Founding Fathers had right idea about church, state

This is in response to Walter Goldeski's letter to the editor titled "Time Wasted on Team Prayer Issue" that appeared in theMay 1 issue of the Sentinel.

I understand and I can almost completely agree with Mr. Goldeski's opinion that praying in school is not only harmless but may even be beneficial to students. What could possibly be so wrong with team prayer? However, before we jump to this quick conclusion, bear in mind the original reason our forefathers fought for separation of church and state.

Think about Galileo, for example. Galileo, through numerous experiments, demonstrated that the planets revolve around the sun (a notion that during his time was completely unfathomable), and he was deemed a heretic. He was locked up under house arrest for the remainder of his life just for his beliefs that went against common church indoctrination. Had there been a separation of church and state in poor old Galileo's time, things would have been very different. I think if Galileo were living today and you were to ask him if the church should be allowed to sit on the Board of Education, his answer would likely be no.

There is no law against a student quietly praying to himself or herself. So if any team player ever feels like praying before practice, then by all means, go right ahead.

Separation of science from religion has allowed for the progression and scientific contributions of mankind that we all depend upon and enjoy today. Please bear this small thought in mind before jumping to the quick conclusion that our coaches mandate a prayer before practice. Save that for private religious schools, and keep our public schools secular just as they should be.

Hail to our great nation's Founding Fathers, who believed that freedom and independence also meant separation of church and state.
Esther Platzman
East Brunswick