Creation Vs. Evolution

Vincent S. Newbill

July 30, 2002

Eng 100

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Creation vs. Evolution

On November 24, 1859, a man named Charles Darwin started a controversy that has lasted to present day. His work, entitled "Origin of Species", stated the possibility that humans were not created but evolved from natural processes. Although, he was not the first to express these ideas, Darwin's published theory was neither accepted nor appreciated by the religious community. Creationism, as believed in religion, assumes that the creation story in Genesis is accurate; that God created the universe and all life forms (lawyernet.com).

The term evolution basically translates to alterations through time. These changes are slow and are over a long interval of time. Evolution states that earth was created around 4.6 billion years ago; and that the universe is around 15 billion years old. This theory is due to many years of making observations and collecting data on various forms of science. Using radiometric dating methods, sedimentary rocks have been dated at being 3.9 billion years old. Researchers in many fields, from astronomy to geology, have used this method and most agree on the earth's age and origin (lawyernet.com).

Creationist scientists, on the other hand, are often seen in public conflict with evolutionists. They use the creation story (Genesis 1:1) and the great flood (Genesis 6:1) as the foundations for their beliefs. This theory states that the entire universe was created by God in six days followed by one day of rest. The order of the creation is as follows:

Day 1) creation of light and its separation from darkness

Day 2) separation of sky and oceans

Day 3) separation of land from the oceans; spreading of plants and trees across the land

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Day 4) creation of the sun, moon, and stars

Day 5) creation of sea animals and birds

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