Creationism remains alive, well and ranks above evolution in Christendom

Charles Darwin, scientist of thesis, theory of evolution

More than one hundred fifty years ago, Charles Darwin published his thesis regarding the creation and evolution of the world, with the far-reaching theory of evolution.  Yet despite the number of years that have past, and the number of people who have advanced the theory of evolution through continuing research and scientific assessments of all kinds, there remain many people who don't believe in evolution but prefer the literal Biblical interpretation or creationism .

Despite the famous Scopes trial, where the theory of evolution and the notions of creationism met head to head in a courtroom, the fundamentalist view of how the world was created remains just as it was in 1925.  The trial "starred" William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow as opposing attorneys.  Both were famous men, known for their oratory and strong political and social opinions.

Bryan was a third-time Presidential nominee, former Secretary of State and life-long Presbyterian with strong religious views.  He was the hero of the creationists at the Scopes trial, while Clarence Darrow, an agnostic, defended the young teacher, who had been accused of violating the Butler Act, a law in Tennessee which held that it was unlawful to teach the new theory of evolution that had been put forth by Darwin.

The Scopes trial attracted a great deal of publicity, as it pitched the modernists against the creationists.  Scopes lost his case and was found guilty, although he was only fined $100, yet the verdict was subsequently overturned on a technicality.  Despite the issues surrounding the trial, and the many articles, books and screenplays that have been written about the famous trial, there remain many people who are still unconvinced that evolution is a viable theory.

Much of the passion for creationism arose from the publication of a book written by a conservative Christian John Whitcomb and Bible teacher, Henry M. Morris in 1961.  Subsequently a number of anti-evolution books were written and the more famous book called The Genesis Flood,  by Whitcomb and Morris.  Morris went on afterward to put together an Institute for Creation Research that has advanced the continuing criticism of the theory of evolution while extolling the values put forth by creationism.  There is also a Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky founded by evangelist Ken Ham.

While there are many who believe in creationism, it depends on the particular religious community one belongs to as to whether or not a believer holds the fundamentalist view or a mixed perspective that combines evolution and creationism.  The Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons are reported to be the ones who hold the creationism view in high percentages.  On the other hand, Unity Church, the Presbyterians and the Episcopalians as well as others believe that whereas man was created by God, the creation took place by some intelligent design that could have lasted millions of years as opposed to a few thousand years.

The Pew Forum surveyed Americans and found more than 60% believe in some form of creationism.  Yet despite the fact that the believers of creationism are numerous and encompass many Christian groups, this particular belief has not been accepted as part of scientific theories or beliefs, in spite of the fact there are places in the United States that holds creationism as a theory on par with evolution and therefore worthy of inclusion in the science curriculum.  Texas is one of those states that made this part of law, as did Louisiana.  In fact schoolchildren in the charter schools find their texts proclaim evolution merely as an unproven theory.  Some of the workbooks declare scientists themselves are unsure of the theory of evolution.

Here are some of the risks to creativity from bipolar illness and depression

Carol Forsloff — Mental health scientists have long known that there is a higher percentage of visual artists and musicians with bipolar disorder and depression than the normal population.  But is this just a tragedy for the social order and those who suffer from the illness or are there benefits that can teach us about ourselves and bring compassion , understanding and art appreciation as well?

Even great scientists and politicians, who brought high creativity to their endeavors, have also been categorized with bipolar disorder or depression. Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin looked at life out of unique life’s lenses. As a result  of Darwin’s perception, we have an understanding about how man and all nature evolved. And as a result of Lincoln’s deep feelings about himself, and his integration of those feelings with all humanity, the Great Emancipator forged the documents and the government strength to win a civil war over slavery and abolish the institution of slavery as an institution in the United States.

Experts tell us that creative people with bipolar disorder and depression may be drawn to the arts or other ventures where innovation is the mechanism for generating ideas that are outside what many would describe as the ordinary boundaries of performance.

The American Journal of Psychiatry from 1987 found that in 30 creative writers, there was a higher rate of bipolar disorder. They also were found to have higher IQs. A study in the  Journal of Affective Disorders in 2007 also found a higher percentage of creative skills in bipolar patients than those without a diagnosed mental disorder. Some mental health experts maintain that creative people are drawn to the arts and certain sciences because in looking for ways to ease their personal pain, or to understand themselves and their universe, they use their perceptions to uncover new pathways, new ideas and new ways to express their art. In doing so, they become leaders and often great contributors to the culture.

Those individuals with bipolar disorder have periods of both mania and depression. In their heightened states, great mood swings can occur; yet often it is within that uptick of mood that creativity can abound, as demonstrated by great works of art done during these episodes.  And while researchers continue to look for medications and cures for these episodes, some researchers wonder if in doing so we will eliminate that mechanism for creative advancement at the same time. In other words, our cure, or our need to make “them” like “us” may in fact reduce a level of creativity in our culture that brings value to our culture for generations.