To the editor:

Memorial Day is for remembering those who gave their lives for our country, the country we sing of as “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Two of our most precious freedoms are those of speech and religion. We need to speak of them and exercise them to ensure they are preserved. Two recent writers expressed opposing views regarding the content of science classes in our public schools. Teaching “belief in an intelligent design” or teaching “evolution based on gathered facts? Those who believe the Bible is the Word of God can cite these words:

“For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities, — His eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what was made, so that men are without excuse.” (Romans 1: 20

In a public setting, however, our government has stated that one religion cannot be favored over another, or a non-religion favored over a religion. Neither can our government form or prohibit a religion. Whether we agree with a belief or not, we respect the right of the individual to own their belief. A public school science teacher could state: ” Our science book teaches evolution based on gathered information. Some of you (us) believe God created people and the world as described in the Bible. Some of you may have other beliefs. We are fortunate to have both the freedom of speech and religion in our country. When answering questions according to the information given in your textbook, you may also express your belief on your papers. That way we will keep our freedoms of speech and religion free.”

Trudy Madetzke

Marshall