Ustwo

The principle who read this alloud is in trouble, here is a quote relating to it....

So would you call this a violation of church and state? My thought its that its obviously not a prayer but social commentary. The principle involves claims that’s the very reason he read it, to get the kids to think and discuss, but he is apologizing for it now.



http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/nation...0Prayer%20Poem

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Scipio

Couldn't he find a better way to raise the issue than a chain email?

Is it appropriate for him to use his position of authority to espouse his own views and then call it educational discourse?

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Coppertop

Change the words God to Allah and Lord to Muhammad and I bet you this principal would protest.

tecoyah

It is a parents job...to lend spiritual guidance. With the help of whatever religion they adhere to. It IS NOT , in my opinion, a function of Publicly funded educational institutes.

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Ustwo

You mean teachers only give 'facts' and no views and opinions?

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Agents of the enemies who hold office in our own government, who attempt to eliminate our "freedoms" and our "right to know" are posting among us, I fear.....on this very forum. - host

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guy44

Please. I would want to fire any teacher passing this out.

First of all, it is political commentary I wouldn't want my kid to get. Just like I wouldn't my kid to have a teacher telling him/her that you have to be pro-choice or a teacher telling my kid that socialism is good or that guns should be outlawed. Teachers shouldn't be forcing their political views on their kids like that.

Secondly, fuck school supported prayer in public school. I'm not Christian and do not want school supported prayer of any kind anywhere near public schools. It is offensive. Nobody is restricted from practicing their religion on their own, even in school, with religious groups and all. Just don't have it led in school.

Last time I checked, I couldn't cuss when I was in public school. And damn straight we should be allowed to dress however the fuck we want. I'm not sure, what I gather is that the author of this poem feels that we shouldn't have schools be a "freedom scene," instead having the state dictating appropriate dress? Since when does the state do that? Why does the author hate our freedoms so? Must be a terrorist...

OK, well, should we not be practicing safe sex? Also, as to that last part: studying Wicca or Native American religions is a....drumroll please....bad thing! Apparantly, we should only be learning Christianity in schools. I guess I forgot that learning about other religions is evil.

Better study up my James Motherfucker Dobson.

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Mojo_PeiPei

The point guy... was that it's "offensive" if Christianity, one of histories most important and influential, as well as relevant and respected institutions is mentioned in public schools, but it's ok to mention Islam, Wicca, < insert religion/belief > here.

Was is it forbidden that public schools put Christmas on their calendars? Or celebrate the holiday for that matter, which I remind everyone is a federal holiday. Happy Holidays! Merry X-mas! God forbid we celebrate or at least acknowledge what the season is really about.

At the same time it's legit that we recognize Hannakuh, or Kawnza, or Ramadan. Raise the Crescent moon, raise the star of david, but how dare you put up a manger scene. You fucking ignorant ass fundamental lunatic, how dare you shove your morals down my throat! How dare you force your religion on me! E.A.D.

The amount of Christophobia becoming common place in society is startling. It is almost getting offensive here on the board. You people preach tolerance and understanding, yet I get labeled ignorant because I am a person of Christian faith.

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vox_rox

I never could figure out religion in school in the first place, and I went to a catholic primary school. Religion, and all the baggage that goes with it are not the school's place to oversee, they are there to educate in the basics so that those kids can either find a way in life or continue their education. Religion has no part to play in that process.

Period.

Peace,

Pierre

guy44

First off, I never called anyone ignorant. Secondly, I think anyone who thinks that Wicca or Islam is discussed but not Christianity. Christians in this country - and this is a big big big generalization, doesn't apply to all or even most, and in fact maybe to just those shouting loudest - have a persecution complex where they don't seem to realize that they are the status quo. You guys are 80% of the population in the U.S. Stop acting like you've been marginalized.

Third, Mojo_PeiPei, the issue of manger scene is this: Christmas is recognized as a secular holiday. Santa and Rudolph and shit isn't considered religious (I disagree with that assesment, but bear with me). But a manger scene in a public place says this: Christ as a religious figure, and the worship thereof, is a governmentally supported act. And that is unacceptable - the government should take no stance, for or against, the worship of Christ.

Fourth, I don't think the Menorah or any other religious symbol should be raised either. This isn't an issue of one religion being espoused over others, its an issue of religion at all being espoused over non-religion. The government shouldn't be pro or con towards religion, but neutral.

So I won't call you a fundamental lunatic or swear at you over a manger. Because I don't want a menorah or any other religious symbol being governmentally supported. I don't think schools should "celebrate what the season is about," which sounds to me like celebrating the birth of Jesus, which I - and millions of others - in no way, shape or form celebrate.

Please, I beg of you or anyone else, show me one, one example of a public school that disallows mentioning Christianity while it allows mentioning other religions. One. I dare you. I double dare you. You won't, because it doesn't exist.

I do preach tolerance and understanding. I'm Jewish, and I advocate just as strongly for the removal of menorahs as well as crosses from public schools. Those two qualities are not present in public schools that advocate religion over nonreligion.

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zen_tom

Admin: This is politics, and should be moved over there.

tecoyah

Didnt fit there either....Moved from politics to philosophy as an attempt to keep it alive...guess a quick death is better than a pointless battle of religious differences.

This was borderline flamebait to begin with.

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