Don't blend facts, beliefs at school

To the editor:

In Speak Out recently, a reader said the ideas of both creationism and evolution should be taught in today's schools. What the reader did not indicate is which form of creationism he wants the schools to teach. Apparently, he is unaware that there are hundreds of different religions, and each has its own view of creationism. The reader also said, "Show both sides of the coin." Does the reader really want science and religion taught in one class?

The whole idea of the scientific analysis of a problem is to minimize any bias the person conducting the test may have. This is done by supporting your claims with factual evidence obtained from a rigorous analysis of observations, measurements and testing. Mixing a religious belief system into scientific analysis would completely contaminate any information obtained during the process. The person's own bias would influence the results. Consequently, no two people would obtain the same answer to the same question.

Teaching children that it is acceptable to blend factual information with non-factual beliefs should not be tolerated. These children will one day be the leaders of our country. They will be required to make decisions that could potentially affect everyone on the planet. To teach them to make decisions based on emotional beliefs rather than scientific analysis is moving the world in a direction not of progress but of failure.

FREDDIE HILL, Sikeston, Mo.