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Creationism vs. Evolutionism — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Published on September 22, 2023
Creationism holds that life, the Earth, and the universe were created by a supreme being; Evolutionism argues that life evolved over time through natural selection and random mutation.

Difference Between Creationism and Evolutionism

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Key Differences

Creationism is the belief that the universe, Earth, and life were created by a divine or supernatural entity. This belief often relies on religious texts or revelations as its source of truth. Evolutionism, on the other hand, is a scientific theory that posits life has evolved over time through natural processes like mutation and natural selection. It is backed by empirical evidence, such as fossil records and DNA comparisons.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
While Creationism often relies on faith and religious doctrine, Evolutionism is founded on scientific observation and experimentation. In Creationism, the role of a creator or divine being is central, and the complexity of life is often cited as evidence of intentional design. Evolutionism, however, does not require a creator and explains the diversity and complexity of life through mechanisms like natural selection and mutation.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Another distinction lies in how each view approaches change over time. Creationism often posits that life forms were created in their current state and have not changed significantly since. Evolutionism posits that life forms have evolved over time, adapting to their environment.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
In public discourse and education, Creationism and Evolutionism have sometimes been at odds. While Evolutionism is widely accepted in the scientific community, Creationism continues to be a belief held by many people, often for religious reasons. Legal and educational debates have arisen around whether Creationism should be taught alongside Evolutionism in science classrooms.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

Comparison Chart

Basis

Faith, religious texts
Scientific evidence
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
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Role of a Creator

Central
Not required
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

Explanation of Life

Created by a divine entity
Evolved through natural processes
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

Change Over Time

Limited or none
Constant and ongoing
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

Use in Education

Debated, often religiously motivated
Widely accepted in scientific curricula
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

Compare with Definitions

Creationism

Intelligent Design
Some consider Creationism a form of intelligent design.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 15, 2023
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Evolutionism

Natural Processes
Evolutionism describes life as a result of natural selection.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 15, 2023

Creationism

Faith-based
Creationism relies on faith rather than scientific evidence.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 15, 2023

Evolutionism

Genetic Mutation
Mutation is a key mechanism in Evolutionism.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 15, 2023

Creationism

Static Forms
In Creationism, life forms are believed to be unchanging.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 15, 2023

Evolutionism

Adaptable Life
Evolutionism posits that species adapt over time.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 15, 2023

Creationism

Divine Origin
Creationism holds that life originated from a divine creator.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 15, 2023

Evolutionism

Fossil Record
Evolutionism is supported by the fossil record.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 15, 2023

Creationism

Religious Texts
Creationism often references religious texts for its claims.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 15, 2023

Evolutionism

Scientific Theory
Evolutionism is a scientific theory backed by empirical evidence.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 15, 2023

Creationism

Belief in the supernatural origin of the universe or of humans and other living things, especially as based on the literal interpretation of the account of the creation related in the Bible.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023

Evolutionism

A theory of biological evolution, especially that formulated by Charles Darwin.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023

Creationism

(theology) The Abrahamic doctrine that each individual human soul is created by God, as opposed to traducianism.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023

Evolutionism

Advocacy of or belief in biological evolution.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023

Creationism

Any creationary belief, especially a belief that the origin of things is due to an event or process of creation brought about by the deliberate act of any divine agency, such as a Creator God (creator god).
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023

Evolutionism

(countable) Any of several theories that explain the evolution of systems or organisms.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023

Creationism

The belief that a deity created the world, especially as described in a particular religious text, such as the Quran or the Book of Genesis.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023

Evolutionism

(uncountable) The belief in the universal presence of evolution.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023

Creationism

The doctrine that a soul is specially created for each human being as soon as it is formed in the womb; - opposed to traducianism.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023

Evolutionism

(uncountable) The advocacy of Darwinian evolution by natural selection (Darwinism).
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023

Creationism

The literal belief in the account of creation given in the Book of Genesis;
Creationism denies the theory of evolution of species
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023

Evolutionism

The theory of, or belief in, evolution. See Evolution, 6 and 7.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023

Common Curiosities

Can you believe in both Creationism and Evolutionism?

Some people attempt to reconcile the two, but they are fundamentally different approaches.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

Is Creationism based on science?

Creationism is generally based on faith and religious texts, not scientific evidence.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

What is Evolutionism?

Evolutionism is the scientific theory that life evolved over time.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

What is Creationism?

Creationism is the belief that life was created by a divine being.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

How does Creationism explain the diversity of life?

Creationism often posits that life was created in its diverse forms by a divine being.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

Is Creationism taught in schools?

In the U.S., Creationism is generally not taught as science but may be discussed in religious studies.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

Is Creationism globally accepted?

Acceptance of Creationism varies by culture and religious belief.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

Is Evolutionism based on science?

Yes, Evolutionism is backed by scientific evidence.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

How does Evolutionism explain the diversity of life?

Evolutionism explains diversity through natural selection and mutation.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

Is Evolutionism taught in schools?

Yes, Evolutionism is a standard part of science curricula.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

Who supports Creationism?

Creationism is often supported by religious individuals or organizations.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

Does Evolutionism allow for change over time?

Yes, Evolutionism posits ongoing change and adaptation.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

Who supports Evolutionism?

Evolutionism is widely supported by the scientific community.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

Is Evolutionism globally accepted?

Evolutionism is globally accepted within the scientific community but may not be universally accepted by all cultures or religious groups.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

Does Creationism allow for change over time?

Generally, Creationism holds that life forms were created in their current state.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

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