Creating a Controversy: Biology Teacher’s Biblical Presentation at School

I commend teacher John Peloza on his Christian faith. We need teachers who live and exemplify high principles as a model for students. However, in a public, tax-supported school, it might be better if he lived his faith without making it a part of official school life.

When he is on campus, whether actually teaching a class or not, he is a public schoolteacher and should abide by the rules. Otherwise, he might be more comfortable in a parochial school or as a Christian missionary. In a school representing a cross-section of society, it is the responsibility of a teacher to avoid presenting his beliefs as the standard for his classes. The place for teaching religion is in the home and the church.

I take issue with the implication by Pastor Chuck Smith that this controversy is a matter of morality. Morality is a way of life and is not confined to any particular religion. Even atheists can be moral. Doesn’t morality include obedience to civil law?

RAY BRACY, Tustin