Queensland Teachers Instructed to Teach Creationist Views in Science Classes
Science and humanities teachers employed by a network of Queensland Christian schools were reportedly directed to incorporate creationist material into their lessons, following attendance at a conference hosted by the fundamentalist group Answers in Genesis.
Compulsory Conference with Creationist Agenda
Last year, teachers working at schools operated by Christian Community Ministries (CCM), which runs 15 educational institutions across Australia, were told it was mandatory to attend a Christian science conference. The event was organised by the US-based Answers in Genesis, a young earth creationist organisation known for building a replica of Noah's Ark complete with model dinosaurs.
During the conference, Andrew Snelling, Answers in Genesis' director of research and an Australian geologist, presented to attendees. Teachers present reported that Snelling challenged mainstream scientific consensus, claiming that radiometric dating techniques used to establish the age of fossils and rocks were fundamentally flawed.
Snelling reportedly asserted that the Himalayas were formed by the biblical "great flood" and suggested that juvenile vegetarian dinosaurs would have been among the animals taken aboard Noah's Ark. Following the presentation, teachers say they were encouraged to integrate this material into both their science and humanities teaching.
Curriculum Compliance Concerns Raised
Those who raised concerns with media outlets emphasised that their objection was not to faith-based schools teaching religious doctrine, but rather to the potential conflict with curriculum requirements. In Queensland, all schools, including those with religious affiliations, are required to teach the approved syllabus.
Professor David Geelan, president of the Science Teachers' Association of Queensland, highlighted that the state's science curriculum explicitly introduces evolutionary theory to students from year 10. "Students need to understand evolution as an explanation for the diversity of life and talk about the scientific evidence that supports the theory," Geelan stated.
He suggested that teachers at faith-based schools could present both perspectives by saying: "In our church we believe X, but for your assessments you should demonstrate your understanding of the scientific theory as currently developed." However, Geelan expressed uncertainty about whether this balanced approach consistently occurs in practice.
Questions About Scientific Integrity and Oversight
Answers in Genesis promotes young earth creationism, disputing significant areas of consensus science while claiming that scientific evidence supports biblical creation narratives. The group, now led by former Australian Christian Lobby head Martyn Iles, has recently indicated plans to expand its activities in Australia.
Geelan warned that sustaining creationist theories requires scepticism toward substantial bodies of established scientific knowledge. "Answers in Genesis say scientists are lying to you ... and that very often then forms up with other forms of science denialism. That distrust of science is the main negative," he explained.
While acknowledging that schools must follow the syllabus, Geelan noted there "isn't really a mechanism for checking this" in practice. "They probably shouldn't be teaching things that directly contradict the syllabus. But there aren't school inspectors going around. There's less of that compliance, the school has some autonomy to teach as they wish."
Official Responses and Defences
The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority released a statement affirming that the state's science syllabuses and resources "support the teaching of scientific theories, including the theory of evolution." The authority outlined several checkpoints throughout the year to ensure curriculum requirements are being met, while noting that principals bear ultimate responsibility for teaching quality and content.
John Lyndon, chief executive of Christian Community Ministries, defended the organisation's approach, stating that CCM schools teach "the full requirements of the Australian curriculum," including evolutionary theory. "At the same time, as a Christian school, we also welcome insights from scientists and scholars who work from a biblical worldview," Lyndon said.
He described Snelling as "a highly qualified and respected geologist" and characterised reports about the presentation as "inaccurate" and "absurd." Lyndon emphasised that parents choose CCM schools specifically for their Christ-centred educational approach, which he maintains is fully compliant with national curriculum standards.
Answers in Genesis is scheduled to host further events in Australia beginning later this month, including at Mueller College in north Brisbane, a school operated by CCM.
