Evolution Korea
For a long time, Korea's scientific community has refrained from engaging with creationists, afraid that it could increase the credibility of the movement. But silence is no anymore an option.
The STR has been fighting to eliminate the content on evolution from textbooks, including the discovery that the feathered Archaeopteryx was an ancestral bird. This is only one aspect of how the concept of development has evolved.
What is Evolution?
Evolution is a theory of science that explains the change in the genetic traits of living organisms over time. The theory is based upon the fact that living creatures adapt to their environment, which may result in variations in genes or entire genomes. These changes could over generations lead to the creation of new species. The most popular theory of evolution is natural selection, which describes the process by which those with favorable characteristics live and reproduce more frequently than those with less favorable characteristics. This differing reproduction may eventually lead to the creation and evolution of new species.
The term "evolution" originates from the Latin word meaning unrolling or revealing. However, the concept itself has had many different meanings as it has taken form in the sciences and in other fields. Some early evolutionists, including Jean Baptiste de Lamarck and Erasmus Darwin (Charles's grandfather) believed that the existing species transformed into other species in a planned manner. Etienne Geoffroy St.Hilaire was Lamarck's embryologist disciple who coined the term "transmutation" to describe this idea. Charles Lyell, who published the second volume of his Principles of Geology in 1833, attacked this idea and borrowed the term "evolution" from Geoffroy's student to describe the view that existing species evolve into different species in a gradual and predictable way.
In recent years, evolutionary biologists have defined evolution as a process when living organisms develop traits that increase their chances of survival or the ability to produce offspring. Over time, genetic variability can lead a population to develop new physical traits or biological functions. Such a change in gene frequencies is called natural selection, and it is the main driver of evolutionary changes. However, non-genetic changes such as increases in the muscle mass as a result of diet or exercise can't be considered examples of evolution because they are 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 won a few victories against evolution in textbooks for high schools. This includes the removal of all references to the evolutionary roots of humans as well as Archaeopteryx - a feathered dinosaur that is believed to be the bird's ancestor.
Why is Evolution Important?
Evolution explains the origins of Earth and all living species. It also serves as a basis of biology, and aids scientists learn how living organisms function and grow. Evolution also shows how different species are linked. Scientists study evolution in order to better understand nature and make useful discoveries such as new medicines.
The evidence for biological evolution is overwhelming. No other scientific theory can explain more about the universe as the life on earth. It has been rigorously examined and confirmed for many years. Many people, even some religious leaders, are in favor of the scientific theory. It is important to remember that evolutionary biology does not conflict with religious beliefs, since the theory deals only with processes, objects, and events in the physical world.
In fact many religious individuals have discovered ways to reconcile their beliefs with evolution. For instance some Christians believe that God created the world through evolution and that humans share an ancestry with other animals.
It is important for science educators to advocate for the teaching of evolution. In some countries, the opposition to evolution has been growing. In the United States some states have taken steps to limit teaching of evolution. 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 textbooks to include content on the evolution of horses and their avian ancestor Archaeopteryx.
While these are troubling developments, it is also important to keep in mind that the evidence for evolution is overwhelming. The evidence for evolution is based on a variety of sources, such as fossils, genetics, and even the behavior of living creatures. Other scientists independently verify the evidence.
The vast majority of scientists support the theory of evolution. The reasons behind this belief vary. Some scientists study evolution to discover practical solutions for example, such as the development of medicines and other treatments, while others are driven by an interest in improving the quality of life for animals and plant species, generally to benefit humans. Some are simply curious, and others have a deep faith in God and seek to know how the universe works.
What is Creationism?
Creationists are those who believe that God created the universe and all that is in it. They also believe that the Bible is God's word and should be believed to be true. Although not all creationists are Christian but they are a majority. Creationists are generally divided into two groups: Young Earth Creationists (YEC) or old earth creationists.
The most common type of creationist is the YEC. They believe that God created the universe exactly in the manner described in the Bible. They believe that the biblical account of six days of creation was literal and that the universe and life on Earth were only created recently.
OECs are not as well-known, but they're just as passionate about their beliefs as YECs. OECs believe that the universe as well as Earth are billions-of-years old and believe that evolution is a lie.
Both types of creationism reject that scientific principles such as biogenesis and natural selection could explain how life started on Earth. They argue that evolution is impossible because it would require an extraordinary event, and that the scientists who founded modern science rejected miracles out of 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 called "continuous creationism" or "evolution from the original species." The theory suggests that God creates the original species and then allows these to change over time. These evolution changes will eventually result in new species that are similar to the original.
Other creationists hold that God created the universe and all living things during a single event, known as the Great Flood. Creationists believe that all species were created at the same time and then slowly evolved. They reject the concept of abiogenesis and assert that self-replicating life can't come from non-living matter.
In general, creationists are against teaching evolution in schools. This position is supported by a myriad of professional associations, including the National Science Teachers Association, the Association for Science Teacher Education, the American Anthropological Association, and the Geological Society of America. Certain scientists and educational institutions are, however, more flexible and allow creationism and evolution to be included in their curricula.
What is Creationism in Korea?
When people think of the concept of creationism, they often think of the United States. South Korea also has an anti-evolutionist group. check here The publishers of high school textbooks have recently announced that they will remove references to evolution from their textbooks. The Society for Textbook Revise, an independent organization that is an offshoot of the Korea Association for Creation Research (KACCR) is the one who has led this effort. The STR has achieved its first victory by removing from textbooks the evidence of the evolution and ancestor of an avian, called the Archeopteryx. The next step is to remove portions of Darwin's notorious finch-research as well as on human evolution.
STR claims that it has the backing of 4,000 families and members. Its mission is to cut out what it regards as the "atheist materialism" that creates a bleak worldview for students. It also seeks to counter the influence of American creationists in the United States. A survey of students in biology found that half didn't believe in evolution. The reasons aren't clear, but could include religion or the absence of creation scientists in the country.
The KACR achieved many things through its seminars and lectures in the past. It also publishes a bimonthly magazine called Creation and an ebook. 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, together with a minister began teaching Creation Science at one university. It is still taught in the present.
On August 6-7 the 7th of August 1993, which coincided with the World Expo opened in Daejeon, KACR held a second International Symposium on Creation Research. Six lecturers from around the world including ICR's John Morris, Duane Gish and Steven Austin spoke to audiences of a few thousand. KACR members and KACR have also presented lectures on creation science in major seminaries. KACR intends to establish a Creation Science Education Center.