Creationism 'should not be taught' (Paul Chu Ching-Wu 朱經武﹐科大校長)

Elaine Yau (Reporter)

Paul Chu Ching-wu says there is no room for the teaching of creationism in local schools.

He made the comment following his talk at the HKCEC science forum.

The age-old standoff between science and religion was one of the many topics covered in the exchange.

While saying that he did not believe science and religion necessarily had to clash, Professor Chu said there was no room for religious indoctrination in science lessons.

'Even the United States is moving away from the teaching of intelligent design in biology lessons now,' he said. 'There are many unknown things in this world. Should we teach them all?'

Professor Chu recognised the role of religion in civilisation. 'Knowledge is infinite. Human life is limited. There's no way for humans to study everything. Religion will always exist alongside science,' he said.

Professor Yang also said he thought science and religion could complement each other.

'There's a limit to what we can understand through academic studies,' he said. 'My views on religion have undergone some changes over the years. When I was young, I thought I could do many things and academic studies were unlimited. As I grow older, I discover academic studies have limits, no matter how successful they are.'