Editor, the Times:

Regarding the article Investigating God's 'Creep' (Nov. 8), there are a few things that ought to be pointed out in response to both the article and the B.C. Humanist Association.

Firstly, I have watched the Gideons in action, both in our school system and on one of our university campuses. The Gideons were indefatigably pleasant and polite - certainly no one could have accused them of "cramming" anything down anyone's throat, nor of attempting to "proselytize" anyone.

Secondly, it is not overstating the matter to say that the Scriptures form one of the most important foundations of western culture.

The Old Testament underlies much of our legal system and informs us on a day-to-day basis regarding what is right and wrong, what is fair and what is not. Much of our great literature is full of scriptural quotes, allusions and ideas - Shakespeare (among many others) made extensive use of biblical quotations.

If we deny ourselves and our children access to the Scriptures because we think that we will somehow be persuaded to embrace a religion that we don't want, then we and our children will become ignorant of this important source.

Thirdly, surely one of the key activities of an educational system is to expose students to a range of ideas - ideas with which they may agree or disagree - and help students to learn to make thoughtful and informed decisions regarding what they believe, and why.

Finally, it is curious to me that someone who represents themselves as speaking on behalf of 'freethinkers' would take a position to ban the Scriptures from our schools, and even to forbid the offer of a copy of the Scriptures to those who might wish to have it.

How free, after all, is that?

Neil Klassen Abbotsford