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Evolution Vs. Creationism: The Importance of Teaching Evolution in Schools Highly Depends on
the Success and Research Involved with the Theory of Evolution
Laura Atkins
Coastal Carolina University

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Evolution Vs. Creationism: The Importance of Teaching Evolution in Schools Highly Depends on
the Success and Research Involved with the Theory of Evolution
Introduction
The topic I have chosen is considered a very sensitive one, which is why I find it so
intriguing. Evolution and creationism have been battling each other for many years. Creationism
battles with their faith, while evolution battles with their science. Each year as technology
advances more and more discoveries are being made in the scientific field. More of these
discoveries need to be taught in schools. Young adults’ minds are molded by the years they are
in grade school and at home, the issue is, they aren’t receiving the education on this topic they
deserve to. Throughout this research I have learned that this is a highly debated topic. I hope to
highlight the importance of teaching current evolution vs. creationism in schools with the
separation of church and state respected.
Discussion
Evolution
Evolution is defined as, “the process by which different kinds of living organisms are
thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth”.
Charles Darwin was the developer of this theory after his observations when aboard the
“Beagle” voyage. From his findings he was able to come up with a theory that explained species,
and some organisms as a whole and not just the ones he was able to first-hand able to see. The
argument today at hand is surrounding the theory of where humans came from. Most religions
are not open to the fact that we have a common ancestor with primates. Personal opinion
usually relies on the group the individual belongs to. A study was done over three years on

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individuals that were in the adolescence range and the data showed that, “there is no evidence
that attending college prevents those adolescents who accept the possibility of evolution to later
reject it.” (Hill, 2014). This can be troubling for those of us that believe education is the answer.
Though, these students attending colleges are not all enrolled in biology there was no sign of
significant change over this period of time. This study leans toward nurture being the main factor
of belief and how dedicated the individual is to their religion. Those not raised within an anti-
evolution religion were mostly the ones who believed in evolution vs. creationism.
Journalism
Journalism plays a role in education on the topic of evolution. Journalists write frequently
about the scientific findings relating to evolution, as well as the debates surrounding the topic.
It’s a broad discipline encompassing, opinionated, factual, and scientific information. Sometimes
these are combined and sometimes they are divided into categories. Today, social media plays a
big role in relaying information. When new studies are presented they can occasionally make the
popular page platform. In order for that to happen though the information needs to be clear,
factual and, in my opinion, include very little bias.
Journalism intertwines with the debate of evolution and creationism heavily. In order to
persuade people one way or another, some sort of media is needed. Though Hill stated school
and college doesn’t have a large presence in deciphering whether or not adolescences are
persuaded one way of the other. Choosing a textbook with the lesson of evolution included is
not always an option, but it should be. Choosing that context is the next step in persuading
students, as well as how its taught.
Religion

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Many religious groups are anti-evolution and refuse to accept the scientific theory as a
possibility. Creationism is the theory brought to the table when referring to religion. Religion
states we were created from one man and one woman. Evolution disagrees with this theory. This
is what causes the rift between the two topics. The evolution of animals may be accepted, but
not the idea that humans have a common ancestor with primates.
“One of the first steps might be for us to reacquaint ourselves with the parameters of
Separation of Church and State.” (Davila, 2014). I think this quote is key in educating young
adults. Schools must recognize the theory of evolution when it comes to humans and must teach
that to simply educate students on other possibilities other than creationism. Once the
information is accepted through either text or teaching, then the student can decide what they
want. When students come up with questions for teachers when referring to the two topics the
instructor should be able to say that they are both simply theories. “The only substantial barriers
to this ongoing process of biological integration are cultural ones. These exist because, while all
human beings are born with the innate capacity to learn the language or the worldview of any
society, our basic cultural attitudes are fairly inflexibly formed very soon thereafter.” (Tattersall,
2015) One is backed up with their religion, while one takes on a more biological role. The
biological theory just needs more attention at a younger age to achieve “flexibility”.
Biology
The science behind the theory of evolution is factual and present in everyday organisms.
A gray area appears when trying to understand where humans have evolved from. It is no secret
that we share over 90% of our genetic makeup with orangutans. These are facts that need to be
written about in text books and taught. The gap lies within the absence of the fossil records.

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Which is a big enough gap for the religious people who doubt to claim proof that human
evolution from primates
It is very possible that these fossils could still be found. There are many archaeologists on
this mission. Recent progress headed the statement that, “genetic diversity is a ‘‘patchwork’’ and
morphological boundaries may be fuzzy, vital distinguishing traits for the Homo sapiens lineage
can, nonetheless, be identified in fossils.” (Kuykendall, 2014) So this shows the proof is there in
bits and pieces. Scientists are confident that eventually these holes would be filled.
Conclusion
Evolution itself is considered to be a scientific theory. Therefore, it can be excused from
being taught because it’s not fully proved. Religious teachings often tell us we came from one
man and one woman, while science tells us that we have common ancestors with primates. The
genetic makeup still holds gray areas, but if its taught in schools this could lead to more interest
and passion about the topic, fueling more future research. Journalists have the duty to record
this information into text books and other resources so that the information is reliable and can
be understood easily.
The implications of this study include that there are not enough instructors and schools
teaching the subject of evolution in depth and presenting all the facts that go along with theory
of evolution. We are neglecting youth of deserved knowledge around the topic. It’s important
that this is taught for the future of evolutionary science because it leads into the studies of
conservation, which is vital for the future of many organisms. My research leads me to believe
that although there are holes in the research of the theory that it should be taught in depth.
Respecting religions is still possible as long as the facts of evolution are being presented

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properly. The importance of teaching evolution in schools highly depends on the success or
research involved with the theory of evolution.

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References
Dávila, Denise. "When Discourses Collide: Creationism And Evolution In The Public Sphere."
Cultural Studies Of Science Education 9.4 (2014): 877-884. ERIC. Web. 3 July 2016.
Hill, Jonathan P. "Rejecting Evolution: The Role Of Religion, Education, And Social Networks."
Journal For The Scientific Study Of Religion 53.3 (2014): 575-594. Psychology and
Behavioral Sciences Collection. Web. 3 July 2016.
Kuykendall K, Elton S. The human biology of the past. Annals Of Human Biology [serial on the
Internet]. (2014, July), [cited July 3, 2016]; 41(4): 283-286. Available from: MEDLINE with
Full Text.
Tattersall, Ian. "Human Evolution In Perspective." Natural History 123.5 (2015): 28-32. History
Reference Center. Web. 3 July 2016.