Darwin versus Creationism - the great debate : Response

Darwin versus Creationism - the great debate. By Kate Whiting.Wednesday, 28 January 2009
So what of the future for creationism? http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk

The Belfast Telegraph actually has an objective article relating to the creation - evolution debate in England. Professor Michael Reiss a biologist was attacked by the scientific establishment. This mountain of criticism did not come because he advocated ID or creationism, but merely suggested that a teacher be sensitive to questions students had who brought questions concerning creation and evolution. Reiss was forced to resign.

The article discusses a brief history of the struggle and Michael Reiss offers two potential outcomes for the future.

“One future which I hope we don’t have in the UK is that we become more and more like the situation in the US, in other words, a larger proportion of people are creationists and it becomes more and more difficult to discuss and teach evolution in schools and society becomes increasingly polarised,” Reiss says.

“Another possibility, which the optimist in me hopes is the case, is that precisely because there is now more discussion about these issues, we end up with a consensus about the role of education in both RE lessons and science lessons teaching in this area and there’s eventually a better understanding among people both of science and religion.”

Which Future Will Prevail in the UK?

It is interesting that Reiss did not give a third option for future of the UK. The third option is what Richard Dawkins and others hope would dispel all religious beliefs whatsoever. As one who believes in creation, I would hope the first future would prevail in the UK. Evolution cannot explain life origins when there is a recognition of a special creation of humanity. This view I have confidence will prevail and more scientists will brave the orthodoxy of religious evolution and declare Darwinian evolution needs to be laid to rest.

(Photograph of Michael Reiss by Frank Baron from: Science lessons should tackle creationism and intelligent design click here for more information)