Oregon teacher fired after Bible references

And, Dan Harrison, father of a student at Sisters, Oregon school where the teacher taught, asked, "How many minds did he pollute?"

Chris Helpinstine, 27, was a part-time high school biology teacher. He had included Biblical reference material in their study in order to show bias in study material. He was teaching them critical thinking.

"Critical thinking is vital to scientific inquiry," said Helphinstine, who has a master's degree in science from Oregon State. "My whole purpose was to give accurate information and to get them thinking."

Helphinstine said he did not teach the idea that God created the world. "I never taught creationism," he said. "I know what it is, and I went out of my way not to teach it."

John Rahm, parent of a freshman, said he daughter had come home, saying she was confused with the supplemental material Helpenstine had provided in their class. He said the "Biblical references prevented her from learning what she needed to learn."

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