Date: Fri, 14 Dec 2001 22:35:17 -0500
To: darwin@atheists.net
Subject: I like the site

I would just like to say that your site has been most informative and realistic to me.  I am a 17 year old agnostic (borderline atheist, I'm contemplating it strongly) from Pennsylvania....not exactly the bible belt but a strong religious place nonetheless.  I only wish that ninety percent of my high school would take time to read your web site, or at least read their own bible before they open their mouths about their religion.  I don't wish for people to necessarily lose their faith, but I do wish for them to at least know what they're talking about before they try to tell me what I know and don't know.  A few months ago in my government and economics class, a debate between Alan Keyes and Alan Derschwitz was shown.  Of course, the majority of the class sided with Alan Keyes' side which stated that religion was imperative to establish morals in society.  I, on the other hand, was on the complete opposite side of the issue.  Not only did the classmates I was debating with have sorry arguments, but it seems like none of them knew anything about their religion at all.  For example, a girl sitting next to me said something along the lines of "Why is it always Christianity being attacked, and not other religions?"  I, replied to her "It is the most popular and prominent.  Look at it this way, if every year instead of a Christmas tree being in the cafeteria, there is a giant statue of Buddha.  Would you be offended and say something?"  The thing that really got to me, was what she said next.  She said "What does that have to do with anything?  How does a Christmas tree have anything to do with Christianity?"

Okay I'll admit I am rambling on here again.  I think maybe I should write an essay for the school newspaper to see what people think.  Of course, it would not be published, because free thought is only condoned in schools as long as other people have the exact same thoughts as you.  What a freedom, huh?

Sincerely,
M*****


P.S.  I just started writing this to tell you how much I enjoy your site.  Good work once again.