Darwin Day

On February 12th, thousands of humanists, atheists, agnostics, and supporters across the globe celebrated Darwin Day--the 201st anniversary of scientist Charles Darwin's birth.  Jem and I were among those present for the Boston area festivities last week where we ate tons of cake and entered the make your own monster competition (is your monstercute enough, smart enough, or fast enough to escape predators and survive natural selection?).  

We also had the honor of meeting Mr. Ellery Schempp, the original petitioner in the 1963 landmark US Supreme Court Case Abington School District v. Schempp which found public school sanctioned Bible readings unconstitutional.   

While some have claimed the Schempp case was an attack on religion, the decision signifies one of the most beautiful parts of the US Church-State relationship.  The First Amendment's establishment clause does not just prohibit a state-sponsored church, it also ensures that al religious beliefs are respected.  As the Schempp decision states, we "protec[t] all, prefer none, and disparage none," thereby providing the framework for a pluralistic society in which beliefs from any tradition may thrive.  When we treat religions as neutral, we create an environment in which religion is not stifled, but rather one in which it can thrive and flourish.  The Schempp decision was not an example of curtailing religious liberty, but rather ensuring that that it continues to exist.  While Mr. Schempp may today not consider himself a religious man, those of faith are forever indebted to him.