Sir — It is wise to distinguish between scientific theories based on evidence, like quantum mechanics or evolution, and quasi-scientific theories which stem primarily from ideology, such as creationism or eugenics.

Although scientists are often charged with claiming to know it all, they are in fact far more humble than their religious counterparts and will (albeit reluctantly) reassess deeply held beliefs in the face of new evidence.

They did this with relativity, which undermined the centuries-old belief in Newtonian physics, and again with quantum mechanics. This is because the scientific community is genuinely interested in discovering the truth. Creationists believe they already know the truth and are engaged primarily in propaganda rather than research. The only way creationism could evolve from being propaganda to being science would be if it were rigorously pursued by researchers who had no religious axe to grind. They aren't queuing up, and it is advisable to keep propaganda out of the classroom.

Paul A Davies, Eynsham