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Evolution Korea Up until recently, the Korean scientific community resisted engaging with creationists for fear of giving the movement more credibility. But silence is no longer an option. The STR has been fighting to eliminate the content on evolution from textbooks, including the discovery that the feathered Archaeopteryx was an ancestral bird. But this is merely one aspect of the evolution of the development paradigm. What is Evolution? Evolution is a concept in science that explains changes in genetic characteristics over time. The theory is based upon the fact that living creatures adapt to their environment, which can result in variations in genes or even whole genomes. Over many generations the changes could result in the creation of new species. The prevailing theory of evolution is called natural selection, which describes the process by which those with favorable characteristics live and reproduce more frequently than those with disadvantages. Over time, this differential reproduction can lead to the emergence of entirely new species. The word “evolution” originates from the Latin word meaning unraveling or revealing, however the concept has had a variety of meanings as it has taken form in the sciences and in other fields. Early evolutionists, such as Jean Baptiste de Lamarck and Erasmus Darwin (Charles's grandfather) believed that existing species transformed into other species in a planned manner. Etienne Geoffroy St.Hilaire was Lamarck's embryologist disciple who invented the term “transmutation” to describe this idea. Charles Lyell, in his Principles of Geology, published in 1833, attacked the concept of evolution and borrowed the term from Geoffroy's student. In recent years evolutionary biologists have defined evolution as a process when living creatures develop characteristics that enhance their chances of survival or ability to produce offspring. As time passes, genetic variation can cause a population to acquire new physical characteristics or biological functions. This variation in gene frequencies is known as natural selection and it is the main driver of evolutionary change. Read Significantly more -genetic changes, such as an increase in muscle mass due to exercise or diet, cannot be considered to be evolutionary because they don't pass on to future generations. Creationists make the argument that evolution is controversial, even though it has been proven to be valid by a multitude of scientific tests and that it has been tested over time. They argue that the theory should not be taught in schools. In South Korea, creationists won some victories against evolution in high school textbooks. This includes the removal of all references about the evolutionary origins for humans as well as Archaeopteryx – a feathered dinosaur believed to be the ancestor of birds. Why is Evolution Important? Evolution is the explanation for the origins of Earth and all living species. It is also a foundation of biology, and aids scientists learn how living organisms function and grow. Evolution also demonstrates how different species are connected. Scientists study evolution in order to better understand nature and make useful discoveries such as new drugs. The evidence for evolution of biological species is overwhelming. No other scientific theory can explain more about the universe and the life on earth. It has been rigorously examined and confirmed for many years. Many people, including some religious leaders, support the scientific theory of evolution. It is important to understand that evolutionary biology does not interfere with religions, since the theory only deals with processes, objects, and events within the physical world. In fact many religious individuals have found ways to reconcile their beliefs with the theory of evolution. Some Christians for instance believe that God created everything through evolution and that humans have an ancestry that is shared with other animals. It is essential that scientists and educators speak out for the teaching evolution. In some countries around the world the anti-evolution movement is growing. In the United States some states have taken steps to limit the teaching of evolution. In South Korea, a group known as the Society for Textbook Revise (STR), an offshoot of the Korea Association for Creation Research, is campaigning for the elimination of textbook content about the evolution of horses as well as the avian ancestral Archaeopteryx. It is important to remember, however, that the evidence in support of evolution is overwhelming. The evidence comes from a diverse variety of sources, including fossils, genetic studies and the behavior of living organisms. Other scientists independently confirm the evidence. The majority of scientists supports the theory of evolution. The reason for this is a variety of reasons. Some scientists are studying evolution to make practical discoveries such as developing new drugs, while others do so to improve the quality of animal and plant species, mostly to benefit humans. Some are simply curious, whereas others have a profound faith in God and are seeking to know how the universe works. What is Creationism? Creationists are people who believe that God created the universe and all that is in it. They also believe the Bible is God's word and should be taken literally. Many creationists are Christians however, not all. Creationists generally fall in two categories: Young Earth creationists (YEC) and old earth creationists (OEC). YECs are the most well known form of creationist, and they believe that God created the world in the exact way described in the Bible. YECs hold that the biblical account of six days of creation was true and that the universe as well as life on Earth were only created recently. OECs may be less popular however their beliefs are as passionate as the YECs. OECs believe that the universe and all life on Earth are billions of years old, and they believe that evolution is a myth. Both forms of creationism deny the idea that scientific principles like natural selection and biogenesis can explain how life began on Earth. They claim that evolution is inconceivable because it requires miracles. The pioneers of modern scientific thought resisted miracles because they feared they could lose their credibility. Some creationists accept naturalistic evolutionary and special creation, and refer to their belief as “theistic evolution.” This is also referred to as “continuous evolutionism” or the “evolution of species created.” In this theory, God creates the original species and allows them to evolve over time. These evolution changes will eventually result in new species similar to the original. Some creationists believe that God created all living things and the entire universe in one event known as the Great Flood. They believe that all species were created at the same moment and that they gradually evolved. They also reject the concept of abiogenesis and argue that the emergence of self-replicating organisms from nonliving matter is impossible. In general, the creationists are against teaching of evolution in schools. Numerous professional associations, like 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. However, some scientists and educational institutions are more flexible and allow for the inclusion of both evolution and creationism in their curricula. What is Creationism? When people think of creationism typically think of the United States. South Korea also has an anti-evolution group. The publishers of textbooks for high school students have recently declared that they will be removing references to evolution from their books. The Society for Textbook Revise, an independent body that is an offshoot of the Korea Association for Creation Research (KACCR), has led this effort. The STR has scored its first victory by removing from textbooks evidence of the evolution and ancestor of the bird, the Archeopteryx. Its sights are now set on removing snippets of Darwin's notorious finch research as well as on human evolution, too. STR claims to have the support of 4,000 families as well as individual members. Its goal is to weed out what it believes is the “atheist materialism” that reflects a hopeless worldview for students. It also seeks to counter the influence of American creationists in the country. A survey of undergraduates studying biology found that half did not believe evolution. The root causes are unclear however, they could be related to religion and the absence of full-time creation scientists across the United States. The KACR has achieved a lot through its seminars and lectures in the past. It also publishes a bimonthly magazine called Creation and the book. One of these was a textbook on natural science with a cosmological perspective. This led to an interest among college communities. In 1991, a professor along with a minister, began teaching Creation Science at one university. It is still taught to students today. On August 6-7 1993, KACR hosted a second International Symposium on Creation Research. The event was held in conjunction with the opening of the World Expo in Daejeon. Six lecturers from around the world including ICR's John Morris, Duane Gish, and Steven Austin spoke to audiences of several thousand. KACR and its members have been delivering lectures on creation science in major seminaries as well. KACR plans to create a Creation Science Education Center in the near future.