To the editor:

Re: "Holy texts, free stuff and lessons in critical thinking," Oct. 31.

I am going to make a suggestion that neither side in the discussion regarding including the Bible in the school curriculum will like. Yes, the Bible should be included in schools, but not as a religious text. The Bible has been central to western civilization for millennia. A knowledge of its contents it absolutely vital, if someone is to understand and appreciate the history of Europe and the Americas, not to mention the Middle East. The Bible has also been such a major influence on art, literature and film, that they cannot be properly appreciated without some knowledge of the Bible, anymore than a rainbow can be appreciated with your eyes closed.

Dr. John Aveline, Vancouver