Creationism In Schools Research Paper

Words: 1825
Pages: 8

The Challenges of Creationism in Schools
To what extent does creationism contradict established scientific discovery, and by doing so, violates human rights?

Table of Contents

1.) Introduction: Overview of Opposition and Claims Page 2

2.) Opposition: The Freedom of Religious Expression and Rebuttal Pages 2-4

3.) Claim 1: Creationism Denies Scientific Achievement Pages 4-6

4.) Claim 2: Creationism Sees Modern Science as a Direct Threat to Their Faith Pages 6-7

5.) Conclusion Page 7-8

6.) Annotated Works Cited Pages 9-

Introduction: Overview of Opposition and Claims
Church and state have battled over what teachings are acceptable for children, be it a
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In America, where this topic originates, the 1st Amendment our Constitution states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” (1st Amendment). In doing so, Creationism has been able to develop its own facilities including the Creation Museum found in Kentucky. This amendment has been key into developing religious freedom within the United States and what has yielded extreme religious diversity and in many cases religious tolerance within this society. However, this amendment is not clear as to how religion should be expressed through public schools, which allows for huge areas of interpretation, including introduction of extreme religious practices to schools, to be exploited. Religion has the ability to improve certain aspects of a community, but the separation of religious teachings from public education must happen and can be done. To further improve standards as to how religion should be incorporated in schools, it can be said that, “Public schools may not inculcate nor inhibit religion...Schools demonstrate fairness when they ensure that the curriculum includes study about religion, where appropriate, as an important part of a complete education” (92-93). By these standards, Creationism shouldn’t be taught in school, but what causes conflict between creationism and evolution is that …show more content…
One of Creationism’s main groups, Answers in Genesis, opened a 70,000-square foot museum with the intent of bringing the pages of the Bible to life. To view their differences and maybe some similarities, a group of esteemed paleontologists and evolutionists were sent there. The Creation Museum provides user-friendly and interactive dioramas which conveys messages of Creationist teachings. According to the paleontologist’s reactions from a museum diorama, Tyrannosaurus rex was a vegetarian before Adam and Eve bit into the sin-inducing apple. This has been a clear attempt to sway viewers unfamiliar in paleontology, as Tyrannosaurid specimens including recent and older ancestors have all been found with teeth banana sized and estimated to have a bite force of up to 5 tons. The museum also hosts an exhibit specifically made to recognize the controversy of an Australopithecine specimen named Lucy. The significance of this fossil is that Lucy had mandibles (upper and lower jaws) that showed clear similarities with both apes and humans, as well as a remarkable pelvis that suggested extended periods of bipedal movement. The museum then went so far as to convince its viewers with renditions designed to look comical as well as the name of “ape-man” and not by the distinguished Latin name this species was designated. The museum then argued on how Lucy