Adventist Schools Support Intelligent Design

Seventh-day Adventist Schools will continue to teach intelligent design alongside the mandatory curriculum requirement to study evolution in their science classes. The statement comes after recent debates in the media over the validity of teaching intelligent design in schools.

“Our students are aware that intelligent design is not part of the curriculum provided by the authorities,” says Dr John Hammond, the national director of Adventist Schools Australia. “However, it is a perfectly legitimate viewpoint and we believe that our students are entitled to getting both sides of the debate.”

Adventists believe in a literal, recent, six-day creation as told in Genesis, and are aware of the challenges science presents to faith and religion. (Read the Adventist belief statement on creation) Adventist scientists research and regularly publish in the ongoing debate between evolution and creation.

“We believe we are created beings and are not going to shy away from our beliefs,” says Dr Hammond. “When we teach our students about intelligent design, we are simply giving them the opportunity to learn and discover for themselves.”

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia operates 50 primary schools, five secondary schools, 17 combined schools as well as Avondale College, a tertiary institution.

For further information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Melody Tan
Phone: (02) 9847 3247
Mobile: 0404 861 457
Email: mtan@adventist.org.au