Cloaking religion as science.

Meyer, Christina

Webster's dictionary defines theology as "the study of God and his relation to the world, especially by analysis of the origins and teachings of an organized religious community (as the Christian Church)." No matter how Religious Right leaders try to cloak their concept of "intelligent design"--"creation science," call it what they will--it is a theological precept.

Theology may be defined as a form of science, but it is a science of thought, not fact, and in our public schools, we teach facts in science. For public schools to teach a science based on theology is a direct violation of the First Amendment.

Our country is founded on the right of all individuals to live, think and choose freely in their lives, especially in matters of politics, religion and lifestyles, and not to have any of these rights prejudiced by one religious belief or another.

Other religious denominations, both Christian and non-Christian, respect the First Amendment. So what is the problem with Religious Right activists? Why can they not just be who they are, and allow me to be who I am, and stop trying to influence others' religious belief systems in the public schools?

--Christina Meyer

Hanna, Utah