Much of the discussion centered on the nature of belief itself.

Joseph Couch of Lincoln, who told the committee he was an atheist, said bills such as Erdman's are part of a national trend "to distort the definition of religious freedom and our nation's history," coming as more people are abandoning religion in the U.S.

His testimony was met by Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, who said schools teaching evolution — which he said "takes a lot of faith to believe" — and other subjects disputing God's existence reflected another belief system imposed upon students.

Couch said evolution is based upon scientific observation, unlike religion, which he said is based upon faith, which made one alone appropriate for secular schools.

"I believe blue is a color and that can be shown," Couch said. "I could say 'I believe there is a teapot floating in orbit around Mars.' I can't prove that. Do those two statements hold equal weight? Certainly not."

Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon asked Thomas Gray, a fellow service member from Millard who identified himself as an atheist, if he ever struggled with what would happen if he was killed in action. Brewer said his faith in God gave him comfort on difficult missions.