Kids need to think of spiritual concepts

Editor,

I have been following with interest the discussion among your readers about evolution and intelligent design — especially as they relate to public school instruction.

A few years ago, I read a little book by Bronson Alcott, "How Like An Angel Came I Down: Conversations with Children on the Gospels." In the 1830s in Boston, Alcott ran a school in which he encouraged the children to think deeply about spiritual ideas. Their thoughts, reported in his book, are extraordinary. (His school also hit hard on academics, required physical education and music, and abolished corporal punishment).

I wonder if there is one among us who has not on occasion been astounded by the thoughts of a child? I remember collecting door-to-door for a charity many years ago. My sister Laura, then 4, walked with me. One woman told us that she didn't have any change, so she couldn't contribute. As we walked away, Laurie said, "Why didn't you tell her she could give dollars?"

If our society has decided that public school is not the proper forum for the discussion of spiritual ideas, so be it. The important thing is that children have an opportunity somewhere to investigate the spiritual side of life. It's so natural to them—and so important.

Carol Cummings

Polson