I would just like to say that your site has been most informative and
realistic to me. I am a 17 year old agnostic (borderline atheist, I'm
contemplating it strongly) from Pennsylvania....not exactly the bible belt but a
strong religious place nonetheless. I only wish that ninety percent of my
high school would take time to read your web site, or at least read their own
bible before they open their mouths about their religion. I don't wish for
people to necessarily lose their faith, but I do wish for them to at least know
what they're talking about before they try to tell me what I know and don't
know. A few months ago in my government and economics class, a debate
between Alan Keyes and Alan Derschwitz was shown. Of course, the majority
of the class sided with Alan Keyes' side which stated that religion was
imperative to establish morals in society. I, on the other hand, was on
the complete opposite side of the issue. Not only did the classmates I was
debating with have sorry arguments, but it seems like none of them knew anything
about their religion at all. For example, a girl sitting next to me said
something along the lines of "Why is it always Christianity being attacked, and
not other religions?" I, replied to her "It is the most popular and
prominent. Look at it this way, if every year instead of a Christmas tree
being in the cafeteria, there is a giant statue of Buddha. Would you be
offended and say something?" The thing that really got to me, was what she
said next. She said "What does that have to do with anything? How
does a Christmas tree have anything to do with Christianity?"
Okay I'll admit I am rambling on here again. I think maybe I should
write an essay for the school newspaper to see what people think. Of
course, it would not be published, because free thought is only condoned in
schools as long as other people have the exact same thoughts as you. What
a freedom, huh?
Sincerely,
M*****
P.S. I just started writing this to tell you how much I enjoy your
site. Good work once again.