Evening star., 1948-03-16

organization were 1t not for the special edi-
torial in the same issue which makes it evil
| dent that cartoon attack on the decision Of
the court was specially ordered by those who
| determine your editorial policy.
HECTOR G. SPAULDING.
TO the Editor OF The Star:
Too often I have been content to grouse
about or commend privately attitudes or con-
victions expressed publicly by others. But this
TING am sufficiently aroused to let you know
how heartily congratulate you for the fine
editorial in The Star Of March IL, Church
and State"
As the article points out, it does seem % II
the United States Constitution should be in
terpreted hexibly at least in matters of
the separation OF church and state As in eco
nonnic and political matters.
A good, loud Methodist Amen" to every
thing said In the bove-mentioded editorial!
IRENE L. MEID.
To the Editor Of The Star: ...,
would like to express my complete ap-
proval Of your editorial, Church and State"
I read 1t with great pleasure and want to
congratulate you on publishing it..
MRS. DOROTHEA sONTAG.
To the Editor Of The Star:
I am one OF many who appreciate, but one
OF the few who will tell you I think it is nice
to see that at least one paper is not afraid to
express a sentiment in favor of God in this
moment Of crisis. CHET KOLBER.
To the Editor Of The star
want to command you for your editorial
49,. st<yI ,.>k
q very fine statement OF the trend OF our
country In its "debmking" Of religion and It's
substitution Of = p,aterialistie philosophy Of
lie. -. MABEL GIBSON.
70 the Editor Of The Star:
Your editorial, Church and State" was
most enlightening. This religious issue may
have grave implication In our Nation. Let's
hope the unconstitutional ruling will be re-
versed-and quick. MRS LLOYD Z. DAVIS.
To the Editor Of The Star:
find the decision Of the Supreme Court IN
the McCollum case very refreshing. When the
First Amendment to the Constitution was writ
ten, the authors had fresh in their minds the
effects Of the union between the church and
the state. At that time our population was a
heterogeneous group with few common bonds
save an intense desire for freedom
Today the picture is different The United
States Is highly industrialized Our people
have coalesced into q more homogeneous group
which is willing to accept less freedom in re-
turn for . smoother running industrialized
society. Even farming is becoming big bust
ness" In short, we are slowly approaching
the state which In many ways resembles that
which existed in Europe when the founding
fathers packed up and left. 1t Is tribute to
our Constitution that the First Amendment is
carefully controlling the course Of this change.
1t Is obvious that am not a good Christian.
I am just as interested in the teachings of
Mohammed, Confucius and Mohandas Ghandi
as am in the teachings of Christ believe
that II religion should be taught at all, 1t should
be comparative religion, taught either by
atheists or by those who are specialists in the
tenets of which they teach
After 1000 years, Christianity has failed to
make good world and, indeed, is on the de-
cline. am convinced that no religion can
succeed which is not based upon reason ana
which does not champion the cause of toler-
ance That Is the prime need Of the world to-
day.
If the time now being spent in religious edu-
cation were devoted to a study of the ideals of
to teaching the Joy Of creation and exploration,
the happiness to be found in humility and in
ones fellow man. how much more fruitful the
results would be! THEODORE D. PERR1NE.
To the Editor Of The Star:
There have been many excellent editorials in
The Star which I have Endorsed and enjoyed
reading, without feeling compulsion to write
to the editor. However, am so deeply i'm
pressed by the article Church and State" In
the issue of March II that am writing to urge
that it be given the widest possible publicity.
This is not an ephemeral question or situation.
My amazement at such decision and mis-
Interpretation of the First Amendment to the
Constitution by the Supreme Court is ex-
ceeded only by my fear Of its consequences.
I have always believed that America Is a
Christian Nation where every child is entitled
to enlightment as to the moral and religious
sources of our civilization.
ALTHEA TODD ANDERSON.
To the Editor Of The Star:
Does the ruling of the Supreme Court con-
corning the atheist mother in Illinois have to
remain? Are nine men going to rule over mil
lions of people who do not agree with her?
ELSIE BAYNE.
To the Editor of The Star:
want to take this means of expressing to
you my sincere appreciation OF your honest and
frank Interpretation of Church and State" and
your courageous effort to inform the public
OF your stand
Your paper has been delivered to my door
step for 13 years, and throughout this tins I