Three SNP MSPs call for schools to teach creationism

Three Scottish MSPs – all members of the SNP – have backed a motion claiming that science cannot disprove the belief that God created the world in six days, and that children should be taught this in schools:

Richard Lyle MSP and Dave Thompson MSP are supporting the motion, which was put forward by John Mason MSP. The full motion reads:

“That the Parliament notes that South Lanarkshire Council has issued guidance concerning the appointment and input of chaplains and religious organisations in schools; understands that some people believe that God created the world in six days, some people believe that God created the world over a longer period of time and some people believe that the world came about without anyone creating it; considers that none of these positions can be proved or disproved by science and all are valid beliefs for people to hold, and further considers that children in Scotland’s schools should be aware of all of these different belief systems.”

Note the claim that “some people believe that God created the world in six days” and that this can’t “be proved or disproved by science”. Of course numerous Christian scientists believe the opposite – that yes, science can prove the creation account in Genesis is not literally true but also that yes, they can still be Christians who believe in God.

Some people’s belief in science leads them not to believe in God. Some people’s belief in science leads them to an uneasy relationship with a belief on God. And some people’s belief in science compliments their belief in God.

Having children taught that such diversity exists in the world – both for Christianity and for other religions – makes sense. What doesn’t is teaching children science one moment – and then trashing the science teaching the next with creationism.