User talk:Trishm/ec intro

Existing introduction
The creation-evolution controversy (also termed the creation vs. evolution debate or the origins debate) is a recurring dispute about the origins of the Earth, humanity, life, and the universe, a debate most prevalent in certain regions of the United States, where it is often portrayed as part of the culture wars.

While the controversy has a long history, today it primarily concerns what should be taught as science in schools, and what is good science. In the United States, the teaching of biological evolution in the public schools is one significant area of contention, while the teaching of alternatives such as creation science and intelligent design are other aspects of the dispute.

In the first case, creationists argue that evolution should not be taught because it is bad science or because it is an anti-theist ideology dressed up as science. Pressure on local school boards and individual teachers have led to de-emphasizing evolution in some public schools, but the teaching of evolution continues to be widespread. In the second case, concerned parents, educators, scientists, and other interested parties argue that creation science and intelligent design are pseudosciences as well as thinly disguised schemes to introduce religion to the classroom. In the United States, recent court decisions have affirmed this position, consistently thwarting any introduction of creation science and intelligent design into public science curricula.

Sources: 1. Hovind 2006 2. Larson 2004 p247-263 ch called Modern Culture wars

New Introduction
The creation-evolution controversy centres around the teaching of evolution and creationism in schools.

Definition of the controversy

 * Origins of the world
 * Definition of science
 * What should be taught in schools
 * science vs science
 * religion vs science

Fourthly there is no sense that this is a religious and political campaign by creationists to amend the way science is being taught.

This is actually key. See the wedge-document.

Where the controversy exists
Source: USA

other countries affected:UK, Australia, Poland, Russia, Serbia

Churches drawn in

turkey

serbia

germany

How the controversy is viewed in the US
Creationism is accepted by a high percentage of the population. Evolution is not. Evolution is portrayed as some godless idea which corrupts society.

Wedge document

Getting Christianity taught in schools - this is the common thread in every country - to stop teaching evolution, and teach creationism instead.