Creationism with Evolution

Creationism vs. Evolution has been an ongoing argument for a long time. The goal of this paper is not to debate the validity of either argument; rather it is to explain why both sides of the argument should be taught together. To properly discuss this subject a basic knowledge of what Creationism and what Evolution is needed. Webster's defines the terms as follows: Creationism is the belief that God created everything, while Evolution is "a process in which the whole universe is a progression of interrelated phenomena" (Webster's)

Depending on the home life a student, he or she is taught about Creationism or Evolution from birth. Therefore, by the time a student reaches school age he or she is indoctrinated by their parents' belief system. When the subject is broached in a school setting as only one or the other being the only one that is right, it can be confusing and put a strain on a student's comprehension of the subject. By giving students an unbiased view of both sides of the argument, you are allowing them to explore their own beliefs and open the door for further scientific exploration into Creationism and Evolution.

On the surface Creationism seems to be purely faith based, while Evolution is scientifically based, this is not necessarily the case. Creation Science looks into both, debunking the science behind evolution, and building the scientific proof of creation. One major point that is made is that the earth is only about 10,000 years old, based upon the fact that no one was around 4.5 million years ago to observe the development of the strata. This argument can also be turned around and used for Evolution since there were no creationists around 10,000 years ago to observe creation, as they believe it occurred. (Moore 169-170) Charles Darwin is commonly known as the "Father of Evolution" he wrote "The Origins of the Species"; Darwin speaks of natural selection, which is a form of microevolution. Darwin provides no proof for macroevolution in his book, although many people associate Darwin with macroevolution. There is scientific proof of microevolution/natural selection. If it were not for microevolution, we would not have different breeds of dogs, butterflies with different patterns on their wings, or fish with different characteristics. All of these differences and too many to list; have to do with the unfavorable traits of creatures getting them killed prior to them being able to mate and pass on their genetics. Commonly the better-disguised animal or better equipped for the task they were needed to do, had the opportunity to pass on their genetics.

With both Creationism and Evolution having at least some basis in science and observation, partnered with the faith basis of both it should be understandable how teaching only one or the other could be considered teaching Religion. This could not only cause emotional distress for the child at school but also cause distress for the parents at home trying to explain to their child why they were being taught something outrageously different from what they were taught at home. With the origin of life is the basis to which all science is based, confusing a child early in the process could be detrimental to their understanding of science as a subject.

Taking all of this evidence into consideration, it seems that teaching both creationism and evolution in an unbiased classroom setting, could not only save students undo confusion, but could also encourage them to look further into the science behind both. Exploration in one subject can lead to exploration into other subjects, which can help students develop their own ideas and theories on an uncountable number of things not just science.

Works Cited

"Creationism - Definition from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary." Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online. 21 Apr. 2009 <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Creationism>.
Darwin, Charles. On the Origin of Species: By Means of Natural Selection (Thrift Edition). New York: Dover Publications, 2006.
Moore, John A.. From Genesis to Genetics: The Case of Evolution and Creationism. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2003.
"Evolution - Definition from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary." Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online. 21 Apr. 2009 <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evolution>.