Evolution And Creation

Both Scientific American and science writer Forrest Mims [Notebook: "Cast-Off Creationist Talks Back," The Scientist, Nov. 12, 1990, page 4; Opinion: "The Mims Case: Defending Science Or Persecuting Religion?" Feb. 18, 1991, page 11] may be innocent victims of the shell game being played with the meaning of "evolution" by polemicists on both sides of the creation/evolution pseudo-controversy. The basic problem is that the term "evolution" has evolved into a word of distinct multiple meanings, i

Written byJohn L. Wiester

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Similarly, "creation" has become a word of multiple meanings, ranging from the literalist belief in a young earth to the doctrine held by all theists that God is the creator and ruler of the universe. Without precise definition and consistent use of terms, any discussion of the issue will generate fruitless controversy and living nightmares such as both Scientific American and Forrest Mims are experiencing.

JOHN L. WIESTER
Chairman, Committee for Integrity in Science Education
American Scientific Affiliation
Buellton, Calif.

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