Misc SCMP Education Mailbag on Mar 6 2009

Creationism a faith and not a scientific theory

Evolution is a scientific theory, which has developed as a coherent explanation of observable evidence. The theory of evolution is extremely robust, and has been refined over generations as new evidence is brought to light.

Creationism 'theory' is based on the single premise: 'God did it'. This is an incredibly weak scientific theory as there is no robust evidence of any kind to support it, and as such it should

be termed a belief. Therefore, it cannot be termed a competing theory to evolution.

If creationism is a belief, it has absolutely no place in a science class whatsoever.

Doing so only gives it 'scientific' credibility in the minds of young students it does not deserve.

There are also an infinite number of possible creation beliefs, so which one do you teach, the Christian, Buddhist, Hindu or the Spaghetti Monster and his noodley appendages? Whatever

ones you select you will have objections from those left out. The real answer is that any faithbased ideas on the creation of life belong firmly in a philosophy or religious education class, not

anywhere near a science class.

DAVE SANDERSON, Sheung Wan

Students should inquire into competing ideas

Seeing that both evolutionary and creationist theories rely on the same body of evidence, namely the fossil record, to support them, would it not be best to teach both theories and point

out how each interprets that record and rebuts the other?

This would certainly train students critical thinking skills, develop inquiring minds and enable them to independently find the truth.

Such a suggestion should not worry the evolution camp, as I am sure that the fossil record indicates very clearly which theory is more likely to be true.

ROGER PHILLIPS, Sheung Shui