by William Cobern, rofessor of Biological Sciences and Science Education and Director of the Mallinson Institute for Science Education at Western Michigan University

The United States is a country in which, according to the Constitution, there can be no religious test for public offce. On the other hand, we have a Bill of Rights that guarantees the free exercise of religion. We call this a secular system of government, and sometimes go so far as to use Jefferson’s phrase that there is a “wall of separation” between church and state. For the most part, this secular system of government comports well with the Christian teachings based on Jesus’ remark that one should render unto Caesar that which belongs to Caesar, and unto God that which belongs to God.

The Competing Influence of Secularism and Religion on Science Education in a Secular Society