Don't try to mix religion, science

"Under God:" Don't change anything! Activist Michael Newdow is trying to remove "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance and "in God we trust" from our U.S. currency. He may be right that religion in our government is a violation of the First Amendment, but he goes too far when he says that the word "God" is religion. "God" has different meanings to different people.

"Under God:" Don't change anything!

Activist Michael Newdow is trying to remove "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance and "in God we trust" from our U.S. currency. He may be right that religion in our government is a violation of the First Amendment, but he goes too far when he says that the word "God" is religion. "God" has different meanings to different people.

In fact, I would go as far as to say the word "God" is not religious at all. In most religions the word "God" is actually not the Divine's name. It is just a word mankind has used to signify the meaning of a "higher power" or a "powerful positive energy." It can mean a strong force for good, or a source of love and nurture for all.

In no way does the word "God" have to be offensive to anyone. It has always been a very powerful word, since humans began first using it.

If Michael Newdow was actually attacking religion, that would be different; but he is only attacking the word "God" as a religion which is absurd! If Newdow could simply change his interpretation of the word "God" the Pledge of Allegiance could mean "one nation, under compassion," or "one nation, under powerful positive energy," or "in goodness we trust," or "in decency we trust," etc.

Second, in an attempt to rebel against society, he creates the "First Atheist Church of True Science." I have to say that sounds pretty wacko! Not so much a church of non-believers, but a church of those who hate God? What do they follow then?

Next a church of true science? Science is not supposed to be a religion; that's why science is great! We scientists are insulted. Whether theist or atheist, science belongs to everyone, not just atheists.

Science and religion are not at war. Religion disagrees with a lot of science, because "reasoning and tested evidence are facts" and religion often won't accept fact. Religion is metaphysical and can't be tested or even proven factual or not! You have to go solely on belief and faith. Faith can't change the facts, but religion believes faith can connect them to their "higher power" or "supreme being" and who can prove that it can't! Their "deity" is not of this world, so can't be proven or disproven, except by faith.

Religion and science don't mix. So don't try to mix them! They are like oil and water.

In an attempt to get back at religion Newdow goes so far as to create another religion out of science! We don't need more religions, creating more problems. Keep science out of religion! Science is great, because it is non-biased and does not choose sides, but simply tries to find the truth whether the truth is good or bad; you don't attack the postman for the mail he delivers. Science is invention and discovery. Religion seeks personal enlightenment or salvation.

The word "God" is not religion, but means a lot of good things. It unites us as a people. Says our country stands for a force of goodness, decency, unity, peace, and goodwill and "all that is great." Our justice system has better things to do than define God for you, Mr. Newdow. So say the pledge with pride and be an American citizen, since you live here. If you take the word "God" out, you trip all the meaning and good values away from the message.

God bless you, Mr. Newdow, or "may the force be with you." Why not? It works too!

John Weldon is a Coeur d'Alene resident.