Q: Is "creationism" a science? Is "evolution" a religion?

A: "Creationism" is not science. "Creation Science" is a contemporary religious/political movement masquerading as science in order to gain public acceptance. Evolution is the central, unifying theory of biology, not a religious principle.

In an attempt to legitimize and promote acceptance of their religious views, contemporary creationists have labeled their dogma "creation science." In fact, there is neither experimental nor historical evidence for their assertions. Because it lacks a scientific methodology, and in the absence of empirical data for support, one must conclude that "Creationism" is not science. Among those who research or teach biological evolution there are certainly some whose enthusiasm for the subject might be likened to religious zeal. There are also some who, mistakenly, feel that the evidence supporting evolution must invalidate religious faith. Evolutionary science, however, has neither the intent nor the means to substitute for or contradict religion.

In June 1987 the United States Supreme Court upheld the ruling of a lower court that the "Balanced Treatment Act" of the state of Louisiana was unconstitutional. The Louisiana law required the teaching of "creation science" concepts alongside the teaching of evolution in the public schools. The Court ruled that because the law "advances a religious doctrine by requiring either the banishment of the theory of evolution from public school classrooms or the presentation of a religious viewpoint that rejects evolution in its entirety," it violated the First Amendment's prohibition on state promotion of religious beliefs (3).