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Line 16: − + + − + − + − + − <br>(4) Creationism is not science. It is religion. To qualify as science, an intellectual structure must adhere to the basic [[scientific method]], entailing a hypothesis, observational and examinable (if not repeatable) proof, and then a [[theory]], which explains a facet of the scientific world. Evolutionary theory is based on observation of a shifting fossil record over time, for example, from which complex biological theories are extracted, and then put to the test every day. Evolution is observable & repeatable; for example, cold strains evolve resistance to [[antibiotics]]. − − <br>In contrast, Creationism is based on faith, and no observable facts. This makes it an enthralling tale and a valid religious belief. Tragically, though, it is bereft of scientific use. − − <br>It should be noted that the scientific definition of "theory" contrasts with the common usage of the term: a scientific theory is a proven rule subject to modification by further experimentation. Thus, a scientific theory is reliable, whereas a theory about who ate the last cookie is, well, not so reliable. Exemplum gratis, the "theory" of evolution has in fact been proven time & time again. Line 37:
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Reverted edits by AmesG (Talk); changed back to last version by Conservative
Creationism is a term with a variety of meanings. Most generally, creationism is the belief that the universe was originally created by God.[http://www.creationism.org/english/index.htm]. Creationism can also mean a belief in a creation according to a literal interpretation of Genesis. Some forms of creationism (especially the more literal forms) conflict with [[evolution|evolutionary ideas]] while others do not.[http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v11/i4/christian.asp]. Creationism is a valid religious belief, but not a valid scientific theory or construct.
Creationism is a term with a variety of meanings. Most generally, creationism is the belief that the universe was originally created by God.[http://www.creationism.org/english/index.htm]. Creationism can also mean a belief in a creation according to a literal interpretation of Genesis. Some forms of creationism (especially the more literal forms) conflict with [[evolution|evolutionary ideas]] while others do not.[http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v11/i4/christian.asp].
== Types of Creationists ==
== Types of Creationists ==
A Primer on the Discernment of Intelligent Design'' Touchstone Magazine, Volume 12, Issue 4 July-August 1999</ref>, while Dembski and others have given other definitions that do not include any specific theological references. Arguably, intelligent design can be summarized as the notion that at some point in the past, in some way, some entity(possibly God) created life, or altered life at some point, or created the universe to be compatable with life. Behe and others have stated that Intelligent Design is not religious in nature but in the [[Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District|Dover trial]], a [[US Federal District Judge]] (the lowest level federal judge of a general jurisdiction court) ruled as a one of his findings that Intelligent Design was essentially religious in nature. However, the conservative publication WorldNetDaily wrote, "A historic judicial ruling against intelligent design theory hailed as a "broad, stinging rebuke" and a "masterpiece of wit, scholarship and clear thinking" actually was "cut and pasted" from a brief by [[ACLU]] lawyers and includes many of their provable errors, contends the Seattle-based Discovery Institute." [http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=53330]
A Primer on the Discernment of Intelligent Design'' Touchstone Magazine, Volume 12, Issue 4 July-August 1999</ref>, while Dembski and others have given other definitions that do not include any specific theological references. Arguably, intelligent design can be summarized as the notion that at some point in the past, in some way, some entity(possibly God) created life, or altered life at some point, or created the universe to be compatable with life. Behe and others have stated that Intelligent Design is not religious in nature but in the [[Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District|Dover trial]], a [[US Federal District Judge]] (the lowest level federal judge of a general jurisdiction court) ruled as a one of his findings that Intelligent Design was essentially religious in nature. However, the conservative publication WorldNetDaily wrote, "A historic judicial ruling against intelligent design theory hailed as a "broad, stinging rebuke" and a "masterpiece of wit, scholarship and clear thinking" actually was "cut and pasted" from a brief by [[ACLU]] lawyers and includes many of their provable errors, contends the Seattle-based Discovery Institute." [http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=53330]
== Critiques & Fallacies in Creationism ==
== Attempts to Criticize Creationism ==
<br>(1) Some critics of creationism assert that [[St. Augustine of Hippo]] disfavored some literal interpretations of the Bible. For example, they claim that St. Augustine, in his [[On Christian Doctrine]], discussed the multiple layers that Biblical interpreters should sometimes engage in. Under the view of these critics, the seven-day creation in the Book of Genesis should be taken as symbolic.
<br>(1) [[St. Augustine of Hippo]] disfavored a literal interpretations of the Bible. For example, in his seminal work, [[On Christian Doctrine]], he discussed the multiple layers that Biblical interpreters should sometimes engage in. Under the view of these critics, the seven-day creation in the Book of Genesis should be taken as symbolic, as he viewed the rest of creation. Interestingly, Augustine's moderate theistic approach leaves way for fusion of religion and accepted science (evolutionary models & the [[Big Bang]]), suggesting that science and religion can truly play nicely.
<br>In fact, St. Augustine did not reject creation or creationism. He did not propose or accept any view of man as anything other than a creation of God in the image of God, exactly as the Bible says.
<br>(2) [[Young-earth creationism]], which holds that the earth is about 7,000 years old, is inconsistent with human history, which dates to at least 10,000 BC, with oldest ruins of [[Ancient Egypt]], and the first city of [[Ur]] in [[Mesopotamia]]. The [[fossil]] record also contradicts young-earth creationism, quite plainly. Young-earth creationists suggest that both are fictions, or perhaps tests created by God to confound Man and test his faith. However, at some point [[Occum's Razor]] must kick in.
<br>(2) [[Young-earth creationism]], which holds that the earth is about 7000 years old, is consistent with many observations, such as the existence and nature of the freshwater Great Lakes, the young [[moon]] and the Grand Canyon. Opponents repeatedly attempt to censor the sale of publications by the U.S. Parks Service near the Grand Canyon containing differing views of its development.
<br>(3) Creationism is accepted by a good deal of Americans. However, public acceptance alone does not indicate accuracy (if all the kids in junior high jumped off a bridge, would you?). Instead, one should look to the seminal research institutions of the world, all of which harbor [[evolutionary biology]] departments, exemplum gratis [http://eeb.rice.edu/]. These institutions correctly recognize that [[evolutionary biology]], and not creationism, is the foundation of modern medicine and genetic science, all of which hold great promise for powering America's economy of knowledge into the 21st Century, unless restrained by petty [[politics]].
<br>(3) Creationism is accepted by most Americans and by the most significant scientists in history. Intolerance by opponents of creationism has led to a silencing of contemporary scientists on this issue, but many risk their careers by speaking out against theories that earth is somehow billions of years old.
*[http://creationwiki.org/Main_Page CreationWiki]
*[http://creationwiki.org/Main_Page CreationWiki]
*[http://www.reasons.org Reasons To Believe]
*[http://www.reasons.org Reasons To Believe]
==References and Footnotes==
==References and Footnotes==
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