CHALLENGE TO DARWIN

Call to debate creation myths alongside science

The director of education at the Royal Society, the UK’s most venerable scientific body, last week suggested that creationism – the view that life and the universe were created by God rather than natural evolution – could be discussed in school science lessons. Professor Michael Reiss, who is also a Church of England clergyman, was not arguing that creationist views as set out in the Bible or Koran are correct. However, he said science teachers should acknowledge that they form a view of the world held by about 10% of students – and be ready to discuss it. Reiss told a scientific conference last week: “Just because something lacks scientific support doesn’t seem to me a sufficient reason to omit it from a science lesson.”

EVOLVING CREATIONISM

Traditional views turn to intelligent design

In its original form, creationism suggested the universe and living things were made by God, with the Bible saying it was done in six days. This was later taken further by “young Earth” Christian fundamentalists who believed the universe was created by God a few thousand years ago – making the Darwinian theory of natural evolution over millions of years a heresy. Some creationists have now reformulated their beliefs as “intelligent design”, asserting that the evolution of the universe is so complex it can have been caused only by God. Creationism is gaining ground in the US. Sarah Palin, the Republican vice-presidential candidate, has spoken out in support of the subject being debated in schools.

SPREADING TO THE UK

More schools adopt controversial stance

Creationism and intelligent design are now creeping into British schools’ curricula. Research earlier this year suggested that at least 40 schools in the UK included creationism on their syllabus. This has developed partly because of the government’s programme for new city academies, under which independent organisations, including churches, can run schools and determine their curricula. The Emmanuel Schools Foundation, sponsored by Peter Vardy, a businessman and evangelical Christian, was one of the first to introduce intelligent design into science lessons. The government has said that creationism and intelligent design are not supported by scientific evidence and should not be taught as part of the national science curriculum.

DEEPENING DIVISIONS

Scientific community is split on the issue

Senior scientists reacted strongly against Reiss’s suggestion. Professor Lewis Wolpert, of University College London, said: “Creationism is based on faith and has nothing to do with science, and it should not be taught in science classes.” However, Reverend Tim Hastie-Smith, new chairman of an organisation representing 250 leading independent schools, said creationism should at least be discussed. His school teaches it as a hypothesis some people believe in, but not a fact. The divisions and confusion run deep in the scientific community. Reiss’s views hint at tensions within the Royal Society. Last year the society wrote a letter saying that creationism had no place in schools.

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