A concerning revelation has emerged from Queensland, where teachers at Christian schools were instructed to incorporate creationist perspectives into their science and humanities lessons. This directive came after a Christian science conference hosted by the US-based fundamentalist group Answers in Genesis, known for its replica of Noah’s Ark.
Last year, the Open Brethren organisation Christian Community Ministries (CCM), which operates 15 schools across Australia, held the conference featuring a presentation by Answers in Genesis’ director of research, Australian geologist Andrew Snelling. Teachers present say Snelling told them the radiometric dating techniques used by mainstream scientists to date fossils and rocks were flawed, and that the Himalayas were formed by the “great flood” described in the Bible. He also claimed that juvenile vegetarian dinosaurs had been on Noah’s Ark.
The teachers were then reportedly encouraged to incorporate Snelling’s creationist material into their science and humanities lessons. While faith-based schools in Queensland are allowed to teach religious doctrine, they are also required to follow the approved curriculum, which explicitly introduces the theory of evolution to students from Year 10.
David Geelan, the president of the Science Teachers’ Association of Queensland, expressed concern that this directive undermines the teaching of established scientific theories. “A thoughtful and nuanced teacher [at a faith-based school] could say: ‘In our church we believe X, but for your assessments you should demonstrate your understanding of the scientific theory as currently developed.’ But I’m not sure that always happens,” he said.
Answers in Genesis is a “young earth creationist” group that disputes significant strands of consensus science, claiming instead that scientific evidence supports the biblical creation story. Geelan warned that this “distrust of science” can lead to other forms of science denialism.
The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority stated that the state’s science syllabuses and resources “support the teaching of scientific theories, including the theory of evolution.” However, they acknowledged that there is “less of that compliance” in ensuring schools adhere to the curriculum, as principals have “some autonomy to teach as they wish.”
The chief executive of Christian Community Ministries, John Lyndon, defended the organisation’s schools, stating that they teach “the full requirements of the Australian curriculum,” while also welcoming “insights from scientists and scholars who work from a biblical worldview.” He described Snelling as a “highly qualified and respected geologist” and claimed the information provided to the Guardian Australia was “inaccurate” and “absurd.”
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between teaching established scientific theories and accommodating religious beliefs in the classroom. As educators, it is crucial to maintain a balanced and objective approach, ensuring students develop a well-rounded understanding of the world around them.