Expert view: Should creationism be taught in schools?

Sep 23 2008 by Our Correspondent, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Some scientists are saying that creationism and intelligent design should be given a place in the science classroom, as an alternative to Darwin’s theory. Dr TIM GABRIEL, industrial lecturer in chemistry in the School of Applied Sciences at the University of Huddersfield looks at the debate

HOW did we get here? Next year is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin – the person to suggest that all life has evolved from one common ancestor, through natural selection.

The Large Hadron Collider, a science experiment set to look at the origins of the universe might also give us clues.

But there are those of us who believe that a creator may be responsible for our existence. If there is a supernatural force, can it be taught in science classes?

Creationism is the belief that the world, universe and ourselves were created by an almighty being. For many, this would mean God.

One form of creationism says that the story in Genesis should be taken literally and that God created the world in seven days 4,000 or so years ago. The problem with this is that it contradicts the evidence and the scientific evolution theory currently taught in schools.

Intelligent design (ID) bridges a gap between science and creationism. ID suggests our creation is explained by science but is controlled by a higher being, designer or perhaps God. Now other scientists are saying that creationism and ID should be given a place in the science classroom, as an alternative to Darwin’s theory.

For some, the link between science and creation is clear. The Institute of Creationism Research (ICR), based in Texas, teaches biology courses from a creationist’s viewpoint. On its website it boasts compelling evidence for creationism and ID.

Not only this, but it explains the universe is only thousands of years old, a previous scientific theory. Currently, non-creationism scientists suggest its birth occurred billions of years ago. Creationists, however, consider that only God would have the power to create something as powerful as The Big Bang.

In fact, if we were to look back at other previous scientific theories, we might also believe that the earth is flat, all materials were made up of earth, fire, air and water in different quantities and the sun travels around the earth.

Interestingly, some previous scientific views are shared by creationists – such as that the earth is near the centre of the universe.

Creationist teaching theories also have backing from some academics at Leeds University who say it should be considered as an alternative to evolution.

In contrast, the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has taken an extreme stance on this, and categorically states that creationism should not be taught in science lessons.

If creationism is a subject to be taught in traditional science classes concerning evolution, then the question is clarity. How can creationism and intelligent design be successfully integrated into science lessons without confusion? Where it becomes even more confusing is that ID also interprets modern science evidence to suggest that there is a God.

The proposal to introduce creationism and ID is to provide an alternative argument to current scientific theories. The ability to explain and argue why science events occur is important. This creates problems, as science already suffers because it is considered too hard. An unbiased view of creationism and evolution may make things more complicated.

It is true that science is not considered the most popular of school subjects. Some people think that the apparent conflict with religion may be a reason why students are put off science.

Yet, I have yet to hear a student tell me they dislike science because it conflicts with their religious beliefs.

However, on a positive note, this may promote interest in the subject area. Perhaps teachers will be able to open the debate, with pupils providing evidence for a balanced argument? This would allow students to make up their own mind and not potentially alienate religious students.

Creationist views may already be creeping into classrooms in the UK as it is in the US. This issue is also encouraged by Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, a film released this year, based on creationism. It received great support in the US where it is listed as one of the top grossing documentaries since 1982.

As a child it was simple. In Sunday school and religious education classes we learnt about God and religions and in science classes we learnt about experiments, fossils and metals that react violently with water.

Unfortunately, with the continually changing curriculum things might become even more complicated for school children.