Number two: The teaching of evolution as a fact, not a theory, flies in the face of the known facts of science such as: Life does not originate from spontaneous generation. In addition, it is a denial of the second law of thermodynamics, which states that matter in a closed system does not become increasingly complex but rather increasingly random.
Number three: Powell's pejorative remarks that fundamental Christians are anti-intellectual, anti-rational and anti-science deny reality and have become rather thin as his much-repeated mantra against true Bible believers and Bible literalists.
The fact of the matter is that Bible believers were instrumental in the founding of many institutions of higher learning including, but not limited to, Yale, Harvard, and Princeton.
It should further be pointed out that some of these Bible literalists have been among the honored graduates of Hagerstown Junior College, now Hagerstown Community College, where Mr. Powell taught for many years.
Pastor J. Herman Fisler
State Line, Pa.
Values must be defended
To the editor:
First of all I would like to respond to Dr. Martin W. Gallagher Jr. and his Jan. 1 letter "We don't need a return to religious police," which I found to be very interesting. I found myself agreeing with certain portions, while strongly disagreeing with other points that he made.
Though I'm not a history buff, I've been aware of some things that happened in Europe and in this country in previous centuries when religious folks were guilty of incredible intolerance and cruelty.
This kind of thing happens when men professing to be called of God or having a degree in theology, but who never turned from their sins or received Christ and his love into their hearts, took it upon themselves to be the administrators of judgment and justice.
Some were kings, despots, priests or bishops, hence, as the saying goes, "the fox was guarding the chicken coop." Religion is not what the world needs more of, but real salvation that enables men and women to love God with all their being and their neighbor as themselves.
The freedom that comes through faith in Christ's finished work does not impose or force itself on others, notwithstanding child-rearing and discipline, which is necessary to responsibly mold character in young lives.
Secondly, concerning things that I strongly disagree with Gallagher on, include his defense of "the enlightenment" and the philosophy that gives a very lofty credence to human reasoning and rationalism.
Like false religious leaders, many leftists who apparently hate the gospel and also we who boldly and courageously live accordingly, expressing our faith in Jesus, are finding out that these activists want to take away our right to freedom of expression and enact laws that would accuse those who speak out against legalized immorality (abortion, homosexuality, etc.) of hate crimes.
This is such incredibly perverse reasoning. As a true Christian, I must be a true conservative, defending Biblical and moral values instituted by our great and loving God.
Edgar M. Foltz Jr.
Greencastle, Pa.
Mission group needs a boost
To the editor:
Hello. Greetings from the senior high youth at Broadfording Church of the Brethren Fellowship! We are raising money for our summer mission trip to Fairbanks, Alaska from June 12 to 20.
There are 12 of us (including our two advisors). We would be working with the community service organizations assisting with special projects for the local communities. This may include building outhouses in remote villages along the Arctic Circle. We need to raise $9,000 in order to attend this Church of the Brethren work camp.
Because the financial needs are unusually high (due to airfare) we are asking our local businesses for assistance to reach our goal. We gratefully appreciate your support.
Broadfording Sr. High Youth
Dustin Adams, Jessica Burtner, Ashley Burger, Sharon Reese, Josh Burtner, George Burger, Wade Miller, Becky Burkett, Virginia Weyant, Cammy Burtner and Thomas Norris
