Evolutionism
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Evolutionism, differing from the "scientific" Theory of Evolution, is a worldview with a philosophical basis in Naturalism and Materialism. Proponents of Evolutionism are commonly referred to as evolutionists.
Doctrines
Materialism, one of its major doctrines, says that what we can see and observe is all that exists. There is nothing that is immaterial or above the natural.
Controversy
Many proponents of Evolutionism do not prefer the term because they disagree that it is a philosophy or worldview. However, this disagreement arises from a misunderstanding of terms. The term "Evolutionism" refers to a subset of the naturalistic worldview, while the theory of evolution is a totally different subject. In other words, Evolutionism is the worldview behind the "scientific" theory of evolution. The line of reasoning is as follows, as it compares to the Creationist's worldview:
Evolutionism:
There is no God (worldview) > Therefore we need to explain everything based on that "fact" > Thus science is altered based on the "no God" idea
Evolutionism comes before the Scientific Theory of Evolution. The theory is based on the worldview.
God exists (worldview) > Therefore we need to explain everything based on that "fact" > Thus science is altered based on the "God exists" idea
Creationism comes before the Scientific Theory of Creation. The theory is based on the worldview.
From the simple illustration above, one can see that both worldview's take a step of faith. There is a common starting point or foundational question (does God exist?) that each person asks, and then forms their conclusions around. Of course, not all people hold such a black and white viewpoint. There is also a type of Theistic Evolutionism.
Theistic Evolutionism:
There is no personal/involved God (worldview) > Therefore we need to explain everything based on that "fact" > Thus science is altered based on the "no personal God" idea
Theistic Evolutionism comes before the Scientific Theory of Evolution. The theory is based on the worldview.
Offensive Terminology?
Some would say that the term Evolutionism is simply a false creationist perception, or pejorative assertion that, science represents merely another religion. They say that the perception finds no grounding in reality, other than as a rhetorical dramatization.
See also
External links
- Evolution is a Religion - Creationists.org
- Evolutionism - Is Evolution a religion? - Northwest Creation Network