Response to From Scopes to Edwards

Mr. Dhooge's one-dimensional article is designed to make us believe that the Louisiana legislature was overpowered by politically powerful biblicists who want science fiction introduced into the public schools. It is remarkable that the legislative history is not cited by Dhooge except for those portions which are included in the Court's distorted presentation of the record in Edwards v. Aguillard. Dhooge, echoing the Court, impugns the motives of Louisiana lawmakers who emphatically opposed improperly presented creation-science. It is difficult to credit Justice Brennan and Mr. Dhooge with a fair reading of the record when they cite snippets of testimony taken out of context.

Indeed, it is intellectually irresponsible to suggest that religious fundamentalists managed to convince the Louisiana legislature to endorse any sectarian creeds.