This Is The History Of Evolution Korea In 10 Milestones
Evolution KoreaUntil recently the Korean scientific community been hesitant to engage with the creationists, fearing that doing so could give the movement more credibility. However, silence is no longer an option.
The STR has been battling to get rid of textbooks that explain evolution, including the discovery of the feathered dinosaur Archaeopteryx as an ancestral bird's ancestor. However, this is just one aspect of the evolution of the development paradigm.
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 entire genomes. These changes could over generations lead to the emergence of new species. Natural selection is the most popular theory of evolution. It explains how people with traits that are advantageous can reproduce faster and longer than those with less advantageous traits. This variation in reproduction could eventually lead to the development and emergence of new species.
The term "evolution" originates from the Latin word for unraveling or revealing, however the concept itself has had many different meanings since it took shape in the sciences and other fields. Early evolutionists such as Erasmus Darwin (Charles’s grandfather) and Jean Baptiste de Lamarck believed that species were predestined to evolve into a different species. Etienne Geoffroy St-Hilaire, Lamarck's embryologist student who came up with the term "transmutation" to describe this view. Charles Lyell, in his Principles of Geology, published in 1833, challenged the idea of evolution and borrowed the term from Geoffroy's student.
Evolutionary biologists define it more recently as a process by which living things develop characteristics to increase their chances of survival or producing offspring. As time passes the genetic variability could cause the emergence of completely new physical or biological functions in the same population. Natural selection is the process that drives most evolutionary changes. Other changes that aren't genetic, such as an increase in muscle mass through exercise or diet, can't be considered to be evolution since they don't pass on to future generations.
Creationists have a tendency to use the argument that evolution is controversial despite the fact that it has been proven to be valid by a multitude of scientific tests and it has been tested over time. They argue that the concept should not be taught in schools. In South Korea, creationists have had a few wins in their fight to remove evolution from high-school textbooks and have also gotten rid of any mention of the evolutionary roots of humans as well as the Archaeopteryx feathered dinosaur believed to be an ancestor of birds.
Why is Evolution Important?
Evolution is the explanation for the origins of Earth and all living species. It is also one of the foundations of biology, and helps scientists discover how living things operate and grow. Evolution also helps us understand the connections between species. Scientists study evolution to gain a better understanding of the natural world, and to discover useful information including the development of new treatments.
The evidence for evolution is overwhelming. No other scientific theory can explain as much about the universe and life on earth. It has been rigorously studied and verified for many years. Many people, including some religious leaders, are in favor of the scientific theory of evolution. It is crucial to keep in mind that evolutionary biology does not interfere with religious beliefs since it only focuses on physical objects, events, and processes.
Many religious people have discovered a way to reconcile evolution with their convictions. For example some Christians believe that God created the world through evolution and that humans share an ancestral connection with other animals.
It is crucial for science educators to advocate for the teaching of evolution. Unfortunately, in a few countries around the globe the anti-evolution movement is growing. In the United States, efforts to restrict the teaching of evolution have made headway 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 on the evolution of horses and the avian ancestor Archaeopteryx.
Although these are alarming changes, it's important to remember that the evidence for evolution is overwhelming. The evidence comes from a diverse range of sources, including fossils, genetic studies and the behavior of living organisms. Other scientists independently confirm the evidence.
The vast majority of scientists agree with the theory of evolution. The reasons for this support vary. Some scientists are studying evolution to make practical discoveries, such as developing new medicines, while others do so to improve the quality of animal and plant species, typically to benefit humans. Some are simply curious, while still others have a deep faith in God and are seeking to understand how the universe functions.
What is Creationism?
Creationists are people who believe that God created the universe and all that is in it. They also believe that the Bible is God's word and should be taken literally. Although not all creationists are Christian however, they are a majority. Creationists generally fall into one of two categories: Young Earth creationists (YEC) and old earth creationists (OEC).
The most common type of creationist is known as the YEC. They believe that God created the universe in the exact way that is described in the Bible. They believe that the biblical account of the six days of creation was literal and that the universe and life on Earth were only created recently.
OECs might not be as popular, but their beliefs are as fierce like the YECs. OECs believe the universe and Earth are billions of years old, and that evolution is a lie.
Both types of creationism deny that scientific principles like natural selection and abiogenesis could explain the origins of life on Earth. They claim that evolution is impossible because it would require a miracle, and that the pioneers of modern science rejected miracles out of fear of losing credibility.
Some creationists accept naturalistic evolution as well as special creation, and refer to their view "theistic evolution." This is also known as "continuous evolutionism" or the "evolution of species created." The theory suggests that God creates the original species and then allows them to change over time. Eventually these evolutionary changes will result in new species similar to the original ones.
Some creationists believe that God created all living things and the entire universe in one event called the Great Flood. These creationists believe that the original species were created at the same time and that they evolved gradually afterward. They deny the notion of abiogenesis and claim that self-replicating life cannot arise from nonliving matter.
In general, creationists oppose the teaching of evolution in schools. Numerous professional organizations such as the National Science Teachers Association and the Association for Science Teacher Education support this position and so do the American Anthropological Association and the Geological Society of America. Certain scientists and educational institutions are however more flexible and allow creationism and evolution to be included in their curriculum.
What is Creationism in Korea?
When people think of the concept of creationism most often, they think of the United States. However, South Korea is also the home of an anti-evolutionist movement. The publishers of high school textbooks recently announced that they would remove the mention of evolution in their books. The Society for Textbook Revise, an independent body that is an offshoot from the Korea Association for Creation Research (KACCR) has been the driving force behind this drive. STR has won its first victory in eliminating instances of the evolution of the horse as well as an avian ancestor, called the Archeopteryx, from textbooks. The next goal is to take out the finch-research of Darwin's famed and also on human evolution.
STR claims to have the backing of 4,000 families and individual members. Its goal is to weed out what it believes is the "atheist materialism" that reflects a hopeless worldview for students. It also aims at countering the influence of American Creationists in the United States. A survey of biology students teachers revealed that a majority do not believe in the concept of evolution. The reasons for this are not clear however, they could be related to religious beliefs or the absence of full-time creation scientists across the country.
The KACR achieved many things through its lectures and seminars in the past. It publishes a bimonthly journal called Creation and a book. One of them was a textbook on natural sciences that had a creationist perspective. This led to an interest among college communities. In 1991, a professor, together with a minister began teaching Creation Science at one university. It is still taught today.
On August 6-7 1993, KACR hosted a second International Symposium on Creation Research. It was held in conjunction with the opening of the World Expo in Daejeon. Six lecturers from the world, including ICR's John Morris, Duane Gish and Steven Austin spoke to audiences of over a thousand. KACR and its members have been delivering lectures on creation science at major seminaries here as well. KACR plans to establish a Creation Science Education Center in the near future.