Evolution Korea<br /><br />Until recently the Korean scientific community refrained from engaging with the creationists in fear that doing so might give the movement more credibility. But silence is no any longer an option.<br /><br /><br /><br />The STR has been fighting to get rid of textbooks that describe evolution, such as the discovery of the feathered dinosaur Archaeopteryx as an ancestor of birds. This is just one aspect of how the concept of development has evolved.<br /><br />What is Evolution?<br /><br />Evolution is a theory of science that explains changes in genetic traits over time. The theory is based on fact that living things adapt to their environments and this can lead to changes in genes or even complete genomes. Over time the changes could result in the emergence of new species. Natural selection is the dominant theory of evolution. It explains how people with traits that are advantageous can reproduce faster and longer than those with less favorable traits. Over time, this differential reproduction may lead to the emergence of completely new species.<br /><br />The word "evolution" is derived from the Latin for unrolling or revealing has been used in many different ways as the concept has evolved in both science and in other fields. Some early evolutionists, like Jean Baptiste de Lamarck and Erasmus Darwin (Charles's grandfather) believed that existing species evolved into new species in a predetermined fashion. The term"transmutation" was coined by Lamarck's disciple, embryologist Etienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, to describe this view. Charles Lyell, who published the second volume of his Principles of Geology in 1833, attacked this idea and borrowed the term "evolution" from Geoffroy's student to describe the view that species are evolving into other species in a gradual and predictable manner.<br /><br />More recently, evolutionary biologists have defined evolution as a process when living creatures develop characteristics that improve their chances of survival or ability to reproduce offspring. In time, this genetic variability can lead to the emergence of entirely new physical or biological traits in the population. Natural selection is the main force behind the majority of evolutionary changes. However other changes that are not genetic, such as the increase in muscle mass due to diet or exercise can't be considered to be examples of evolution because they are not passed on to future generations.<br /><br />Creationists are using the argument that evolution is controversial, in spite of the fact that it has been proven to be accurate by thousands of scientific tests and it has been tested over time. <a href="https://evolutionkr.kr/">Evolution KR</a> argue that the concept should not be taught in schools. In South Korea, creationists have gained a few victories in their fight to remove evolution from textbooks for high school and have also gotten rid of references to the evolutionary roots of humans as well as the Archaeopteryx, a feathered dinosaur believed to be an ancestor of birds.<br /><br />Why is Evolution Important?<br /><br />Evolution explains the origins of Earth and all living species. It also serves as a basis of biology that helps scientists to learn how living organisms function and develop. Evolution also shows the connections between different species. Scientists study evolution to understand the natural world and to make useful discoveries like the development of new drugs.<br /><br />The evidence for biological evolution is overwhelming. No other scientific theory explains as much about the universe and life on this planet. It has been thoroughly scrutinized and confirmed for a number of years. Many people, and even religious leaders, are in favor of the scientific theory. It is important to note that evolutionary biology doesn't interfere with religions, since the theory is based on objects, events and processes within the physical world.<br /><br />Many religious people have discovered a way to reconcile evolution with their convictions. For instance certain Christians believe that God created the world through evolution and that humans share an ancestry with other animals.<br /><br />It is important for scientists to support the teaching of evolution. Unfortunately, in some nations around the world there is a growing anti-evolutionist sentiment. In the United States some states have taken measures to restrict teaching evolution. In South Korea, a group called the Society for Textbook Revise, an offshoot of the Korea Association for Creation Research (KAC) is pushing for textbooks to include content on the evolutionary history of horses and their Avian ancestor Archaeopteryx.<br /><br />While these are troubling developments, it is important to remember that the evidence for evolution is overwhelming. The evidence for evolution comes from a variety of sources, such as fossils, genetics, and even the behavior of living creatures. The evidence is also independently verified by other scientists.<br /><br />The majority of scientists agree with the theory of evolution. The reasons behind this belief vary. Scientists are studying evolution to make practical discoveries such as developing new medicines and other treatments, while others use it to improve the lives of animals and plant species, mostly to benefit of humans. Some are simply curious, and others have a profound faith in God and are seeking to know how the universe works.<br /><br />What is Creationism?<br /><br />Creationists believe that God created everything in the universe. They also believe the Bible is God's word and should be interpreted in a literal manner. While not all creationists are Christian, they are a majority. Creationists are typically divided into two categories: Young Earth Creationists (YEC) or old earth creationists.<br /><br />The most popular kind of creationist is called the YEC. They believe that God created the universe in exactly the way that is described in the Bible. They believe that the biblical account of the six days of creation is true and that the universe and life on Earth started only recently.<br /><br />OECs are less well known however they're just as committed to their beliefs as YECs. OECs believe that the universe as well as Earth are billions of years old, and that evolution is a lie.<br /><br />Both forms of creationism reject the notion that scientific principles like natural selection and abiogenesis could explain the origin of life on Earth. They claim that evolution is not possible because it would require the creation of a miracle, and the pioneers of modern science eschewed miracles for fear of losing credibility.<br /><br />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." In this theory, God creates the original species and allows them to change over time. These evolutionary changes eventually will result in new species similar to the original.<br /><br />Some creationists believe that God created all living things and the universe in one event known as the Great Flood. Creationists believe that the first species were created simultaneously, and that they evolved slowly afterward. They also deny the notion of abiogenesis and claim that the self-replicating creation of organisms from nonliving matter is unattainable.<br /><br />In general, the creationists oppose teaching evolution in schools. Numerous professional associations, like the National Science Teachers Association and the Association for Science Teacher Education support this position as do the American Anthropological Association and the Geological Society of America. Some academic institutions and scientists are however more flexible and permit both evolution and creationism to be incorporated into their curricula.<br /><br />What exactly is Creationism in Korea?<br /><br />When people think about creationism, many of them think of the United States. However, South Korea is also home to an anti-evolutionist movement. The publishers of textbooks for high school students have recently announced that they will eliminate references to evolution from their textbooks. The Society for Textbook Revise, an independent body which is an offshoot of the Korea Association for Creation Research (KACCR) has been the driving force behind this effort. The STR has scored its first victory by removing from textbooks the evidence of the evolution and ancestor of an bird, the Archeopteryx. The next goal is to remove excerpts from Darwin’s infamous finch-research as well as on human evolution.<br /><br />STR claims that it has the support of 4,000 families and individuals. Its aim is to root out what it regards as the "atheist materialism" that reflects a hopeless worldview for students. It also aims to counteract the influence of American creationists in the country. A survey of trainee biology teachers revealed that a majority do not believe in evolution. The root causes are unclear but could be due to religious beliefs or the absence of full-time creation scientists in the country.<br /><br />The KACR has accomplished a lot through its lectures and seminar events. It publishes a bimonthly journal called Creation and a book. One of them is a textbook on the natural sciences with a creationist viewpoint, which has sparked interest among college students. In 1991, a professor, together with a minister began teaching Creation Science at one university. It is still taught today.<br /><br />On August 6-7 1993, KACR hosted a second International Symposium on Creation Research. This was held in conjunction with the opening of the World Expo in Daejeon. Six lecturers from outside the country including ICR's John Morris and Steven Austin presented to a crowd of more than a thousand. KACR and its members have been delivering lectures on creation science in major seminaries as well. KACR plans to establish a Creation Science Education Center in the future.<br /><br />