Let me see if I have this straight. Currently, in this part of the world, the controversy is between the following groups.
Young Earth Creationism - Interpret the text of Genesis in a strictly literal fashion and do not believe in physics and chemistry (especially absolute dating methods). Beliefs also include that the Earth is 6,000 to 10,000 years old.
Old Earth Creationism - Believe that life was created on a pre-existing old Earth and interpret the accounts of Genesis in a number of different ways. Beliefs also include the idea that God allows certain natural process (such as gene mutation and natural selection) to affect the development of life, but has also directly intervened at key moments in life’s history to guide those processes.
Theistic Evolution - Believe that life, including humans, evolved over millions of years, but that God guided this process.
Modern Evolutionary Synthesis - The synthesis of genetics and evolution. A theory about how evolution works at the level of genes, phenotypes, and populations and not simply Darwin's theory of natural selection.
Hinduism believes there are times when the universe takes form and times when it dissolves back into nothing. They date creation back to about 77 trillion years ago. Now that's a leap of faith.
If you are interested in the science/religion aspect of evolution there is a book you might want to check out. It is called "The Evolution Dialogues" and is available from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. It is $10. You can get it by calling 800-222-7809 or www.aaas.org/spp/dser
Although it mainly deals with Christianity, it is very historical and informative.
Posted by: Bob at May 22, 2007 08:34 AMBob, as a science teacher in the public school system you are at the very center of this controversy! Do you feel any pressure between the scientific and religious (Christian) communities to adjust your curriculum?
Maybe the Hindus are right and universe devouring black holes are part of the ebb and flow of life?
Posted by: Dan at May 22, 2007 09:53 AMIn the county where I teach it is a non-issue. The state curriculum allows no deviation from the standards, one of which is a unit on evolution. Although we do not get into human evolution, I teach it anyway.
Personally I do not find it controversial at all. Religion is based on faith which cannot be scientifically tested. Science has standards which religion is not designed to assess.
Life is short, be a good person and live a good life. If you figure that out from scripture or from science it makes no difference to me.
Cool post though.
Posted by: Bob at May 22, 2007 10:35 AMBravo!
Posted by: Dan at May 22, 2007 01:09 PMThere is still another aspect to be considered. Islam is determined to overthrow and kill all Jews and Christians in the next 100 years. They all believe in God. The Jews , Christians, and Muslims are all descendants of Abraham. Their history goes back 5-6 thousand years although the world is much older.
Dad
I hope that one day homo sapiens will truly be civilized. Possibly one of the the greatest threats to civilization is religions (plural) because religious doctrines preach what they believe to be the absolute truth, which in turn means all other doctrines and beliefs are flawed. Ultimately zealots are compelled to either a.) isolate themselves or b.) proselytize, convert or otherwise eliminate those who do not conform to their dogma.
Posted by: Dan at May 23, 2007 12:25 AM