" Ms. Pedings, I agree with you, in that, "...Christians are called to walk the walk, rather than just talk the talk. But until Christians start acting like Jesus, words are of very little value." That was my point exactly. Read again the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, and you will see that Jesus commanded His followers to be witnesses in order to bring disciples unto Himself.

Yes, America was founded, in part, for religious freedom. However, it was not, as many believe today, "freedom FROM religion, but rather, freedom OF religion." There is a vast difference.

If you will obtain some reliable American history books, published, probably prior to 1940, you will get a much "purer" view of American history and the intents of the Founders than you evidently received in your high school experience.

Max J. Kaster,
Pastor "

" Though quite ridiculous to argue for the obvious, I will pick one of many studies proving my earlier point. In fact, instead of using recent studies, I'm going to use a scholarly work from 1986. A good time to see the results of the 60's and 70's. In 1986, Professor Paul Vitz of New York University (not a hotbed of conservativism) wrote: "Censorship, Evidence of Bias in Our Children's Textbooks (Ann Arbor, MI: Servant Books 1986). The study was sponsored by the National Institute on Education. Just a few of his many findings:

1. In a careful study of 60 random textbooks used in public elementary school, the following was discovered: "In grades 1 through 4 these books introduce the child to US society - to family life, community activities, transactions, and history. NONE OF THE BOOKS COVERING GRADES 1 THROUGH 4 CONTAIN ONE WORD REFERRING TO ANY RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY IN AMERICAN LIFE. Dr Vitz writes: "Some particular examples of bias agianst religion are significant. One social studies book has thirty pages on the Pilgrims, including the first Thanksgiving. But there is not one word or image referring to religion as part of the Pilgrim's life. One mother whose son is in a class using this book said the son came home and told her: "Thanksgiving was when the Pilgrims gave thanks to the Indians." The mother called the principal to point out that Thanksgiving was when the Pilgrims thanked God. The principal responded by saying 'that was her opinion' the schools only teach what was in the books..... Also from Dr Vitz's study: school children in Seattle, Washington, from the book "Teaching about Thanksgiving were taught "the Pilgrims were narrow minded bigots who survived only with the Indian's help, but turned on them when their help wasn't needed." Dr. Vitz goes on with example after example of distortion of history in public education. In the same year as Dr. Vitz's study, the high school text "Triumph of hte American Nation" omitted most referrences to God and Jesus Christ from the Mayflower Compact. The booklet allows students to believe they are reading the actual compact but leave off parts like the compact's purpose: "for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith..."

Look, I could go on and on. In particular, the changes to curriculum and history standards focusing away from pre-civil war history, unless to focus on the "warts" of our national history: Slavery, etc. I only have so much time and space to outline everything, but at least should help for those who believe "all is fine".

Bill Connor "

" Answers to the concerns:

1. I went through many quotes in my editorial proving the original purpose for public education in America and the founder's views about the establishment clause in relation to gov't and education. I have made the case over and over again that those writing the Constitution did not intend to outlaw things like Bible reading in school or public recognition of God. The term "Wall of separation between Church and State" is NOT a constitutional term, but from Jefferson to Baptist ministers in 1802. Jefferson was in France during the Constitutional Convention. (note: I did not reprint the entire editorial in my letter, but you cannot understand my letter without reading the editorial). Even in a lengthy editorial, I cannot give every statistic or quote to prove my point, though both before and after deploying to Afghanistan I have offered many cold hard statistics showing the effects of social decisions. I will continue to do so and am writing another article proving the point about historic distortion in public education.

2. I am "walking the walk". First, I don't make a dime from the Times and Democrat, so my articles generating debate are a use of my time to help bring awareness to the various issue. Additionally, the primary reason I volunteered for Afghanistan and took the time to send stories back was due to my Christianity and Christian walk. FINALLY, I have written a book, taking hundreds of hours of personal time (it is called Articles From War and outlines the Afghanistan experience). I am going to take all my profits from the book and put into affordable private Christian education. My intent is that moderate income parents have the option to get their kids out of public school if they believe those schools are propounding values they disagree with.

3. I told parents to consider a form of education outside of public schools, NOT putting kids on the street. Our public schools are failing in a number of areas and I am willing to help with personal money to give parents a choice. What in the heck is wrong with that????

4. Grateful, pretty poor of you to write: "We know what you think and why?" Do you know what I think???? Frankly, all my articles have been Biblically based and founded upon truth. I love history and know the history of our founders. I don't need to have gone to high school in the 50's and 60's to know about the decision to end school prayer, Bible reading, and some of the effects on us today. Bottom line: I believe we made a number of poor social decisions, particularly in the 1960s and 70s and are paying for those decisions today. The worst part is that our children are paying for them.

5. If you disagree with me and think public education is fine. If you think it is morally wrong to put your child in private Christian education. Please, write an article an explain why. In the meantime, I am firmly convinced I am correct about the wrong direction of public education and am willing to put my words, money, and action into trying to fix it for my children and grandchildren.

Bill Connor "

" As a retired educator of 40 years, I understand the frustrations about our public schools. I taught at least 20 students that came from "private schools". Some of them were behind my class. I gave up many planning times to tutor them. I was that kind of teacher, I believe that all children can learn. It has nothing to do with religion. We can't throw children out of public schools. Please stop beating up the public schools. We know what you really think and why. Where were you before 1970? "

" My question was merely where the data came from? There is still no answer. Do you disagree with the fact that America was founded for religious freedom? Yes, Pastor Kaster, it is frightening to know that Christians are called to "walk the walk", rather than just "talk the talk". But until Christians start acting like Jesus, words are of very little value. I have gladly professed my faith with words, but I have always found that the actions are more effective at conveying my real - or lack of real - Christian feelings. God will judge each of us. Melody Pedings "

" Well, Mrs. Pedings, I'm sure you are motivated by sincere thoughts and beliefs, but your knowledge of the Bible and the method for disseminating the Gospel is woefully lacking.
For example, in Matthew 28:18-20 we read, "And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:
20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."
Those verbs are commands not suggestions.

The Apostle Paul wrote, in 2 Corinthians 5:11 "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men;"

The writer Jude, says in Jude 22-23, "And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh."

Now, before you go trying to "teach" Mr. Connor, or anyone else for that matter, I'd suggest you do a little Bible study from a reputable source.
Max J. Kaster, Pastor
Calhoun Baptist Church
St. Matthews, SC "

" As a Christian and public education supporter, I find these comments hard to believe. Where is the data to support the statement, "The parent can be assured that faculty of most Christian academies will not attempt to distort American history or force dubious progressive agenda. Children will be given the world view most consistent with the history of our nation." I do not send my children to school for religion - that would be my responsibility. My children have had fine teachers of other religions or no religion, who did not press their beliefs upon anyone, who have helped them progress beautifully academically. Yet as a Christian, you propose that we press our beliefs on others. I was taught that the Holy Spirit is a gentleman and He will knock but not force his way in. As Christians, I see our responsibility as actually living the life that Jesus would have us and having others want to emulate us, not made to emulate us. That would be why this country was founded... religious freedom. Also, thanks to Mr. Burnett. I just read the other letter this AM. Melody Pedings "