‘Creation Science in Schools’

In Warren Nord’s article (“Creation Science: Secular Schools Can Leave Minds Closed,” Editorial Pages, July 1), he correctly asserts that Darwinism is not religiously neutral. No scientific facts are religiously neutral. For every fact determined by science through deductive reasoning (which is what our judicial system is based on), there is a religion out there somewhere that denies it.

It is not up to public education to balance scientific fact with religious dogma. That is for the various religions of the world to do in the churches, synagogues, mosques or wherever. To require that classes discuss the reasons why various religious beliefs endure despite scientific evidence, is to invite disaster. The only place religion belongs in the public schools is in courses about religion which do not consider its validity. These are presently offered and are not in violation of the First Amendment.

Ever since the development of modern science, religion has had to slowly accommodate the truths being revealed by the scientific method, much to the chagrin of many believers. That’s the bad news. The good news is that science reveals a far more wonderful universe than any hocus-pocus ever did.

CHARLES NeSMITH

Claremont