Textbook ignorance

Stefanie Neukert, staff writer

I am in shock and awe!

I just found out that the students attending public schools in Cobb County School District in Atlanta, Georgia, became the victims of the pure ignorance of religious zealots. All biology books used in this district display stickers claiming that scientifically proven facts apparently are nothing but “theory.”

In 2002, the school board placed stickers in the biology textbooks, following the request of concerned parents who believe in creationism.

The sticker reads, “This textbook contains material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully and critically considered.”

The American Civil Liberties Union, representing a group of parents, is now filling a lawsuit over the stickers. Judge Clarence Cooper of the Federal District Court will rule if the stickers violate the separation of church and state by promoting religion. A decision is expected on Nov. 16.
To the parents who pushed to have such a sticker in a science book, I would like to say that it is unbelievable how ignorant and narrow minded you are! Evolution can at least be partly proven. What we know about life on earth does not evolve out of some theoretical idea, but rather from years of scientifically backed up research and fossil findings.

In case you do not like to hear this, please take your children out of public schools! You have the opportunity to choose one of many U.S. American private schools instead. Some of those are founded on religious beliefs and may suit your own beliefs better.

Secondly, why is it almost always the strong religious believer who tries to push his/her opinion onto others? Would an atheist parent ever protest the Bible and demand that there should be a sticker reading, “This book contains material on creationism. Creationism is a theory, not a fact. Think before you follow these beliefs.” – No, they would not!

I believe the reason for this is quite obvious; they probably just do not feel the need to change others. It is all right if people believe in creationism. This country owns something truly beautiful. It is called “The Constitution of the United States.” We have religious freedom, as well as freedom of speech in this country!

If everyone would live this freedom a little bit more in their own home and let their neighbors be, this country would be truly great! Do not try to push your faith onto others. Faith is personal. And whatever you believe in, be open- minded. Do not deny thy neighbor to be without faith.

We are living in the year 2004, 227 years after the great Thomas Jefferson completed his first draft of a Virginia state bill for religious freedom. It was the year 1777 when Jefferson wrote:” No man shall be forced to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever.”