I am writing in reference to Borden Applegate’s letter to the editor, “Leave Faith-Based Theories at Home,” which was published in the Tri-Town News on Sept. 15.
When exactly did freedom of religion in this country become freedom from religion? Our country was founded by people seeking religious freedom. Should that be taken out of school books because it is a reference that is not scientific ?
Mentioning evolution does not confirm people’s religious beliefs, just like listing Pluto as a planet in all the science textbooks didn’t make it one.
In my opinion, it would be a bigger mistake to ban all religious references in schools and to only teach one scientifically “proven fact” that was once a theory itself.
Exposure to different ideas and beliefs only serves to broaden a student’s knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Just because someone is taught an idea, they do not necessarily need to believe that it is true.
Mr. Applegate states in his letter to the editor that “This nation runs on knowledge, on science, on innovation, and competition,” but from what I have seen in the news lately, we’re not running on much of anything.
It seems like our country was running much better when students pledged allegiance to one nation under God and coaches could say a prayer with their team before a game without the fear of being sued.
In the end, we are all entitled to our opinions. We all have the option to agree or disagree with what we learn. To ban any information from a curriculum because it may be related to religious ideals or to insult and degrade people of faith is a dangerous thing.
Allison DaQuila Jackson