Tim Knapp (Feb. 22, Daily Bee) denounces secular humanism because it does not embrace theism and it endorses an established scientific theory (erroneously referred to as “Darwinism”). Secular humanism promotes evidence-based (versus faith-based) reasoning and discounts the notion of supernatural intervention in worldly affairs. These are also basic tenets of the scientific method. Rejection of these aspects of secular humanism is, ipso facto, a repudiation of mainstream science. (A 2009 PEW poll of members of the American Association for Advancement of Science found 98 percent were proponents of the theory of evolution.)

Regarding the Jensen article, Mr. Knapp correctly states the author mentioned that economic factors can impact homicide rates. However, he neglected to acknowledge that Jensen subsequently stated, “The two religious variables persist as strong correlates of logged homicide rates, while the coefficients for the two economic variables are not statistically significant.” In other words, the religious variables (including strong “Evangelical Protestantism”) persist as strong correlates of homicide rates even after correcting for economic factors. Little wonder Mr. Knapp is now attempting to downplay the article he first cited.

Mr. Knapp repeats his unfounded assertion that secular humanism is an offshoot of totalitarianism. The Affirmations of Secular Humanism should make it abundantly clear to anyone with basic reading comprehension skills that he is woefully mistaken. The dictators Pinoche, Duvalier, Franco, and Chiang Kai-shek were theists and mass murderers. Clearly, theistic belief is not a reliable deterrent against amoral behavior when greed and an insatiable desire for power come into play.

JACK DeBAUN

Sandpoint