I enjoyed your recent article on faith and reason in education. Although it's true that science cannot inform us of what values to hold, reason can. Reason is larger than just science. Values, morality, and character are not inseparable from religion. A broadly acceptable philosophy of conduct and character (i.e., ethics) based on reason can be taught. Such a philosophy would not be strictly dogmatic or teach black and white ways to live. Instead, it would instill in young people ways to sort out their own philosophies of life using their abilities to reason about consequences, etc. Because ethics and morality are viewed as religious, church-state separation concerns prevent these important parts of an ideal curriculum from being taught. So no one wins and the kids miss out on learning something valuable for healthy and prosperous living.
If the Pope is correct, we share reason, but there are many faiths. So let's focus on what is common to all mentally-healthy people--reason. We can aspire to values, but I don't call that religious faith. Religious faith is a phenomenon unto itself.
Chris Rauch
Seattle, WA