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Published on: 6/7/2007
Last Visited: 6/7/2007
Philip Williamson, head of Canon Slade Church of England school, believes the theory, which suggests humanity, life, the Earth, and the universe were created by God, would be a useful topic for discussion in science lessons.
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Mr Williamson welcomed comments by The Rev Jan Ainsworth, a former church curate for the parish of East Farnworth and Kearsley, who said intelligent design, which argues that God, as opposed to evolution, is the creator of life, could be debated in science classes.
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Mr Williamson argued that it was important to present young people with all of the theories alongside each other.
He said: "This school firmly believes that God is the maker and creator, but church schools are not in the process of indoctrinating children.
"In teaching evolution and scientific theories we put it in the context that they are not fact.They are the models that best fit with the evidence available now.Scientific theories of the past have been superseded by more recent evidence."
Mr Williamson believes children should be allowed to reach their own interpretations to help them on their "spiritual journey".
He argued that discussing both Biblical and scientific interpretations of the creation of life would enable young people to be more informed."It would be arrogant to teach just one interpretation," he said.