By: Wanda Lopez
Publisher/Editor
The Cornerstone Connection Magazine
“The ‘Cost’ of Freedom of Speech” The price of freedom is most usually never attained easily. Nevertheless, we live in a country where our military has taken an oath to uphold the laws of our forefathers and we will be forever grateful to each one of them for the many sacrifices made. Our rights as citizens seem to be enhanced on a daily basis if we are considered to be a ‘Christian’.
When I was informed about this young ladies ordeal, it would have been unjust of me to turn a deaf ear and sit back and do nothing to try and help her. A child has a right to take a stand just as much as an adult; and I will show cause in the course of this article why Miss Jessica Kurek, 13 of Soperton, GA., has been given the [shaft] because of her beliefs; at least in the beginning I should say.
As a Christian publication we must print the encouraging articles along with the appalling ones. America is a wonderful country where freedom of speech, and I might add, “Consideration of that freedom,” remains true… “At least it is supposed to work that way.”
I’m sure there are some that will disagree with my view on this subject, but no belligerent scrutiny is intended. We are all free to believe as we wish and that brings me to the core of this article.
It was March 2003, and just like any other day at school, new chapters began, and at the end of the chapters a test is usually given, which was the case for this class, conducted by Coach Freeman of Treutlen Middle School. On this occasion the chapters to be reviewed were on evolution. We all know that the teachings on evolution aren’t anything new. The course has been implemented into most school systems today. The problem is while evolution has been so widely accepted “Christianity” has not! God was taken out of our school systems some time ago. The question is why? If children are forced to learn about evolution shouldn’t they be allowed to also learn about God? Isn’t it a choice?
“Jessica learned about choices with a failing grade of 40%, simply because she chose to answer the questions on the test as instructed from the textbook, however, she added her analogy at the end of each question pertaining to God.”
Needless to say that didn’t go over very well. I pondered on this and I thought, “What’s the big deal? She answered the questions about evolution as instructed, so why a failing grade because she made her feelings known about how she felt concerning creation. The science book used was Glencoe Science, deriving from, “The National Geographic Society.” This is when Mrs. Hooks and her daughter Jessica made it known that they really needed my help. I didn’t need to think about this one! We’re a Christian Magazine and we will always fight for the children.
“Jessica’s Mother was very upset with this outlandish behavior and Jessica thought, “Why is this happening????? I’m a straight A student and I simply wrote my views about creation.”
A Bit of History
WASHINGTON (CNN)
“Scientists say a new discovery means dinosaurs are not extinct.”
1) An international team of scientists believes two Chinese fossils of feathered dinosaurs -- animals with down-covered bodies, strong legs and stubby arms -- are the strongest evidence yet that birds evolved from dinosaurs.
From the People's Weekly World, September, 1995
By Jim Genova
2) Recent fossil discoveries in Kenya have sharpened debate on the earliest origins of humans and have thrown open the question of how long hominids (as all human species are known) has walked upright. The jawbones show ape-like characteristics - placement of the teeth, small ear openings in the skull. But the teeth also show characteristics, which are unique to humans - namely; the tooth enamel is much thicker than apes, a feature common to hominids.
3) According to the international team of paleontologists working on the site, the arm and leg bones clearly belong to a species of upright walkers. The upper part of the shinbone is shaped so as to bear much more weight than the four-legged apes, thus allowing the hominid to walk erect. This feature was crucial for allowing later increases in brain size. With upright walking, humans were able to free more air and blood to flow to the brain, allowing it to grow. The body was better able to cool itself and the hands were freed to be used creating tools and processing food.
4) As reported, these latest finds may help in the understanding of man's relation to the apes and to other surviving species. If paleontologists and anthropologists can piece together the life styles of the earliest hominids, it may aid in the understanding of human nature, instinct and climatic and genetic traits which eventually led to the rapid increase in human brain size and to the evolution of human culture.
5) Anyone who is familiar with the anatomy of Man and the Apes must admit that no hypothesis other than that of close kinship affords a reasonable or credible explanation of the extraordinarily exact identity of structure that obtains in most parts of the bodies of Man and Gorilla.
“Quotes are taken from one of Darwin’s web sites and also Life Science Glencoe Online (The text book used to teach this course at Treutlen Middle School).”
“Is There Justice for Jessica?”
This simple but complex question remains in the hands of those that have put her and her family through a very trying time. Does she deserve a failing grade in this class because she chose to speak the truth? She took the test and gave some very clear and informative answers. I have copies of the test as well as all the answers. There isn’t one question that was answered in a derogatory manner. She simply would not lie!
A great example would be question number 4.
“Describe 3 examples of direct evidence for evolution.”
Jessica’s answer:
“There is no direct evidence for evolution, only ideas (Theories) that evolution takes place over time. Similarities in embryos and structures do not provide evidence of evolution. On the contrary, they provide evidence that God created them all differently.” She did however add scripture to a couple of her answers but what is wrong with that?
God has been completely removed from the school systems, so an important question should be… “If evolution is so eagerly accepted within the schools, then shouldn’t Christianity be as well? If someone mentions God and doesn’t want to lie about what she or he knows to be the truth from the “Word of God”, should they be punished? Where does the freedom of speech fit in with this scenario?”
Bottom line is this: Jessica Kurek failed this class because she would not cohere to the lies of evolution and made it known that she is a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. As a result she receives a grade that is unprecedented and she has been treated like an outcast ever since.
“This has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through”, stated Jessica.
“My family has suffered; my friends, teachers and principal shun me. Some people in the community give me dirty looks like I’ve done something so horrible. All I did was tell the truth and stick up for God and now I am the outcast. It just isn’t fair! I don’t put them down because they believe in evolution, so why do they put me down because I love God?”
I, for one, will not sit back and watch our youth being treated in this manner. I am a Christian and I am not ashamed to admit it. I am taking a stand for Christ at whatever cost. Jessica deserves a public apology and a passing grade in that class. If we don’t do something now, the time will come when not a single believer in Christ will be heard.
I find it ironic that most every religion, club and organization that one wills upon themselves and those around them can, and most usually are, accepted. All but one that is…. Christianity! To be a Christian in today’s society is just plain foolish to many. Having a love for Christ and believing in God’s word, the only true gospel has caused a hornet’s nest to be stirred up in Soperton, Ga. It is unfortunate for Jessica and any other student that must endure such punishment because they won’t give into the wiles of deceit and choose to speak the truth, as they know it.
Everyone is free to choose in this country, and that includes his or her religious preference. This really isn’t about monkeys, apes, gorillas or dinosaurs. This is about a freedom to choose, and yes, that includes a choice while in the presence of a teacher or principal. It saddens me that the Christian media must get involved to try and bring a bit of justice and self worth back to a 13-year old girl.
Jessica has been treated unfairly by all involved and deserves an apology that is sincere. She shouldn’t have to feel the need to walk the other direction to avoid another dirty look or possible confrontation. What did she do that was so horrendous? What would our forefathers say if they could see the conflict that has caused a child to become the victim of none other than God verses Darwinism? How might our soldiers feel? They are laying their lives on the line each day for us and if evolution was such a big bang…. One has to wonder why our military requested “Bibles” be sent to them in Iraq.
Mr. Avery and Mr. Freeman have the right to choose because of freedom in this country, and they’re assured an avenue in which to do as they please and worship whom they please. Shouldn’t Jessica be extended the same courtesy? The underlying question still remains… “What will the principal of this school do to bring this to a close?” Teachers cannot teach anything that doesn’t get past the guy in charge. I hope Mr. Avery will place himself in the shoes of this child for a brief moment and possibly his understanding will become much clearer.
We intend to pursue the agenda surrounding this story until justice has been served. The Bible is very plain in the book of Genesis about creation. God is the only creator and as His word declares, “He” made every living thing and that includes the monkeys. So, if God created the monkeys, the apes and so on…. Then Darwin’s theory is simply that, a theory. A theory is something that cannot, and never will be proven. Experience a miracle, watch the power of God at work and tell me who is the creator, God or some type of bacteria that eventually evolved into a being, or of course, the so called--- “Big Bang Theory.”
According to the inspired word of God the time is short, so is it really necessary to play these games of evolution? Wrong is wrong, and right is right and her principal, teacher and many in the community have wronged this child. Soperton is her home and she has brothers and sisters that will one day attend Treutlen Middle School. Jessica just wants her life back and doesn’t want to be shunned and made to feel as if she doesn’t belong because she believes in Christ.
I appeal to you Mr. Avery, and you, Mr. Freeman. Please do the honorable and decent thing here. Jessica didn’t do any harm to you, she simply doesn’t believe the way in which you prefer she would. I’ve been told that Mr. Freeman believes in God and evolution, and I’m not sure what Mr. Avery believes, and quite frankly… It isn’t my business to wonder or judge them on these values we hold very dear. I can only join Jessica and her family in prayer for these individuals. Forgiveness is the key that can unlock a wealth of happiness toward all concerned and my hope is that the adults will take that challenge and do what is right for this child; not only in the eyes of God, but adhere to the laws indicated in our constitution. Soperton can become the best it’s ever been if all involved choose to work together on this matter.
If you have an opinion and want to share it with Jessica or perhaps the Principal or Coach Freeman, contact information is below. Until next time… Fight the good fight and thanks for standing for the one thing that will make all the difference. . Let’s give God His rightful place once again in our schools. If Darwin is welcome then by all means “God” should be!
Thanks Jessica for being so brave and not being afraid to admit you love and serve Jesus. He is undoubtedly very proud of you and so are we.
The Cornerstone Connection Staff wishes you well.
Jessica Kurek – bjhooks64@msn.com
Please write- “For Jessica” in the subject line.
Truetlen Middle School Principal- David Avery
1201 Fowler Street Teacher- Coach Freeman
Soperton, Ga 30457
The Cornerstone Connection Committee for:“Your Voice”- “Your Choice”Click
here to go to part Two
Natalee
Holloway "Urgent"
J
