Creationist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

✝️
Add to dictionary

creationist

[kriˈeɪʃənɪst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

belief system

A creationist is someone who believes in the creation of the universe and life as described by religious texts, particularly the Bible. Creationists typically reject evolutionary theory and support the view that life and the universe were created by a divine being.

Synonyms

fundamentalist, literalist, theist.

Examples of usage

  • Many creationists attend church regularly.
  • The debate between evolutionists and creationists has been ongoing for decades.
  • Creationists argue against the theory of evolution in school curricula.
  • A creationist perspective often influences various scientific debates.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'creationism' emerged in the 20th century, gaining popularity among certain religious groups.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the early chapters of the Bible, particularly the Book of Genesis, which describes the creation of the world.
  • In the 1960s, the movement gained momentum as a response to Darwin's theory of evolution, advocating for teaching creationist views in schools.

Science and Education

  • In the U.S., court cases like Kitzmiller v. Dover (2005) ruled that teaching intelligent design in public schools violated the separation of church and state.
  • Some creationists promote 'Young Earth Creationism,' which holds that the Earth is only a few thousand years old, contradicting established scientific views.
  • The National Center for Science Education works to support the inclusion of evolution in science curricula, opposing creationist teachings.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Creationism has sparked significant debate in educational policy, notably in the context of science vs. religion in school curricula.
  • Different cultures maintain various creation myths, contributing to a diverse understanding of the world's origins across societies.
  • The concept of creationism influences not only education but also public policy and political viewpoints in several countries.

Philosophy and Religion

  • Philosophers and theologians often debate creationism versus evolution, examining the implications on humanity's understanding of existence.
  • Some religious groups integrate both creationist beliefs and evolutionary science, advocating for a harmonious view of faith and reason.
  • Creationism raises important ethical questions regarding scientific literacy, faith, and public education, impacting community discussions.

Pop Culture

  • Creationism often appears in media, with documentaries either supporting or critiquing the movement, sparking public interest.
  • Movies and books sometimes portray characters who are creationists, highlighting the conflict between scientific views and faith-based beliefs.
  • In popular debates, creationist arguments are sometimes humorously referenced or critiqued in discussions about science and religion.

Origin of 'creationist'

The term 'creationist' is derived from the word 'creation', which comes from the Latin 'creatio', meaning 'creation' or 'to create'. The concept of creationism can be traced back to ancient religious beliefs that articulated that a divine being or deity is responsible for the creation of the universe and life within it. With the rise of scientific explanations for the origins of life and the universe, particularly the theory of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin in the 19th century, the term 'creationist' gained prominence as a way to identify those who advocate for a literal interpretation of creation stories found in religious texts. In the modern era, creationism has been notably associated with certain fundamentalist Christian groups who oppose the teaching of evolution in schools and promote the idea of intelligent design, asserting that the complexity of life is evidence of a deliberate creator.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,729, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.