Legal Definitions - creationism

Creationism refers to the belief that the universe and all life originated from specific acts of divine creation, as described in religious texts, most commonly the biblical Book of Genesis. In a legal context, particularly within the United States, discussions around creationism often involve the principle of separation of church and state. The U.S. Supreme Court has consistently held that mandating the teaching of creationism in public schools violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits government endorsement of religion. This is because such mandates are seen as promoting a particular religious doctrine rather than serving a secular educational purpose.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of this term:

• Example 1: Public School Curriculum Mandate

  A state legislature passes a law requiring all public high school biology classes to teach the biblical account of creation alongside the theory of evolution, dedicating equal instructional time to both. The law states that this is to ensure students are exposed to "all perspectives" on the origins of life.

  This scenario illustrates creationism because the state is attempting to introduce a specific religious narrative about creation into the public school science curriculum. Such a law would likely be challenged and found unconstitutional under the Establishment Clause, as it promotes a religious viewpoint rather than a secular educational objective.

• Example 2: Teacher's Classroom Instruction

  During a unit on cosmology in a public middle school science class, a teacher spends several days presenting the Genesis creation story as a scientifically plausible explanation for the universe's origin, alongside discussions of the Big Bang theory. The teacher tells students that both are equally valid scientific theories.

  This example demonstrates creationism through the teacher's actions. By presenting a religious creation narrative as a scientifically valid theory in a public school setting, the teacher risks violating the Establishment Clause by endorsing a religious viewpoint and blurring the lines between religious belief and scientific inquiry.

• Example 3: School Board Policy on Textbooks

  A local school board adopts a policy requiring all science textbooks purchased for public schools to include a disclaimer sticker that reads, "This textbook contains material on evolution, a controversial theory. Other explanations for the origin of life, including divine creation, should also be considered."

  This situation involves creationism because the school board's policy attempts to undermine the scientific consensus on evolution and implicitly promote religious creation narratives. Even without directly mandating the teaching of creationism, such a disclaimer is often seen as an unconstitutional endorsement of religion, lacking a clear secular purpose in public education.