as fierce as those of YECs. OECs believe that the universe and all life on Earth are billions of years old and they believe that evolution is a myth.
Both types of creationism reject that scientific principles such as biogenesis and natural selection could explain how life came to be on Earth. They claim that evolution is impossible, because it requires miracles. The founders of modern science shunned miracles in fear that they might lose their credibility.
Some creationists accept naturalistic evolutionary as well as special creation. They refer to their belief as "theistic evolution." This is also known as "continuous evolutionism" or the "evolution of the created species." The theory suggests that God creates original species and then allows them to change over time. These evolutionary changes eventually will result in new species similar to the original.
Some creationists believe that God created all living things and the universe in one event called the Great Flood. Creationists believe that the original species were created simultaneously, and that they evolved slowly afterward. They also reject the idea of abiogenesis, and argue that the creation of self-replicating organisms from nonliving matter is unattainable.
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 scientists and educational institutions are however more flexible and allow both creationism and evolution to be incorporated into their curriculum.
What is Creationism in Korea?
When people think of creationism typically think of the United States. South Korea also has an anti-evolution group. Publishers of high school textbooks have recently declared that they will be removing references to evolution from their books. 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 achieved its first victory by taking away examples of the evolution of the horse and an avian ancestor called the Archeopteryx in textbooks. It is now focusing on removing excerpts from Darwin's notorious finch research as well as on human evolution as well.
STR claims to have the support of 4000 families and individuals. Its mission, it states is to clear 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 country. A survey of trainee biology teachers revealed that around half do not believe in evolution. The causes are not evident, but they could be due to religion or the absence of creation scientists in the country.
The KACR has achieved many things in the past through seminars and lectures. It also publishes a bimonthly magazine called Creation and an ebook. The most notable of these is a text on the natural 에볼루션 블랙잭 sciences with an evolutionary perspective that has sparked interest among college students. In 1991, a professor and minister began teaching Creation Science in one university, and it continues to be taught until 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 abroad including ICR's John Morris and Steven Austin, spoke to an audience of several thousand. KACR and its members have given lectures on creation science at major seminaries too. KACR is planning to create a Creation Science Education Center.