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Today's Letters: Science, religion collided often

Letters to the Editor
Published March 6, 2008

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Re: Faith and science are intertwined, March 2 guest column by C.D. Chamberlain

With all respect, minister Chamberlain, Aquinas was wrong. In fact, many times throughout history religion has gotten in the way of scientific knowledge and the truth. If you could only talk to Galileo.

The difference between science and religion is that scientists are searching for the truth and are interested in acquiring new knowledge, while religions and their messengers presume they already know the truth and have most of the knowledge. They aren't looking for any new knowledge that might jeopardize their basic beliefs.

Most top-rated scientists graduate from distinguished universities with doctorate degrees and understand moral behavior, the principles of right and wrong. On the other hand, many messengers of various religions do not graduate from any reputable university and do not understand moral conduct. They put loyalty above all.

To open up an honest and fair debate on Creationism, Intelligent Design or Evolution some things need to be put in perspective:

1. Darwin's theory of Evolution

2. Hinduism's theory of God; (see the Vedas)

3. Judaism's theory of God; (see the Tanakh)

4. Christian's theory of God; (see the Bible)

5. Islam's theory of God; (see the Koran)

Etc., etc., etc., etc.

Ken Lang, Spring Hill

Brown-Waite hasbipartisan sense

I am a registered Democrat who crosses party lines to vote for U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite. Why? Because she cares for her constituents! She doesn't ask what party you belong to when you approach her with a problem or a question. She just follows through with dignity and respect.

Her town meetings are filled with information on what is going on in her district as well as Washington, D.C., and focus on problems within this community and what she can or cannot do to alleviate them. If she is in D.C., her staff is always available and conscientious about being her representatives.

I don't always agree with what she has to say, but I respect the fact that she is "up front" with the issues. She will tell you how she voted on issues and why. I have never found her to be condescending or arrogant. She focuses on problems as well as solutions and is open to suggestions. What more can we ask for? The protesters from Orange County, as well as Jay Rowden, should be ashamed of themselves for making this an issue during a very vulnerable time for Ms. Waite personally. (Her husband was diagnosed with cancer.) Is Mr. Rowden attempting to set his wife up as the next congressional candidate?

Lucie Butler, Spring Hill

Re: American icons come to life, March 28 story

Teacher, pupilsliked their story

This is a heartfelt thank you to the Times for the wonderful coverage of my class presentation of the Star Wax Museum.

An extra big thank you goes to correspondent Paulette Lash Ritchie. She surely captured the genuine essence of my presentation in her article. She was a true professional. She came and introduced herself, which showed consideration for my time and me. She also was a caring person toward my students. She showed patience toward my little second-grade stars. I noticed, and so did they and their parents. She included every child's name in her article. She touched every star, and made them feel even more special.

I also must thank Ron Thompson. His wonderful photography definitely complemented Ms. Ritchie's article.

Exciting things are happening here at Pine Grove Elementary School. Thanks for letting my stars and me share some of the excitement with you, and thank you for presenting it to the community in such a magnificent way.

Josephine Maher, Brooksville

Your voice counts

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[Last modified March 5, 2008, 20:21:03]

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