Dissent with modification: how postcreationism’s claim of hyperrapid speciation opposes yet embraces evolutionary theory

Abstract

Abstract The development of creationism to its multiple modern forms has been made possible in part by its appropriation and misuse of mainstream scientific terms. Here we illustrate how anti-evolutionary advocates have redefined the terms macroevolution and microevolution to advance their view of the origins of biological diversity. We identify and describe an ideological movement within modern young-earth creationism we call postcreationism, those that have embraced a hyperrapid speciation model of the origin of biological diversity. Postcreationism is demonstrated with specific examples from young-earth creationist publications and Ark Encounter creationist theme park, with takeaways for addressing these ideas in evolutionary biology education.

Keywords

• Young-earth creationism
• Creationist
• Macroevolution
• Microevolution
• Evolution
• Natural selection