A "creationist" is someone who believes that the universe and all living things were created by a divine being, often in a way described by religious texts. This belief contrasts with scientific theories like evolution, which explain the development of life through natural processes over millions of years. Creationists often interpret the Bible or other sacred texts literally, asserting that the Earth is relatively young, typically around 6,000 to 10,000 years old. This perspective can lead to debates with the scientific community, particularly regarding topics like paleontology and cosmology, which provide evidence for an ancient Earth and the evolution of species.