A Scottish church leader has challenged atheists and secularists
angry over discussions on intelligent design in the classroom to start
their own schools.
The challenge from Free Church minister, the Reverend David
Robertson, comes after the Scottish Secular Society sent an open letter
to Mike Russell MSP, cabinet secretary for education and lifelong
learning, demanding immediate guidance for schools that would prohibit
them from the discussion of creationism and intelligent design outside
RE classes.
The society wrote to Mr Russell in response to reports that
pro-creationist books were handed out to pupils at Kirktonholme Primary
School, in Lanarkshire, a controversy which led to its two head
teachers, Sandra McKenzie and Liz Mockus, being removed.
The society wrote in their letter: "Creationism and intelligent
design are anti-scientific views that are not only deeply divisive and
confusing in an educational context but are positions that defeat the
hard work of teachers in other curricular areas.
"These topics have no rightful place in Scottish primary and
secondary science education, indeed no place in our education system at
all outside of discussions of Religious and Moral Education classes.
"If this is left unchecked there is a very real potential that such
views can continue to affect this nation's most precious resource - our
children."
Rev Robertson strongly criticised the call for guidance, noting that the Scottish education system has its roots in the church.
He accused the Scottish Secular Society of "narrow and spiteful attempts" to remove God from the classroom.
Mr Robertson said: "It is clear that the Scottish Secular Society's
intention is only those who believe that the universe self-created out
of nothing should be allowed in Scottish schools.
"Perhaps it is time for militant atheists to leave the traditional
Scottish Christian education system and set up their own atheist
schools?
"As a Christian I am quite happy to tolerate such irrational schools,
unlike atheists who seem to panic every time anyone dares express
disagreement with any of the secularist fundamental beliefs.
"Are the atheists so unsure of their own case that they have to have a
witch-hunt against those who don't buy into their mocking and arrogant
meta-narrative?"