In regard to the two letters to the editor: “Schools should stop teaching evolution,” (Dec. 24) and “Evolution: The subject is one of the most important for schools to teach,” (Dec. 31).

I love this island! These letters show that we are a diverse community with the freedom and security to express ourselves on important issues. I want to thank both Peter Thalhofer and Lily Robinthal for their comments.

Peter seems to make the point (I totally agree) that we need to find meaning in our lives. How do we find meaning and purpose if we exist as a result of natural causes? It’s an important question that thinking people will ponder. We can come to different conclusions and hopefully learn from others, while being open to honing our own conclusions.

Lily emphasizes (I also agree) that denying science (including evolution) is not in our best interest. Science helps us determine how things work — not why they work.

My beliefs are based on the five sources of intuition, experience, authority, reason and faith. We may differ on which sources to emphasize, but we use all five. Our beliefs about evolution depend on how we marry science and religion. Can our experience and reason coexist with our intuition, authority and faith? I certainly hope so. Wishing for simplicity in life will not make it so. To struggle is to be alive.

— Melvin Mackey