Creationism and Intelligent Design:Merely a challenge or a veritable threat to secular education?

Seminar paper from the year 2008 in the subject American Studies - Culture and Applied Geography, grade: 1,0/ A+, Humboldt-University of Berlin (Institut für Anglistik/ Amerikanistik), course: Hauptseminar, language: English, abstract: The aim of this paper is to explain how this distinct religious trait of being prone to fundamentalist thought, which is an integral part of American culture, affects modern science, education and even challenges several scientifically substantiated theories - among them Charles Darwins theory of evolution. There will be a concise yet detailed analysis of the historical background, the political and social rootage and the current developments regarding the terms describing Creationism and Intelligent Design. The paper will introduce the two concepts, its perception and the ongoing debate in the United States. Prior to that, however, it is considered important to have a look at the beginnings of religious life in the United States in the first chapter - as it is indispensable for a thorough comprehension of the entire subject matter.