Evolution Korea
Until recently the Korean scientific community avoided engaging with creationists, afraid that it could boost the credibility of the group. But silence is no any longer an option.
The STR has been campaigning to get rid of textbooks that describe evolution, including the discovery of the feathered dinosaur Archaeopteryx as an ancestor of birds. But 에볼루션 코리아 is merely one aspect of the evolution of the development paradigm.
What is Evolution?
The theory of evolution is a branch of science that explains changes in genetic traits over time. The theory is based on the fact that living creatures adapt to their environment, which could lead to variations in genes or entire genomes. These changes could over generations lead to the emergence 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 often than those with disadvantageous characteristics. In time, this disparity in reproduction may lead to the development of entirely new species.
The word "evolution" is derived from Latin for revealing or unrolling, has been used in a variety of different ways as the concept has changed, both in science as well as elsewhere. Early evolutionists like Erasmus Darwin (Charles’s grandfather) and Jean Baptiste de Lamarck believed that species were predestined to change into a new species. Etienne Geoffroy St.Hilaire was Lamarck's embryologist student who invented the term "transmutation" to describe this view. 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 view that species are evolving into new species in a gradual and predictable manner.
Recently, evolutionary biologists have defined evolution as a process when living things develop characteristics that increase their chances of survival or the ability to produce offspring. In time the genetic variability could cause the emergence of completely new biological functions or physical traits in a population. The shift in gene frequency is known as natural selection and it is the main driver of evolutionary change. Non-genetic changes, such as an increase in muscle mass from exercise or diet, cannot be considered to be evolutionary because they aren't passed on to the next generation.
Despite the fact that evolution has withstood the test of time and thousands of scientific studies however, creationists have taken advantage of the notion that the theory is controversial to argue that it shouldn't be taught in school. In South Korea, creationists won some victories against evolution in textbooks for high schools. This includes the removal of all references to the evolutionary roots of humans and Archaeopteryx which is a feathered dinosaur believed to be the bird's ancestor.
Why is Evolution Important?
Evolution explains how the Earth and all living species evolved. It is one of the fundamentals of biology, and aids scientists discover how living things operate and grow. Evolution also shows how various species are linked. Scientists study evolution in order to better comprehend nature and make important discoveries, such as the development of new drugs.
The evidence for evolution is overwhelming. There is no other scientific theory that explains more about the universe and the life on our planet. It has been rigorously scrutinized and confirmed for a number of years. Many people, including religious leaders, believe in the scientific theory of evolution. It is important to remember that evolutionary biology doesn't interfere with religious beliefs, as the theory deals only with things, events and processes within the physical world.
In fact, many religious people have come up with ways to reconcile their beliefs with evolutionary theory. For example, some Christians believe that God created the universe through evolution and that humans have an ancestral connection with other animals.
It is essential that science educators stand up for the teaching of evolution. Unfortunately, in some countries around the globe there is a growing anti-evolutionist sentiment. In the United States, efforts to limit the teaching of evolution have made some progress in a few states. In South Korea, a group known as the Society for Textbook Revise (STR), an offshoot of the Korea Association for Creation Research is pushing for the removal of textbook content about the evolution of horses as well as the Avian ancestral Archaeopteryx.
It is vital to remember, however, that the evidence in favor of evolution is overwhelming. The evidence for evolution comes from many sources, including fossils, genetics and the behavior of living creatures. The evidence is also independently verified by other scientists.
The majority of scientists supports the theory of evolution. The reasons behind this belief vary. Certain scientists study evolution in order to make practical discoveries for example, such as the development of medicines, while others are motivated by the desire to improve the lives of animals and plant species, typically for the benefit of humans. Some are simply curious, while others have a deep faith in God and are seeking to understand how the universe functions.
What is Creationism?
Creationists are those who believe that God created the universe and everything within it. They also believe that the Bible is the word of God and should be taken literally. While some creationists are not Christian however, many are. Creationists generally fall into 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 exactly in the manner described in the Bible. They believe that the biblical account of the six days of creation was true and that the universe and life on Earth were created only recently.
OECs are not as well-known However, they are just as enthusiastic about their beliefs as YECs. OECs believe that the universe and Earth are billions of years old and believe that evolution is a lie.
Both forms of creationism reject the notion that scientific principles such as natural selection and abiogenesis can explain the origins of life on Earth. They claim that evolution is impossible because it requires a miracle, and that the founders of modern science rejected miracles out of fear of losing credibility.
Some creationists accept naturalistic evolution and also special creation. They consider their views to be "theistic evolution." This is also referred to as "continuous evolutionism" or the "evolution of the created species." The theory says that God creates original species and allows them to evolve over time. Then, these evolutionary changes will create new species that are identical to the original species.
Some creationists believe that God created all living things and the universe in one 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 also reject the idea of abiogenesis and argue that the self-replicating creation of organisms from nonliving matter is not possible.
In general, the creationists are against teaching of evolution in schools. This is supported by a myriad of professional associations, including the National Science Teachers Association, the Association for Science Teacher Education and the American Anthropological Association, and the Geological Society of America. However, some researchers and educational institutions are more flexible and permit the inclusion of creationism and evolution in 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 recently announced that they would eliminate the mention of evolution in their books. A group called the Society for Textbook Revise (STR) is an unofficial body that is an offshoot of the Korea Association for Creation Research which is the driving force behind the campaign. STR has won its first victory by taking away instances of the evolution of the horse as well as an avian ancestor called the Archeopteryx, from 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 around 4000 families and individuals. Its goal is to weed out what it sees 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 trainees in biology revealed that half of them did not believe evolution. The causes are not certain, but could be related to religion or the absence of creation scientists in the US.
The KACR has achieved a lot through its seminars and lectures in the past. It also publishes a bimonthly magazine called Creation and an ebook. The most notable of these is a text on the natural sciences, with an orthodox creationist perspective, which sparked interest in college communities. In 1991, a professor and minister began teaching Creation Science in one university and it continues to be taught until today.
On August 6 and 7 in 1993, the same day that the World Expo opened in Daejeon, KACR held a second International Symposium on Creation Research. 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 giving lectures on creation science in major seminaries too. KACR plans to establish a Creation Science Education Center.