Having read Brian Emerson Jones’ column, “Church and state should be kept separate” (SN 3/14), I am motivated to write and commend him on a thought-provoking and well-written piece.

House bill 4226, which would allow the display of the Ten Commandments in some public places, is an outrage to anyone who does not embrace common Christian theology. Granted, there are a few of these commandments that the majority of us subscribe to regardless of our religion, but this has more to do with common sense and a standard morality we try to uphold for ourselves.

Many argue that without the existence of a divine presence, we would have no concept of right or wrong to begin with, but the existence of a god is not the issue Emerson or I am addressing. I believe most people who wish to keep church and state separate are only seeking respect to all cultures and religions. The separation also keeps some very sensitive subjects from being presented incorrectly or without the proper respect they deserve.

Subsequently, bill 4382 wishes to integrate creationism to science courses as a conceivable means for the existence of the world. I have no problem with this as a religious belief, but I would prefer that my children were not taught mythology by someone who has no extensive knowledge on the subject.

The story of creation is too fragile and too open to interpretation to be taught in the same sense that evolution is. Faith should be something taught by parents to children. Then, when children come to an age where they begin to question that faith, they should be allowed to do so freely without any influence from the schools.

Both of these bills attempt to dance around the laws we’ve established for this country. If we want to teach religion in schools, then let’s change the Constitution, not try to sneak bills in that will bastardize our cultural structure and insult us at the same time. There truly needs to be a final decision made about church and state.

Let’s separate them, or make them one. I would prefer they remain “separate,” but they are already integrated in every walk of life. If you don’t believe me, look at the next dollar you earn.

Sean Carney
studio art and
art education freshman