Abstract:
The relationship between evolution and creation, both religiously and ideologically, continues to
be a source of misunderstandings that occur at various levels and is further explored in this
article. On the basis of empirical studies and theological considerations, the following four types
of misunderstandings in the field of religious education are discussed: (1) ‘Creation’ as nature –
an ethically motivated misunderstanding, (2) Genesis 1 as ‘Creation Report’ – a theologically
conditioned misunderstanding, (3) ‘Scientific Creation Report’ versus Evolution – the Creationist
misunderstanding and (4) Scientifically proven Theory of Evolution versus Creation – the
Scientistic misunderstanding. These types of misunderstanding might be well known to experts
in the field of ‘creation and evolution’. In the field of religious education, however, the harassing
question remains as to why these misunderstandings are so widespread and resistant. For this
reason, the last part of the articles asserts that empirical teaching and learning research is a
religious educational desideratum in the face of these misunderstandings.
Description:
This research is part of the
project, ‘Gender Studies and
Practical Theology Theory
Formation’, directed by
Prof. Dr Yolanda Dreyer,
Department of Practical
Theology, Faculty of Theology
and Religion, University of
Pretoria.
