One of its principal claims is that ostensibly Objective orthodox science, essentially Naturalism, is actually a dogmatically atheistic Religion. Its proponents argue that the Scientific method excludes certain explanations of phenomena, particularly where they point towards supernatural elements. This effectively excludes religious insight from contributing to understanding the Universe.
Neo-Creationists also argue that naturalistic science, as an "atheistic enterprise", is at the root of many of contemporary society's ills (social unrest, family breakdown, Nihilism).
A spectrum of arguments comprise Neo-Creationism, most claim to be scientific theories. Of these, few are openly religious, yet most make thinly veiled religious allusions. The most recognized form of Neo-Creationism in the United States is the Intelligent design movement. Unlike their philosophical forebears, Neo-Creationists largely do not believe in many of the traditional cornerstones of creationism such a young Earth, or in a dogmatically literal interpretation of the Bible. Common to all forms of Neo-Creationism is a rejection of naturalism, usually made together with a tacit admission of supernaturalism, and an open and often hostile opposition to what they term "Darwinism", which generally is meant to refer to Evolution.
Various Neo-Creationist groups purport to run scientific enterprises that conduct legitimate scientific research. Notable examples are the Discovery Institute and its Center for Science and Culture.
Much of the contribution of Neo-Creationists to science consists of highlighting gaps in understanding or minor inconsistencies in the literature of biology, then making statements about what can and cannot happen in biological systems. Critics of Neo-Creationism suggest that Neo-Creationist "science" consists of quote-mining the biological literature (including outdated literature) for minor slips, inconsistencies or polemically-promising examples of internal arguments. These internal disagreements, fundamental to the working of all natural science, are then presented dramatically to lay audiences as evidence of the fraudulence and impending collapse of "Darwinism". Neo-Creationists routinely employ this method to exploit the technical issues within biology and evolutionary theory to their own advantage, relying on a public that is not sufficiently scientifically literate to follow the complex and sometimes difficult details.
Examples of Neo-Creationist polemics include the Discovery Insitute's Wedge Document and the controversial book From Darwin to Hitler authored by institute Fellow Richard Weikart and published by the institute's Center for Science and Culture.
Observers and critics of Neo-Creationism include :
All of whom make explicit the connections between traditional Creationism, Neo-Creationism and Intelligent Design.