Don't distort science to promote religious beliefs, say scientists

Published on Tuesday 11 April 2006 01:13

LEADING scientists have warned against the teaching of Christian theories such as creationism in school biology lessons.

The Royal Society demanded that ministers make sure children learn the value of genuine science.

The society defended Darwin's theory of evolution, insisting it represented the best explanation for the development of life on Earth.

The statement from Britain's leading scientific organisation followed a long-running row over claims that some of Tony Blair's flagship city academies teach creationism in science lessons.

Creationism includes a belief that all forms of life have always existed in their present form and that the world was formed in 4004BC, rather than 4,600 million years ago, as scientists believe.

The Royal Society statement said: "Science has proved enormously successful in advancing our understanding of the world, and young people are entitled to learn about scientific knowledge, including evolution.

"They also have a right to learn how science advances, and that there are, of course, many things that science cannot yet explain.

"Some may wish to explore the compatibility, or otherwise, of science with various beliefs, and they should be encouraged to do so.

"However, young people are poorly served by deliberate attempts to withhold, distort or misrepresent scientific knowledge and understanding in order to promote particular religious beliefs."

Academics in the US have also voiced concern over similar theories being taught in American schools. One such theory is known as "intelligent design".

This suggests that some species are too complex to have evolved through natural selection - as most scientists believe - and must therefore be the product of a "designer".

It was claimed that schools in the north-east of England backed by one academy sponsor, Christian millionaire Sir Peter Vardy, were promoting creationism alongside conventional evolutionary scientific theory. The King's Academy in Middlesbrough, which Sir Peter sponsored, has denied that it taught creationism.

Professor David Read, vice-president of the Royal Society, said: "We felt that it would be timely to publish a clear statement on evolution, creationism and intelligent design as there continues to be controversy about them in the UK and other countries."