Evolution, Creationism and Public Education

I read today of another attempt by fundamentalist Christians to change the legal guidelines for textbook adoption in California. When, in the 19th and early 20th Centuries, the Catholic Church was unwilling to accept the education in the public school system (specifically, the use of the King James Bible) it created its own system of private, parochial schools rather than attempt to force all schools or all children in a single school to be taught its theology. There are many part-time and full-time religious schools in this country (Hebrew schools, parochial schools, etc.).

I fail utterly to comprehend why this particular religious minority (and statistically they are in the minority) feels it necessary to insist that all schoolchildren be exposed to what is essentially their particular, and some might say peculiar, religious beliefs.

GAYLE K. BRUNELLE

Placentia