Evolution Korea
In the past the Korean scientific community was hesitant about engaging with the creationists out of fear of giving the movement more credence. The silence is no longer an alternative.
The STR has been fighting to eliminate content from textbooks that discuss evolution, including the discovery of the feathered dinosaur Archaeopteryx as an ancestor of birds. But this is merely one aspect of the development paradigm's evolution.
What is Evolution?
Evolution is a scientific theory that explains the evolution of the genetic characteristics of living organisms over time. The theory is based on the fact that living organisms adapt to their environment which can result in changes in genes or even whole genomes. Over the course of many generations these changes could result in the emergence of new species. The prevailing theory of evolution is called natural selection, which describes the process by which individuals with advantageous characteristics survive and reproduce more frequently than those with disadvantages. This differing reproduction may be a catalyst to the emergence and evolution of 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 over the years as it has taken form in the fields of science and in other fields. Some early evolutionists, like Jean Baptiste de Lamarck and Erasmus Darwin (Charles's grandfather), believed that existing species changed into other species in a predetermined fashion. Etienne Geoffroy St-Hilaire, Lamarck's embryologist disciple who invented the term "transmutation" to describe this theory. Charles Lyell, who published the second volume of his Principles of Geology in 1833 opposed this notion and borrowed the term "evolution" from Geoffroy's student to describe the view that existing species evolve into different species in an orderly and predictable manner.
More recently, evolutionary biologists have defined evolution as a process that occurs when living creatures develop characteristics that increase their chances of survival or ability to produce offspring. Over time this genetic variation can cause the emergence of entirely new physical or biological traits in a population. This shift in gene frequency is known as natural selection and is the primary driver behind evolutionary changes. However non-genetic changes like the increase in the muscle mass as a result of diet or exercise cannot be considered to be examples of evolution since they are not inherited by the next generation.
Despite the fact that evolution has stood the test of time and thousands of scientific tests however, creationists have taken advantage of the idea that evolution is controversial and argue that it should not be taught in schools. In South Korea, creationists have won a few victories in their campaign to exclude evolution from high school textbooks, including the removal of any mention of the evolutionary history of humans, as well as the Archaeopteryx, a feathered dinosaur believed to be an ancestor of birds.
Why is Evolution Important?
Evolution explains how the Earth and all its living creatures came into existence. It is also a fundamental part of biology, and aids scientists understand how living organisms work and grow. Evolution also shows how different species are connected. Scientists study evolution to gain a better understanding of the natural world, and also to make important discoveries including the development of new drugs.
The evidence for biological evolution is overwhelming. No other scientific theory can explain as much about the universe and the life on earth. It has been thoroughly studied and verified for many years. Many people, including some religious leaders, believe in the scientific theory of evolution. It is important to note that evolutionary biology doesn't contradict religious beliefs, as the theory only deals with processes, objects, and events in the physical world.
In fact many religious individuals have come up with ways to reconcile their beliefs with evolution. For example some Christians believe that God created the world through evolution and that humans have an ancestral connection with other animals.
It is essential for science educators to stand up for the teaching of evolution. Unfortunately, in some nations around the world, anti-evolution sentiment is growing. 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 (STR), an offshoot of the Korea Association for Creation Research, is campaigning for the elimination of textbook content about the evolution of horses and the Avian ancestor Archaeopteryx.
While these are disturbing changes, it's important to keep in mind that the evidence for evolution is overwhelming. The evidence for evolution comes from a variety of sources, including fossils, genetics, and even the behavior of living creatures. Other scientists independently confirm the evidence.
The majority of scientists agree with the theory of evolution. The reason for this is a variety of reasons. Some scientists study evolution to discover practical solutions for example, such as the development of medications, while others are motivated by an interest in improving the quality of life for animals and plant species, usually for the benefit of humans. Some scientists are just curious, whereas others have an intense belief in God.
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 as such. Although Creationists may not all be Christian, many are. Creationists generally fall into two categories: Young Earth creationists (YEC) and old earth creationists (OEC).
The YECs are the best 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 literal, and that the universe and the life on Earth started only recently.
OECs are not as well-known, but they are 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 forms of creationism reject the notion that scientific theories such as natural selection and abiogenesis are able to explain the origin of life on Earth. They argue that evolution is impossible because it requires an extraordinary event, and that the scientists who founded modern science eschewed miracles for fear of losing credibility.
Some creationists believe in both naturalistic evolution and special creation, and refer to their belief "theistic evolution." It is sometimes known as "continuous creationism" or "evolution from created kinds." The theory suggests that God creates original species and then allows these to evolve over time. In the end, these evolutionary changes will result in new species similar to the original ones.
Other creationists hold that God created the universe and all living things during a single event, known as the Great Flood. These creationists believe that the original species were created at the same time and that they grew slowly afterwards. They reject the idea of abiogenesis and assert that self-replicating life can't come from nonliving matter.
In general, the creationists oppose the teaching of evolution in schools. Numerous professional organizations, like the National Science Teachers Association and the Association for Science Teacher Education support this position as do the American Anthropological Association and the Geological Society of America. However, certain academic institutions and scientists are more flexible, and allow for the inclusion of both evolution and creationism in their curricula.
What is Creationism in Korea?
When people think of creationism, they often think of the United States. However, South Korea is also home to an anti-evolution movement. Publishers of high school textbooks have recently announced that they will eliminate references to evolution from their textbooks. The Society for Textbook Revise, an independent body that is an offshoot of the Korea Association for Creation Research (KACCR), has led this effort. STR has secured its first victory in removing instances of the evolution of the horse and an avian ancestor called the Archeopteryx from textbooks. Its sights are now set on removing snippets of Darwin's notorious finch research as well as on human evolution as well.
STR claims that it has the backing of 4,000 families and members. Its mission is to cut out what it sees as the "atheist materialism" that creates a bleak worldview for students. It also hopes to combat the influence of American Creationists in the United States. A survey of biology students teachers revealed that around half do not believe in evolution. The reasons for this are not clear however, they could be related to religion and the absence of full-time creation scientists across the country.
The KACR achieved many things through its seminars and lectures in the past. It publishes a bimonthly news magazine, Creation, and has published books. The most notable of these is a text 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 to students today.
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 abroad including ICR's John Morris, Duane Gish, and Steven Austin spoke to audiences of several thousand. KACR and its members have been delivering talks on creation science at major seminaries as well. KACR plans to create a Creation Science Education Center in the near future.