How Creationists and Evolutionists could Benefit from Each Other

Creationists and evolutionists are opposite sides of the question of origins. So while full-fledged cooperation is impossible they can still benefit from each other. This is because both sides nave a different perspective from which they see things. There are three main ways in which this difference in perspective is helpful.

Creationists and evolutionists are not always looking for the same things when looking at the same phenomenon. Because of this each side will often acquire different lines of data that both sides can benefit from.

Creationists and evolutionists often see different things in the same data. This can benefit both sides by showing a different perspective than the one is use to,

Since creationists and evolutionists are on opposite side of the same issue they are naturally more critical of the other side than of their own making it easier to see problems. This is not to say that ether side is uncritical of their own side but that an honest criticism from a different perspective is helpful.

This would be nice if it happened in reality but by and large it does not. Some times it can happen in isolated cases but not on in the general case because of the degree of antagonism on both sides. A major problem is the fact that Evolutionists refuse to accept any Creation Science research as legitimate scientific research. As a result Creation Science criticism of evolutionist theories is usually ignored. This lack of respect on the part of evolutionists makes it hard for creationists to take their criticism of  Creation Science research seriously. There in lies the problem these mutual benefits require mutual respect something that does not exist.

The Manner in Which Creationists Use the Term Evolutionist Explained

Creationists have often use the term Evolution to refer to entire naturalistic view of origins that starts with the Big Bang and goes to Man. Creationists will also use the term Evolutionist to refer to proponents of the Big Bang to Man view of origins.

The way Creationist use the terms “Evolution” and “Evolutionist” has recently come under attack. The claim is that evolution only refers to biological evolution and that Creationists are ether ignorant or misrepresenting the term Evolution. It further claims that abiogenesis, planetary formation, stellar formation and the Big Bang are all independent disciplines unrelated to evolution.

Creationists fully understand that these are different disciplines nor is Evolution being misrepresent because it is wrong to claim that they are unrelated to biological evolution. They form one complete view of origins and are referred to as evolution by main stream sources like NASA and the NSF. They use distinguishing terms like biological evolution, chemical evolution, planetary evolution, stellar evolution cosmic evolution.

Biological evolution refers to the development of life. Chemical evolution refers to the origin of life. Planetary evolution refers to formation and development of planetary bodies. Stellar evolution refers to the formation, development and death of stars. Cosmic evolution refers to the beginning, development and possible end of the universe. Some times this by itself refers the entire Big Bang to man concept.

Note that these are all labeled evolution so it is not inappropriate to refer to them all collectively as Evolution its proponents as Evolutionists. The terms Evolution and Evolutionists are often used by Creationists simply do to a lack of better terms.

I have also used the terms General Evolution and General Evolution theory to help avoid confusion.

References

Center for Chemical Evolution

Missing Link Sought in Planetary EvolutionNASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

ChandraEducational MaterialsStellar Evolution

Cosmic EvolutionHistory, Culture,and Human Destiny

Cosmic Evolution - From Big Bang to Humankind