| − | '''Creationism''' is the scientific study of how [[God]] brought the [[earth]] and [[universe]] into being. Those who acknowledge the truth of the divine nature of ''Creation'' are referred to as ''Creationists''.<ref>"creationist." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 21 Mar. 2007. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/creationist>.</ref> Like any other worldview, within creationism in the [[Abrahamic religion]]s, there are various schools of thought: [[Young Earth Creationism|Young Earth Creationism]] proves that the earth is [[Counterexamples to an Old Earth|approximately 6,000 years old]]. [[Old Earth Creationism]], like [[atheism|atheistic]] [[junk science]], claims that the earth and universe are billions of years old. [[Creation science|Creationist scientists]] have proved that the [[First Law of Thermodynamics|first law of thermodynamics]] and [[Second law of thermodynamics|second law of thermodynamics]] negate an eternal [[universe]] and they also prove that these laws point to the universe being supernaturally created. <ref>[http://godevidences.net/space/lawsofscience.php Evidences for God From Space—Laws of Science]</ref><ref>Thompson, Bert, [http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2329 So Long, Eternal Universe; Hello Beginning, Hello End!], 2001 (Apologetics Press)</ref><ref>http://www.creationscience.com/onlinebook/AstroPhysicalSciences14.html</ref> Dr. [[Norman Geisler]] stated that "Both young- and old-earthers believe that God supernaturally, directly and immediately produced every kind of animal and human as separate and [[Genetics|genetically]] distinct forms of life." <ref>http://www.johnankerberg.org/Articles/science/SC0305W3.htm</ref> Dr. [[Norman Geisler]] also wrote that "both young- and old-earthers who are [[Evangelicalism|evangelical]] hold to the historicity of the Genesis account: They believe that [[Adam]] and [[Eve]] were literal people, the progenitors of the entire human race." <ref>http://www.johnankerberg.org/Articles/science/SC0305W3.htm</ref> [[Creation science|Creation scientists]] prove that the [[evolution|theory of evolution]] is in [[Counterexamples to Evolution|conflict with the evidence]] provided by the physical sciences and often cite secular scientific sources which agree with them on various points (for further details please see: [[evolution|theory of evolution]]).<ref>http://www.creation.com/content/view/21</ref> | + | '''Creationism''' is the belief that the [[earth]] and [[universe]] and the various kinds of animals and plants was created by [[God]] or some other supreme being. Those that hold the views of ''Creationism'' are referred to as ''Creationists''.<ref>"creationist." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 21 Mar. 2007. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/creationist>.</ref> Within creationism in the [[Abrahamic religion]]s, there are various ideas. In regards to those religions, one form of creationism holds that the earth is approximately 6,000 years old and is referred to as [[Young Earth Creationism|Young Earth Creationism]]. The other form of creationism is called [[Old Earth Creationism]] and holds that the earth and universe are billions of years old. [[Creation science|Creationist scientists]] believe that the [[First Law of Thermodynamics|first law of thermodynamics]] and [[Second law of thermodynamics|second law of thermodynamics]] argue against an eternal [[universe]] and they also claim that these laws point to the universe being supernaturally created. <ref>[http://godevidences.net/space/lawsofscience.php Evidences for God From Space—Laws of Science]</ref><ref>Thompson, Bert, [http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2329 So Long, Eternal Universe; Hello Beginning, Hello End!], 2001 (Apologetics Press)</ref><ref>http://www.creationscience.com/onlinebook/AstroPhysicalSciences14.html</ref> Dr. [[Norman Geisler]] stated that "Both young- and old-earthers believe that God supernaturally, directly and immediately produced every kind of animal and human as separate and [[Genetics|genetically]] distinct forms of life." <ref>http://www.johnankerberg.org/Articles/science/SC0305W3.htm</ref> Dr. [[Norman Geisler]] also wrote that "both young- and old-earthers who are [[Evangelicalism|evangelical]] hold to the historicity of the Genesis account: They believe that [[Adam]] and [[Eve]] were literal people, the progenitors of the entire human race." <ref>http://www.johnankerberg.org/Articles/science/SC0305W3.htm</ref> [[Creation science|Creation scientists]] assert that the [[evolution|theory of evolution]] is in conflict with the evidence provided by the physical sciences and often cite secular scientific sources which agree with them on various points (for further details please see: [[evolution|theory of evolution]]).<ref>http://www.creation.com/content/view/21</ref> |
| | Those who hold to young earth creationism point out that nearly every culture in the world has a [[creation]] story and a [[Great flood|flood story]]. <ref>http://www.katapi.org.uk/BAndS/ChII.htm</ref><ref>http://www.icr.org/article/108/</ref><ref>http://www.icr.org/article/570/</ref><ref>http://library.thinkquest.org/18757/creation.htm</ref><ref>http://www.grisda.org/origins/17051.htm</ref> Many of these creation accounts and flood accounts have commonalities with the account given in the book of Genesis although gross differences exist also. <ref>http://www.katapi.org.uk/BAndS/ChII.htm</ref><ref>http://www.icr.org/article/108/</ref><ref>http://www.icr.org/article/570/</ref> The [[Institute for Creation Research]] has taken the position that the similarities in regards to creation accounts to the Genesis account demonstrates that the main points of the Genesis account has been preserved. <ref>http://www.icr.org/article/108/</ref> In regards to the assertion that the similarities in flood stories around the world show common origin, young earth creationist particularly assert that there are strong similarities between the [[Global flood|Genesis flood account]] and other world flood accounts. <ref>http://www.icr.org/article/570/</ref><ref>http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v2/n2/flood-legends</ref> Also, there are remarkable similarities between Native American creation myths and the biblical account given in Genesis concerning [[creation]].<ref>[http://creation.com/indian-creation-myths Indian creation myths - CMI]</ref> | | Those who hold to young earth creationism point out that nearly every culture in the world has a [[creation]] story and a [[Great flood|flood story]]. <ref>http://www.katapi.org.uk/BAndS/ChII.htm</ref><ref>http://www.icr.org/article/108/</ref><ref>http://www.icr.org/article/570/</ref><ref>http://library.thinkquest.org/18757/creation.htm</ref><ref>http://www.grisda.org/origins/17051.htm</ref> Many of these creation accounts and flood accounts have commonalities with the account given in the book of Genesis although gross differences exist also. <ref>http://www.katapi.org.uk/BAndS/ChII.htm</ref><ref>http://www.icr.org/article/108/</ref><ref>http://www.icr.org/article/570/</ref> The [[Institute for Creation Research]] has taken the position that the similarities in regards to creation accounts to the Genesis account demonstrates that the main points of the Genesis account has been preserved. <ref>http://www.icr.org/article/108/</ref> In regards to the assertion that the similarities in flood stories around the world show common origin, young earth creationist particularly assert that there are strong similarities between the [[Global flood|Genesis flood account]] and other world flood accounts. <ref>http://www.icr.org/article/570/</ref><ref>http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v2/n2/flood-legends</ref> Also, there are remarkable similarities between Native American creation myths and the biblical account given in Genesis concerning [[creation]].<ref>[http://creation.com/indian-creation-myths Indian creation myths - CMI]</ref> |
| | Traditionally, [[Judaism]] supported young earth creationism.<ref>James-Griffiths, James,[http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/558/ Creation days and Orthodox Jewish tradition] ''Creation'' 26(2):53–55, March 2004.</ref> In addition, a majority of the early [[church fathers]] supported the young earth creationist view.<ref>Bradshaw, Robert I., [http://www.robibrad.demon.co.uk/Chapter3.htm Creationism & the Early Church, chapter 3, The Days of Genesis 1].</ref> While Young Earth Creationism is prominent in many conservative [[Protestantism|Protestant]] denominations, theologically liberal Protestant and Jewish denominations generally reject it.<ref>[[Henry Morris|Morris, Henry]], [http://www.icr.org/article/816/6/ Old-Earth Creationism] ''Back to Genesis'' April 1997.</ref><ref>[http://www.beliefnet.com/story/80/story_8029_1.html What Conservative Protestants Believe] (beliefnet).</ref><ref>Jarvik, Elaine, [http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635177399,00.html Beliefs on Darwin's evolution vary from religion to religion] Deseret Morning News 19 January 2006.</ref> The [[Roman Catholic Church]] has a cautiously positive view of the theory of evolution. <ref>http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2007-04-11-pope-evolution-creation_N.htm</ref><ref>Heneghan, Tom, [http://www.beliefnet.com/story/182/story_18220.html Catholics and Evolution: Interview with Cardinal Christoph Schönborn] (beliefnet).</ref> [[Orthodox Judaism]] currently has diverse opinions regarding young earth creationism.<ref>Rabbinical Council of America, [http://www.rabbis.org/news/article.cfm?id=100635 Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design].</ref> [[Ultra-Orthodox Judaism]] accepts young earth creationism.<ref>Winnick, Pamela R.,[http://www.arn.org/docs/ohio/toledo_winnick030702.htm Evolutionary War] ''Toledo City Paper'', March 7 2002.</ref> Islam has a variety of opinions regarding creationism and the theory of evolution. <ref>http://www.irfi.org/articles/articles_151_200/muslim_responses_to_evolution.htm</ref>[[Atheism|Atheists]] do not believe in young earth creationism and a vast majority of the most prominent and vocal defenders of the evolutionary position since [[World War II]] have been [[Atheism|atheists]].<ref>Batten, Don, [http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/737/ A ''Who’s Who'' of evolutionists] ''Creation'' 20(1):32 | | Traditionally, [[Judaism]] supported young earth creationism.<ref>James-Griffiths, James,[http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/558/ Creation days and Orthodox Jewish tradition] ''Creation'' 26(2):53–55, March 2004.</ref> In addition, a majority of the early [[church fathers]] supported the young earth creationist view.<ref>Bradshaw, Robert I., [http://www.robibrad.demon.co.uk/Chapter3.htm Creationism & the Early Church, chapter 3, The Days of Genesis 1].</ref> While Young Earth Creationism is prominent in many conservative [[Protestantism|Protestant]] denominations, theologically liberal Protestant and Jewish denominations generally reject it.<ref>[[Henry Morris|Morris, Henry]], [http://www.icr.org/article/816/6/ Old-Earth Creationism] ''Back to Genesis'' April 1997.</ref><ref>[http://www.beliefnet.com/story/80/story_8029_1.html What Conservative Protestants Believe] (beliefnet).</ref><ref>Jarvik, Elaine, [http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635177399,00.html Beliefs on Darwin's evolution vary from religion to religion] Deseret Morning News 19 January 2006.</ref> The [[Roman Catholic Church]] has a cautiously positive view of the theory of evolution. <ref>http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2007-04-11-pope-evolution-creation_N.htm</ref><ref>Heneghan, Tom, [http://www.beliefnet.com/story/182/story_18220.html Catholics and Evolution: Interview with Cardinal Christoph Schönborn] (beliefnet).</ref> [[Orthodox Judaism]] currently has diverse opinions regarding young earth creationism.<ref>Rabbinical Council of America, [http://www.rabbis.org/news/article.cfm?id=100635 Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design].</ref> [[Ultra-Orthodox Judaism]] accepts young earth creationism.<ref>Winnick, Pamela R.,[http://www.arn.org/docs/ohio/toledo_winnick030702.htm Evolutionary War] ''Toledo City Paper'', March 7 2002.</ref> Islam has a variety of opinions regarding creationism and the theory of evolution. <ref>http://www.irfi.org/articles/articles_151_200/muslim_responses_to_evolution.htm</ref>[[Atheism|Atheists]] do not believe in young earth creationism and a vast majority of the most prominent and vocal defenders of the evolutionary position since [[World War II]] have been [[Atheism|atheists]].<ref>Batten, Don, [http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/737/ A ''Who’s Who'' of evolutionists] ''Creation'' 20(1):32 |
| | December 1997.</ref><ref>http://www.creationists.org/nas.html</ref> [[Charles Darwin]] in his private diaries [[Charles Darwin#Religious Views|stated he was a materialist]] which a type of atheist. While [[Agnosticism|agnostics]] do not believe in young earth creationism there have been some notable statements of skepticism regarding the theory of evolution from agnostics.<ref>Woodward, Thomas E., [http://www.apologetics.org/doubts.html Doubts About Darwin] (Apologetics Press).</ref><ref>[http://www.evolutionnews.org/2005/03/agnostic_philosopher_caught_in_conspirac.html Agnostic Philosopher Caught in Conspiracy to Question Darwinism] ''Evolution News & Views'', ([[Discovery Institute]]).</ref> On the other hand, [[Thomas Huxley]] was a staunch proponent of the theory of evolution and he stated he was an agnostic. <ref>http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/1025</ref><ref>http://www.arn.org/docs/odesign/od171/desmond171.htm</ref> | | December 1997.</ref><ref>http://www.creationists.org/nas.html</ref> [[Charles Darwin]] in his private diaries [[Charles Darwin#Religious Views|stated he was a materialist]] which a type of atheist. While [[Agnosticism|agnostics]] do not believe in young earth creationism there have been some notable statements of skepticism regarding the theory of evolution from agnostics.<ref>Woodward, Thomas E., [http://www.apologetics.org/doubts.html Doubts About Darwin] (Apologetics Press).</ref><ref>[http://www.evolutionnews.org/2005/03/agnostic_philosopher_caught_in_conspirac.html Agnostic Philosopher Caught in Conspiracy to Question Darwinism] ''Evolution News & Views'', ([[Discovery Institute]]).</ref> On the other hand, [[Thomas Huxley]] was a staunch proponent of the theory of evolution and he stated he was an agnostic. <ref>http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/1025</ref><ref>http://www.arn.org/docs/odesign/od171/desmond171.htm</ref> |