The Creation Evolution Controversy

Noted philosopher, scientist and anthropologist, Charles Darwin was the first person to propose the phenomena of evolution, backed by scientific experiments and justifications. Some scientists after his period also supported, promoted and advocated his theories regarding evolution of mankind. These theories, however, opposed theological beliefs of religious organizations and authorities. These clashing propositions by the believers of creation and believers of evolution, have given rise to what is known as the creation-evolution controversy.

Two Sides of the same Coin

In times before the Renaissance, people never wondered about things like the evolution or creation of man. It was a common belief in most of the religions and cultures, that god created man just as he created earth and nature. Some ancient Greek and Roman philosophers had however pondered upon this phenomenon of evolution. Their theories though true, lacked scientific and logical justification. After the Renaissance, many scientists and philosophers started believing that man was not created by god, but was a result of evolution. This debate was intensified when Charles Darwin put forth his theories. Most of the theories that were proposed by other scientists after Charles Darwin, were backed by justifications and logical explanations.

The Belief of Creation

Many religious organizations and authorities which believe in creation, term it as myth of creation or cosmogonic myth. The myth of creation is a religious and mythological belief, according to which deities or gods created the universe, earth and ultimately the man. In most of the religions and cultures, the creator, sustainer and the destroyer, are the three gods who created the earth and man. These deities also control the cycle of life and death of a man and also the living beings. It is believed that the creator is responsible for creation of living beings, the sustainer helps the living beings thrive and reproduce, and the destroyer helps them leave the material world. In some cultures the deities help the soul of living beings to complete the journey of life and death seven times. After the seventh time, the soul is said to become free from this material world. These beliefs are found in almost all religions and cultures. However, there is no logical or rational explanation for these beliefs. The myth of creation has been very elaborately illustrated by legendary artist and painter Michelangelo, in his master piece The Creation of Adam.

Evolutionary Biology

The other side of the debate or controversy is the group of people who advocate the phenomenon of evolution. The concept of evolutionary biology is not an independent discipline of science but, is an important component of many other categories and disciplines like anthropology or biology. The advocates of evolutionary biology believe, that mankind has evolved from apes, and man was not directly created by god. They also believe that birth, survival and death are totally natural phenomenons that are not governed by any of the deities, but occur as a result of some or the other natural or biological happening. For example, a living being dies due to the fact that some important organs cease to function as a result of old age or extensive damage. Many a times, the arguments that have been put up by the believers of evolutionary biology have been justified with the help of highly concrete proof, and many a times material artifacts such as fossils.

The controversial debates and arguments between believers of creations and evolution have been going on, since the times of Darwin. It not on every individual to form his opinion about the creation evolution controversy. The controversy has still prevented mankind from making any solid statement or opinion about the existence of living beings, the earth, nature and the universe.