A controversy has emerged in Queensland, Australia, where teachers at Christian Community Ministries schools were instructed to attend a conference promoting creationist theories and subsequently encouraged to incorporate that material into their science classrooms.
The organization, which operates fifteen schools across Australia under the Open Brethren faith tradition, hosted a conference last year featuring representatives from Answers in Genesis, an American fundamentalist group that adheres to young earth creationism. Teachers at several of these schools were informed that attendance was mandatory.
The conference included presentations by Andrew Snelling, an Australian geologist who serves as director of research for Answers in Genesis. According to attendees who spoke with media outlets, Snelling challenged radiometric dating methods that mainstream scientists use to establish the age of fossils and geological formations. He presented alternative theories, including the assertion that the Himalayan mountain range formed during the biblical great flood and that juvenile, vegetarian dinosaurs accompanied Noah aboard the ark.
Teachers who attended the conference reported that they were subsequently encouraged to integrate this material into their science and humanities lessons. Several educators have raised concerns, emphasizing that their objections center not on the teaching of religious doctrine in faith-based institutions, but rather on the responsibility of schools to provide education aligned with approved curriculum standards.
Queensland regulations require faith-based schools to teach the approved state syllabus. According to Professor David Geelan, president of the Science Teachers’ Association of Queensland, the science curriculum explicitly introduces evolutionary theory beginning in year ten. Students are expected to understand evolution as the scientific explanation for biological diversity and to demonstrate knowledge of the evidence supporting this theory.
Professor Geelan acknowledged that faith-based educators can navigate potential conflicts between religious beliefs and scientific consensus. A thoughtful approach might involve a teacher explaining that while their church holds certain beliefs, students must demonstrate understanding of established scientific theories for assessment purposes. However, he expressed uncertainty about whether such balanced instruction consistently occurs.
Answers in Genesis promotes young earth creationism, which disputes substantial portions of consensus science in favor of interpretations that align with a literal reading of biblical creation accounts. The organization, now led by Martyn Iles, former head of the Australian Christian Lobby, has indicated plans to expand its presence in Australia.
Professor Geelan noted that sustaining creationist theories requires skepticism toward extensive bodies of current scientific knowledge. He identified a concerning pattern wherein organizations like Answers in Genesis suggest that scientists are deliberately misleading the public, a perspective that often correlates with broader forms of science denialism.
The fundamental concern, according to Professor Geelan, involves the erosion of trust in scientific institutions and methods. When students are taught to distrust established scientific consensus on matters such as the age of the earth and evolutionary biology, this skepticism can extend to other scientific fields and findings.
The matter raises questions about the appropriate balance between religious instruction and scientific education in faith-based schools, particularly regarding institutions that receive public funding or recognition. While religious schools maintain certain freedoms in incorporating faith perspectives, they remain accountable to educational standards designed to prepare students for higher education and informed citizenship.
The situation in Queensland reflects broader tensions in many Western nations regarding science education in religious schools and the extent to which alternative theories should be presented alongside or in place of established scientific consensus.
Related: Winter Storm Emergency Declared in 18 States as Travel Chaos Grips America
