Queensland Christian Schools Instructed to Teach Creationism, Including Noah's Ark Dinosaur Narrative, in Science Classes

Queensland Christian Schools Instructed to Teach Creationism in Science

Teachers at a group of Queensland Christian schools were instructed to teach creationism in science classes. This included the concept that vegetarian baby dinosaurs would have been transported aboard Noah's Ark.

This included the concept that vegetarian baby dinosaurs would have been transported aboard Noah's Ark.

Last year, Christian Community Ministries (CCM), an Open Brethren organization operating 15 schools across Australia, hosted a Christian science conference. The event featured the US-based fundamentalist group Answers in Genesis, known for building a replica of Noah's Ark with model dinosaurs.

Attendance at this conference was compulsory for some Queensland science and humanities teachers working at CCM schools.

The conference included a presentation by Australian geologist Andrew Snelling, director of research for Answers in Genesis. Attendees reported that Snelling stated:

• Radiometric dating techniques, used by mainstream scientists to date fossils and rocks, were flawed.
• The Himalayas were formed by a "great flood."
• Juvenile vegetarian dinosaurs were present on Noah's Ark.

Teachers were subsequently encouraged to integrate Snelling's material into their science and humanities lessons.

Some teachers expressed concerns to Guardian Australia. They clarified that their objection was not to faith-based schools teaching religious doctrine, but to the responsibility of schools to educate children based on the approved curriculum.

Their objection was not to faith-based schools teaching religious doctrine, but to the responsibility of schools to educate children based on the approved curriculum.

Faith-based schools in Queensland are required to teach the approved syllabus.

Prof David Geelan, president of the Science Teachers’ Association of Queensland, stated that the science curriculum explicitly introduces the theory of evolution to students from year 10. He emphasized that students are expected to understand evolution as an explanation for life's diversity and the scientific evidence supporting it.

Geelan suggested that a nuanced teacher at a faith-based school could differentiate between church beliefs and the scientific theory required for assessments, though he questioned if this consistently occurs.

Answers in Genesis is categorized as a "young earth creationist" group that disputes significant aspects of consensus science, asserting that scientific evidence supports the biblical creation story. Geelan commented that sustaining creationism necessitates skepticism regarding current scientific knowledge, potentially fostering a distrust of science.

Geelan noted that while schools are required to teach the syllabus, mechanisms for checking compliance are limited, allowing schools some autonomy. The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority stated that its science syllabuses and resources support the teaching of scientific theories, including evolution. They added that principals are ultimately responsible for the quality and content of teaching and learning.

John Lyndon, chief executive of Christian Community Ministries, stated that CCM schools teach the "full requirements of the Australian curriculum," including the theory of evolution. He also indicated that CCM welcomes insights from scientists operating from a biblical worldview to aid students in developing their beliefs and a comprehensive understanding of life.

Lyndon described Snelling as a "highly qualified and respected geologist" and characterized information about the presentation given to Guardian Australia as "inaccurate" and "absurd." He affirmed that CCM schools are chosen by parents who seek a Christ-centered educational opportunity compliant with the Australian Curriculum.

Snelling did not provide a comment when requested. Answers in Genesis is scheduled to host additional events in Australia, including at Mueller College, a CCM-run school.