18th century:
- Early debates emerged between proponents of natural theology, who argued for the existence of God through evidence in nature, and those who supported deism, emphasizing the role of natural laws without direct divine intervention.
19th century:
- Publication of Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" (1859): This work presented evidence for evolution through the process of natural selection and became central to the scientific understanding of the diversity of life.
1870s:
- The term "creationism" began to be used in response to the growing influence of evolutionary ideas.
1910s - 1920s:
- The debate intensified in the United States with the Scopes Trial (1925) and the subsequent anti-evolution legislation in some states.
1960s:
- The concept of intelligent design was introduced as an alternative to evolution, claiming that certain features of the universe and living organisms were so complex that they required the intervention of a higher intelligence.
1970s:
- Renewed efforts by creationists to challenge the teaching of evolution in schools, leading to court cases and debates about the separation of church and state.
1980s - 1990s:
- Growing activism by creationists in politics and education, accompanied by public discussions and debates between scientists, philosophers, and religious leaders.
21st century:
- Continued debates and advocacy for the inclusion of creationism or intelligent design in science education, alongside efforts to promote scientific literacy and critical thinking.
It is worth noting that the debate between creationism and evolution is particularly prominent in some parts of the world and certain religious and cultural contexts, while in other regions the acceptance of evolutionary science is more widely established within the scientific community and societal discourse.