Why are Creationists so afraid of evolution?

Question

Are they really afraid that evolution will somehow devalue thier place on Earth?
Are they really afriad that they won't go to heaven?
Just what is the threat that causes them to overlook a huge body of evidence supporting evolution. Evoution just has to be one of the most beautiful laws (not theory as the general public uses the word) in science.

Answer 1

Ignorance. Not just of evolution and all the overwhelming evidence supporting it, but of the whole scientific process itself.

Creationists almost universally demonstrate a huge lack of understanding of just what science is and how it works. Science to them is just another belief system, and so they see it as a belief system in competition with their own. They refer to us as "evolutionISTS," denoting believers in evolution. Well OK, I guess I'm a "gravity-ist" too. More often they call us "Darwinists," with the implication that evolution is just a cult of personality that's replaced Jesus with Darwin.

What the creationists and ID'ers fail to understand is that science is not a belief system but a tool, a methodology for both discovering AND VERIFYING what's true of the world around us. We don't "believe" in evolution the way people believe in their religion, we accept evolution because that's where reason, logic, evidence, experimentation and observation have led us to as by far the most credible explanation of the progression of life.

Creationism and ID, on the other hand, have absolutely nothing going for them, and quite a bit against. Many of its proponents are famous for their use of rhetorical devices, emotional appeals, misinformation, way-out-of-context quotes, red herrings, misdirection, evasion, and flat-out lies. You can show them point-by-point where they're wrong but the very next debate they'll still be using the exact same arguments anyways. Ignorance and scientific illiteracy are their greatest assets in spreading their beliefs. Even aside from the decades of evidence supporting evolution, the extreme and repeated lack of intellectual integrity should be enough to give anyone pause when considering the merits of creationism.

Answer 2

First of all, let's get the terminology right. Evolution is, indeed, a "theory." But, in science, theory means more than just "idea" as some people mistake. For that matter, gravity is also a "theory".

That said:

Most creationists are not afraid of evolution--they just don't believe it. In some cases, it's because they think the theory ignores an obvious (in their minds) need for there to be a first cause or creator. In other cases, particularly the fundamentalists, they argue that the theory must be flawed because it conflicts with the "infallible" story of creation in Genesis.

There's a great book out there called "Evolution, Creationism and other Modern Myths (Vine Deloria)" that takes both schools of though to task for ignoring obvious flaws in both lines of argument. I found it an interesting and stimulating, you might check it out if this debate interests you.

Answer 3

(IMO)
I wouldn't say they are afraid, any more then I am afraid of the geocentric model of the universe. Why be afraid of something you don't believe exists? And although there is evidence for evolution, there is no place in the Bible where it says "There is no such thing as evolution people, trust me on this.". If you are creationalist, and believe in Gods omniscience and omnipotence, then it is perfectly feasable he just created the most basic life, in full knowledge of what it would evolve into. I know creatonalists who support evolutionary theory, and regard it as evidence FOR Gods existance. Go figure.
Incidentally, there is plenty of evidence for the great flood in rock strata all over the world. Some theories say it was caused by a meteorite impact, others by a magnetic and geological polar shift (the earth wobbles on its axis, and apparently it occasionally throws a gear). It may not be completely Biblical but theres evidence it happened. And who is to say that if there is a God he didn't cause it.
Thats the thing with God. He's God. You can't prove he didn't do it.
A bit of a rant there but long story short, the two are perfectly compatible, and you can't fear what you don't believe.

Answer 4

Why are creationists and non-creationists so often at each other's throats? Settle down you kids. Or so help me, I'll pull this car over!

Get over yourself. You don't have all the answers. There is evidence for evolution, obviously. Reason demands acceptance of this evidence. Yet do you reject creationism so quickly? You do not say this, but your tone implies as much.

Ack. I tried to get a bunch of thumbs down when a person of "faith" made very similar statement to this one about atheists. I called the majority of both sides blind morons who spew forth memorized garbage. Sadly, I think I only got 3 thumbs down.

Most creationists and non-creationists that fight are silly. You know, you both are so much alike, I would laugh if it only it weren't so dang stupid.

Answer 5

Are they all, as you so imply, placing them all into one small group,afraid?There are those who believe that evolution is just a further example of the supremacy of a Divine Being.Who else could have planned putting those dinosaur bones there so many years ago knowing that as the human race evolved they would have a need for them?Creational evolution perfection!

Answer 6

Why are Evolutionists so petrified of creationalists? Are they quite afraid that creation will by some skill devalue thier position in the international? Are they quite afriad that they received't pass to the position they're going? only what's the danger that motives them to miss a tremendous body of info helping creation. creation only must be between the most beautiful guidelines (no longer idea because the overall public makes use of the interest) in technology. i'm no longer asking this interior the "technology" class because i'm wide unsleeping of those agruments

Answer 7

They aren't afraid of it. It's just an idea that's incompatible with their belief system. They have a faith based interpretation of how humans got to the place they are today. Since faith is believing in something beyond all doubt and evidence to the contrary, no amount of evidence you show them in this world will get them to change their mind if they truly believe it in their heart.

Answer 8

It is a refutation of their belief in the literal truth of the bible. Which is silly: there are numerous errors in the bible, having nothing to do with evolution. Classic example: the tale of the great flood, easily seen to be false. Furthermore, evolution is now a proven fact. (Proof details available on request; please provide an e-mail address.)

Answer 9

All creationist are not against evolution. If you carefully read Genisis in the Bible and listen to the theories scientists present to us, they parallel each other.

Answer 10

Calling it 'afraid' is being provocative. It simply does not stand up to the scrutiny of fossil evidence, therefore they do not consider evolution as being reality.....or at least their reality and worldview. I doubt whether fear is a part of their thinking on the matter.