The Creationist Movement in Modern America (Social Movements Past and Present)

By Raymond A. Eve

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805797424
• ISBN13: 9780805797428
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Cengage Gale
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.8" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

The Great Divide

Packed with information, including history, survey results and the application of some sociological theories. The efforts to weaken or halt teachings about evolution in the public schools, using any means possible, have been going on for years. The same person who wouldn't reject bypass surgery and the science behind it will fight against the teaching of evolution. Evolution's crime: conflict with a literal interpretation of the Old Testament. Some early Christians didn't want the Old Testament to be included in Christian Bible. Many were not literalists. But political considerations, in good part from Rome, favored the inclusion of the Old Testament and literalism. That legacy remains with us today, including, it seems, the extent of politial manipulations. Eve and Harrold focus on creationism in the 20th century. They reveal not on the number of people who oppose the teaching of evolution in public schools but the extent of their organization and history of their stategies. Because the issue may not be decided on empirical merits and may be decided by political manipulations, there is a very real possibility that the teaching of science in the United States, already weak compared to some key competitive nations, will suffer: Creationism isn't a scientific theory. Not only that but the danger of persecution by those who support creationism is real. The Dark Ages aren't that remote. For this reason alone, reading this book will be a valuable awakening to those who don't take creationism, including intelligent design, seriously. It's a weapon of those who fear naturalist truth and will take strong action to avoid it. A recognition both of the level of scientific ignorance of creationist supporters, the manipulations by them of their leaders, and the extent of their fears about modern society are imperative to correcting their confusion. At the least, better education about science and freedom seems essential, but it's tricky because finding their children well educated in science, including evolution, may be all the more alarming to adults who fear both science and those who support it.