Although Tom Lazzeri's editorial on religion expressed some valid concerns, it took an inconsistent position on freedom of speech. Covering the Sex Faire debate, the Collegian quoted Penn State professors who call the university a "marketplace of ideas." In this marketplace, ideas are meant to be traded; people exercise speech hoping others will be convinced by their ideas — even religious ideas.

Although Lazzeri feels that these ideas are "jammed down his throat" and "create more conflict than calmness," it is not wrong to speak your beliefs in hopes that they will lead to personal and social change. This freedom should not be denied to anyone, including students who wish to pray in public schools.

Unfortunately, individuals and organizations sometimes use religion to silence ideas they disagree with, even violently, as a means to power. But would Lazzeri have us abandon microbiology because some villains have used biological weapons? The solution lies not in excluding religion from the debate, but in convincing religious organizations that only through debate can an idea achieve meaningful victory.

Those with moral passion should strive to win minds through truth-encouraging thoughtful decision, not to suppress ideas. Faith is, indeed, "something special between an individual and his god." But far more than being just a source of comfort or an engine for charity, true faith plays a foundational part in an individual's life. Though it may prove dangerous to the apathetic, it is absolutely necessary to bring morals with us when we leave our places of worship.