Kitchener, Ontario


To the editor:

June Giles's letter on Aug. 24 makes three erroneous points about
evolution and creationism.

First, she states that evolution is "only a theory".  But in science,
the term "theory" means a "coherent explanation of natural phenomena
that is supported by scientific evidence and makes predictions".

Relativity is "only a theory", too -- yet no-one objects to relativity
being taught in physics classes.  The evidence for the theory of
evolution is as strong as, if not stronger than, the evidence for
relativity.

Second, she implies that "biblical creationism" is a valid scientific
theory.  It is not.  Science deals with natural phenomena.  God, if
he exists, is a supernatural being not amenable to scientific study.

Even leading creationists such as Henry Morris admit that creationism
is a religious doctrine, not a scientific theory.  

Third, she appeals to the fallacy of equal time to advocate teaching
of creationism in public schools.  By her reasoning, we should also
teach the "flat earth" theory in science class, since it too "has
been believed by countless millions for millennia".  

In science, the test of a theory is not the number of its adherents,
but the weight of the evidence in its favor.

Jeffrey Shallit
Kitchener