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Issue date: 3/7/07 Section: Opinions
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Over ninety percent of the world's population believe in a higher power in one form or another. Thus, it is not surprising that our country was founded "Under God". John F. Clark argues in his
letter that this conflicts with the notion of a separation between church and state. However, he fails to point out that "Under God" represents all religions and beliefs in God. Each student is entitled to his own religion and beliefs, and for this reason, beliefs are kept out of the classroom. Theories are taught in the classroom, and with good reason. Clark claims that there is no difference between a belief and a theory, since neither is considered truth. While neither may be considered truth, there is a rather significant difference Clark fails to point out. Theories are scientific and based on evidence, while beliefs are not. Science is founded upon many theories, which are backed by strong evidence, and not considered "ultimate truths" simply because there exists the possibility that contrary evidence will arise in the future. Evolution has been attacked because it conflicts with religious beliefs. Gravity is also a theory, but I don't foresee anyone trying to get it removed from textbooks. Evolution should not be taught as fact or truth. It is a scientific theory with scientific evidence, and therefore belongs in a science classroom. Creationism and other beliefs with no scientific background do not belong in science classrooms.
Josh Reif
Senior, Biology
Roswell
letter that this conflicts with the notion of a separation between church and state. However, he fails to point out that "Under God" represents all religions and beliefs in God. Each student is entitled to his own religion and beliefs, and for this reason, beliefs are kept out of the classroom. Theories are taught in the classroom, and with good reason. Clark claims that there is no difference between a belief and a theory, since neither is considered truth. While neither may be considered truth, there is a rather significant difference Clark fails to point out. Theories are scientific and based on evidence, while beliefs are not. Science is founded upon many theories, which are backed by strong evidence, and not considered "ultimate truths" simply because there exists the possibility that contrary evidence will arise in the future. Evolution has been attacked because it conflicts with religious beliefs. Gravity is also a theory, but I don't foresee anyone trying to get it removed from textbooks. Evolution should not be taught as fact or truth. It is a scientific theory with scientific evidence, and therefore belongs in a science classroom. Creationism and other beliefs with no scientific background do not belong in science classrooms.
Josh Reif
Senior, Biology
Roswell
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