In creationism, however, both authority and revelation take precedence over evidence. The conclusions of creationism do not change, nor can they be validated when subjected to test by the methods of science. Thus, there are profound differences between the religious belief in special creation and the scientific explanations embodied in evolutionary theory. Neither benefits from the confusion that results when the two are presented as equivalent approaches in the same classroom. . . . Special creation is neither a successful theory nor a testable hypothesis for the origin of the universe, the earth, or of life thereon.
Creationism reverses the scientific process.
It accepts as authoritative a conclusion seen as unalterable and then seeks to support that conclusion by whatever means possible. Examples of events changing scientific thought are legion. . . Truly scientific understanding cannot be attained or even pursued effectively when explanations not derived from or tested by the scientific method are accepted. The word evolution in this context has a very different meaning than it does when applied to the evolution of organisms. Evidence that the evolution of the universe has taken place over at least several billion years is overwhelming.