The Arrow Mailbag

These letters are in response to Cassidy Agan’s letter in the Arrow Mailbag in the February 27 issue of the Arrow

“Nothing in the First Amendment converts our public schools into religion-free zones, or requires all religious expression to be left behind at the schoolhouse door... religion is too important in our history and our heritage for us to keep it out of our schools... As long as it’s not sponsored by school officials and doesn’t interfere with other student’s rights (coerced participation), it mustn’t be denied.” (President Clinton, July 12, 1995)

Granted, there is a fine line between protecting the right of religious expression and ensuring that a certain religion is not advocated or endorsed. Religious intolerance is ugly in any form and as a public employee in the ERC at FHS, I urge our students to study the issues involved. That is your right. The place of religion in the public schools is a matter of debate on some fronts and a matter of precedent (i.e. court decisions) on others.

In reference to Miss Agan’s sadness over ever growing “needles” of religious intolerance at FHS, I say know your freedoms. “Pushes for conformity”, “teaching religious intolerance”, and “converting a public school into a Christian church” are serious charges. Thanks for holding us accountable. Now go check out the Vertical Files in our own library for current materials and further your education in this fine public school!

Thankfully, Christianity at FHS must compete in the marketplace of ideas like all other religions and philosophies and Miss Agan should be grateful for freedom of expression and her protected rights to post materials of concern to her.

Let’s be careful what we ask for. A freedom taken away from one part of our society can quickly affect another.  Who will be left to defend YOU?

— Mrs. Naomi Kellam (ERC)

Perhaps the writer of the last letter to the Arrow is right. Religion might be an oppressive public institution, the opiate of the masses. Maybe she’s right, after all, those students abstaining from sex for Buddha don’t have a bulletin board and the Christians do. That must violate some right. But are those “March for Jesus” and “True Love Waits” posters and displays really a violation the Constitutional separation of church and state.

Maybe some research is necessary before printing a letter exalting mere opinions. For interest, Thomas Jefferson cited the Bible as the cornerstone for American Liberty, and “Give me liberty or give me death.” Patrick Henry said our country was founded on God’s Word. Our forefathers wanted to keep the state out of the church, not the other way around. James Madison, lead writer of the Constitution said, “We’ve staked our future on our ability to follow the Ten Commandments with all our heart.” Surely he and the other 54 writers of the Constitution (52 of whom were active members in their church) wrote wisely. Even George Washington said in his farewell address, “You can’t have national morality apart from religious principle.”

We haven’t done well since God and prayer were removed from schools. America has become the top country in teen pregnancy, violent crime, illiteracy, drug use and divorce. Ask yourself if you are really proud to live in a country that now is truly reaping what it sows, the seeds of immorality.

Looked at from a truthful viewpoint, the “beautiful lakes, incredible scenery and unforgettable wildlife” of the Flathead Valley are only made better by thanking the Maker for the masterpiece. Humans were created and redeemed out of love by God, who loved us all enough to die for us. Hopefully all who are curious about Him will ask. You can’t imagine what you’ve been missing.

- Joe Liechty (‘98)

What’s wrong with this world? We are responding to your incriminating remark in the Arrow Mailbag written by Cassidy Agan.

Every day the halls are lined with posters about dances, clubs and sports, freedom of speech, freedom to express yourself. Is this not a free country? When this Country was founded it was founded on freedom of religion and since then we have managed to skip away from the idea. At one time you could not even call yourself an American if you subverted the Word of God. Now if you mention the name “God” you are looked down upon as one less than anyone else.

It wasn’t always where “churches were established for finding God, and public schools for receiving an education.” At one time it was okay to pray and it was okay to talk about your beliefs.

If anyone decides to form a group of Buddhists and wants to put up posters, they can. It’s their choice. So you’re saying Christians should not be allowed to have a choice in this matter? We’re not trying to “convert a public school into a Christian Church,” just let us display what we want.

Is it not okay to believe in the “Christian God?” Maybe you have had problems with one of us, but don’t think all Christians are all the same. They’re not. And what is wrong about “Religious conformity?” You will find Christ does really change lives. Are you afraid he will change your Life?

All of my friends and I will be praying for you and for more tolerance.

- Hans Helgeson (‘98) and Kevin Nelson (‘99)

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