Evolution Korea
For a long time, the Korean scientific community avoided engaging with the creationists out of fear of giving the movement more credence. But silence is no any longer an option.
The STR has been fighting to remove information about evolution from textbooks including the discovery that the feathered Archaeopteryx was an ancestral bird. This is just one aspect of how the development paradigm has evolved.
What is Evolution?
The theory of evolution is a scientific one that explains the evolution of the genetic traits of living organisms over time. The theory is based upon the fact that living creatures adapt to their environment, which can result in changes to genes or entire genomes. These changes can, over generations lead to the emergence of new species. The predominant theory of evolution is called natural selection, which describes the process through which individuals with advantageous characteristics survive and reproduce more frequently than those with disadvantageous characteristics. This differential reproduction can, over time, lead to the emergence and evolution of new species.
The term "evolution" originates from the Latin word for unrolling or revealing, but the concept itself has a myriad of meanings since it took 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 another species. The term"transmutation" was coined by the Lamarck's disciple, embryologist Etienne Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, to describe this idea. Charles Lyell, who published the second volume of his Principles of Geology in 1833 challenged this notion and borrowed the term "evolution" from Geoffroy's student to describe the notion that species are evolving into new species in an orderly and predictable manner.
In recent years, evolutionary biologists have defined evolution as a process that occurs when living things develop characteristics that improve their chances of survival or ability to reproduce offspring. Over time this genetic variation can result in the development of entirely new physical or biological functions in the population. Such a change in gene frequencies is called natural selection, and is the primary driver behind evolutionary change. Non-genetic changes, such as an increase in muscle mass due to exercise or diet, can't be considered to be evolutionary because they don't pass on to the next generation.
Creationists make the argument that evolution is controversial even though it has been proven valid by a multitude of scientific tests and that it has stood the test of time. They argue that the theory shouldn't be taught in schools. In South Korea, creationists have had a few wins in their campaign to exclude evolution from high school textbooks, including the removal of any references to the evolutionary history of humans, as well as the Archaeopteryx feathered dinosaur believed to be the ancestral bird's ancestor.
Why is Evolution Important to Humanity?
Evolution explains the origins and evolution of Earth and all living species. It is also one of the pillars of biology, and helps scientists discover how living things operate and develop. Evolution also shows how different species are interconnected. Scientists study evolution to understand the natural world and to discover useful information like the development of new medicines.
The evidence for evolution is overwhelming. There is no other scientific theory that can explain so much about the universe as well as life on earth and has been rigorously tested and confirmed over a long period of time. Many people, including religious leaders, are in favor of the theory of evolution as a scientific fact. It is essential to remember that evolutionary biology doesn't conflict with religious beliefs as it only deals with physical objects, events, and processes.
Many religious people have come up with a way of reconciling evolution with their beliefs. Certain Christians, for example, believe that God created everything through evolution and that humans share an ancestry that is shared with other animals.
It is crucial that science educators stand up for teaching evolution. In some nations around the world there is a growing anti-evolutionist sentiment. In the United States, efforts to restrict the teaching of evolution have made some progress in a few states. In South Korea, a group called the Society for Textbook Revise (STR) which is an offshoot from the Korea Association for Creation Research is pushing for the removal of textbook content on the evolution of horses as well as the Avian ancestral Archaeopteryx.
It is vital to remember that the evidence in support of 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 vast majority of scientists support the theory of evolution. The reason for this is many different reasons. Scientists study evolution to discover practical solutions such as developing new drugs and other treatments, while others use it to improve the quality of animal and plant species, mostly to benefit humans. Some are simply curious, and still others have a deep religious belief in God and are seeking to understand how the universe works.
What is Creationism?
Creationists believe that God created all things in the universe. They also believe that the Bible is the word of God and should be taken literally. Although not all creationists are Christian however, many are. Creationists typically fall into one of 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 the exact way described in the Bible. They believe that the biblical account of six days of creation was literal and that the universe as well as life on Earth were created just recently.
OECs are less well known, but they're just as committed to their beliefs as YECs. OECs believe that the universe and life on Earth are billions of years old and they believe that evolution is a myth.
Both types of creationism reject the notion that scientific principles such as natural selection and abiogenesis could explain the origin of life on Earth. They claim that evolution is not possible because it requires miracles. please click for source of modern science shunned miracles in fear that they could lose their credibility.
Some creationists accept naturalistic evolution and also special creation and refer to their belief as "theistic evolution." This is also referred to as "continuous evolutionism" or the "evolution of species created." This theory states that God creates the original species and then allows these to evolve over time. These evolutionary changes will eventually produce new species that are similar to the original.
Other creationists hold that God created the universe and all living things in one event, known as the Great Flood. They believe that the first species were created at the same time, and that they developed gradually afterward. Going In this article deny the notion of abiogenesis and assert that self-replicating life cannot arise from non-living matter.
In general, the creationists are against teaching evolution in schools. This is a position that is backed by a myriad of professional associations such as the National Science Teachers Association, the Association for Science Teacher Education and the American Anthropological Association, and the Geological Society of America. Some academic institutions and scientists are however more flexible and permit both creationism and evolution to be incorporated into their curriculum.
What is Creationism in Korea?
When people think about creationism, they often think of the United States. However, South Korea is also home to an anti-evolutionist movement. The publishers of high school textbooks have recently announced that they will remove references to evolution from their editions. A group known as the Society for Textbook Revise (STR) is an independent organization that is an offshoot of the Korea Association for Creation Research which is the driving force behind the campaign. The STR has scored its first victory by removing from textbooks the evidence of the evolution and ancestor of the avian, the Archeopteryx. Its sights are now set on the removal of excerpts from Darwin's infamous finch research and on human evolution, too.
STR claims to have the support of 4000 families and individuals. Its aim is to root out what it believes is the "atheist materialism" that paints an unhopeful worldview for students. It also hopes to combat the influence of American creationists who live in the US. A survey of the newest biology teachers revealed that a majority do not believe in the concept of evolution. The reasons for this aren't entirely certain, but could be related to religious beliefs or the absence of creation scientists in the US.
The KACR has achieved a number of things in the past through seminars and lectures. It publishes a bimonthly news magazine, Creation, and has published books. One of these was a textbook on natural sciences with a creationist stance. It sparked interest among college communities. In 1991, a professor along with a minister, began teaching Creation Science at one university. It is still taught to students today.
On August 6th and 7th of 1993, KACR hosted a second International Symposium on Creation Research. It was held in conjunction with the opening of the World Expo in Daejeon. Six lecturers from abroad, including ICR's John Morris and Steven Austin, spoke to thousands of people. KACR members and KACR have also given talks on creation science in prestigious seminaries. KACR plans to establish a Creation Science Education Center in the future.