An unfortunate misconception exists in our culture that non-Christians, particularly atheists, cannot be moral people. This is blatantly false. If it were so, only atheists would be criminals and only Christians would be law-abiding. A cursory examination shows this idea to be bankrupt. Therefore, I am compelled to respond to Mr. Barton’s letter. He writes, “I would like to know from what authority an atheist determines evil.” By your reasoning, rape is wrong simply because god wills it to be. If god decreed tomorrow that rape was permissible, would you do it? After all, it would be morally acceptable. Certainly not, and therefore your Divine Command stance is flawed. God or not, intrinsic wrongs exist.Mr. Barton continues, “And if it is truth determined by each person, then who determines conflicts between the 300 million American truth holders?” We have a justice system, based upon universal ethical principals. Theft, assault, and murder are inherently wrong, and are thus punished by our courts. If the conflict is purely ideological, we have a freedom of speech to guarantee our rights of expression, and even disagreement.Mr. Barton concludes, “The Founding Fathers clearly expressed the intent not to impose a state religion on American citizens. That does not imply that … the Ten Commandments should not be posted in schools.” By posting the Ten Commandments in public schools, the state is endorsing that religion. How about posting Satanic codes, Hindu scripts and Heaven’s Gate doctrine in schools as well? They teach conduct condoned by that religion. The Constitution is clear: religion is not to be state-sponsored. Further, no court has ever ruled that students cannot pray privately. The conflict arises when others try to force their will upon them, and that clearly violates one of our universal ethical principles.

Dan Skinner

Freshman

Mathematics