Abstract

Creationists are completely opposed to the scientific concept of biological evolution, and have made concerted efforts to ban the teaching of evolution in public schools. We examine the basis for their opposition, showing that it is not due to the text of Genesis. Rather, the creationist opposition to evolution is based on theological grounds. In their view, there is a close connection between the spiritual and the physical aspects of God’s world. In particular, creationists believe that spiritual importance requires physical importance. Thus, if mankind shares similar physical origins with the cockroach and the crocodile, it would seem to imply that, we are equally devoid of any spirituality. This explains why many creationists oppose not only evolution, but also an ancient universe, and why there was such opposition in the past to the heliocentric solar system. However, if one recognizes that spiritual importance is unrelated to physical importance, then all these problems disappear.

Key words: Creationist, spiritual, evolution, Genesis, creation, mankind