To the editor:

This is in reply to “Other side” (Public Forum, July 16) by Donna Farrier who stated that the presence of churchgoers in Lawrence indicates many more people believing in creationism than the “evolution theory.” First, Farrier believes in evolution whether she realizes it or not. Penicillin is ineffective against bacteria compared to 50 years ago. Why? Because bacteria have evolved to be resistant to it. That is evolution, and it is simply a fact, not a theory, and don’t children deserve to know about the effects of evolution on their own health?

Second, many churchgoers do believe in human evolution, which is what Farrier is likely really talking about. For example, officially the Catholic Church does not find human evolution to be opposed to the book of Genesis as long as believers do not “exclude divine causality.” And, many churchgoers still believe in human evolution whether or not their particular church supports it.

If you are a creationist, the best way to argue against human evolution is to learn what it really is. If you are not willing to learn, your opinions are not going to carry much weight compared to those (creationist or not) who do. I have confidence that Kansas children can learn about human evolution and decide whether or not to believe it. Learning something doesn’t mean you have to agree with it and, as we have so painfully learned since Sept. 11, ignorance is not bliss in today’s world.

Christina K. Bolas,

Lawrence