Religious Holidays in Public Schools - Page 5

little man · 07-23-2010, 11:13 PM

i think that since schools are supposed to be educating kids to move on out into the world, it should be structured more like the "real world". specific schedules, year round, planning your vacations. deadlines and responsibilities...and consequences for not meeting them.

i think too much is put on the shoulders of the teachers, when kids refuse to learn or live up to the requirements of getting educated. these young folks need to learn about responsibility and accountability somewhere. i think that by restructuring the school system, that can be managed.

now that my rant is over...the holidays need to be handled just like they would be on any job. i think shift "work" might be also be an option for those kids (like my niece) who would rather be up all night and sleep all day.

ok, i'm done now.

Soft*Silver · 07-24-2010, 01:21 AM

I have gone full circle on this topic over the years. I use to not want the schools have ANY religious activity, especially holidays. I felt it was not the job of the school to teach religion. And if they were going to do so, they should not teach just ONE religion.

And then the Change hit. Yes, menopause. Dont laugh. I am a different person even from a year ago because of this.

Now I firmly believe our schools must introduce religion to the children, and to be inclusive and celebrate other religious holiday than simply Xtianity. I dont see this so much as a need for religious value, but to introduce diversity to them. But yes, spirituality is very important and while it should not govern our educational system, it should not be excluded from it entirely. When we broke humans down into parts and chambers of a physical being, and then conquered the mind and the way the brain works, we saw no need and even disputed the need for a spiritual base.

diversity in childhood would help raise children into less hateful kids...

Toughy · 07-24-2010, 11:50 AM

Quote:

We have a long history in public schools of separation of church and state.

I'm not so sure this is a true statement. I remember prayer in public schools.........and for some reason it's my 5th grade year that sticks in my mind......that would be 1961-62. Today we have the Christian creation story, now called Intelligent Design, being taught as science in public schools. It's no wonder folks think Fake (Fox) News is actually journalism and news.
------
I say no religious holidays in public schools unless you recognize ALL religious holidays and you also need a holiday for atheists.

Take week long breaks in the school year. I don't know if this is still true today but when I was in public school in the 60's, we could have an excused absence (for I think up to a week) to go deer hunting.

I would like to see high school kids learn about the different religions around the world. But that would open up a big ole can of worms that would be impossible to deal with.

Julie · 07-24-2010, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unndunn

I voted "I Don't Care" because none of the other options were close to what I think.

I think each school district should set their calendar based on the members of the community they are providing for. They have the data, and I don't think it would be that difficult to build the schedule around the needs of that particular community. If you know that 75% of your students are muslim, it would make sense to schedule that day off since all of those students would be missing the lessons taught on that day.

It was never an issue in my hometown because there was very little diversity. In my senior class in high school (class of '83) there were two jewish students out of 180 students. I know this because we were in the same home room and they would talk about when they would be out for high holidays, etc. I know that the school didn't count the days they took off for high holidays as absences. It wouldn't have been practical to have school on Christmas when about 99% of the student body would be home celebrating.

It's late and I'm way over tired so I shouldn't even be posting. I don't have any kids, but I do work with children, so school schedules do affect my work schedule.

UnDunn -- It becomes more than missing classes on certain days. My kids grew up in a 90% Christian community. I had to purchase Menorahs and Kinara's for the school. While at home we celebrated everything - it really did effect my children when they would see in the classroom all of the holiday art pertaining to the birth of Christ. It became apparent they were "jews/muslims" during the holiday season, yet simply "kids" the other times of the year. I always thought being raised in a lesbian household would be tough for them -but it wasn't the issue at all - it was their religion and the fact they were a minority which stood out.

My kids also when they were young, were not given the jewish or muslim holidays off - only Christian. What about the other religions who do not celebrate any holidays? While today they might call their concerts Holiday Concerts in some communities - it is still filled with songs of Christianity.

And be damned if you do not stand for the pledge of allegiance. Bottom line, we are not all the same when it comes to our religious beliefs - yet we are all the same when it comes to humanity.

This country has a much deeper and richer Native American History -- Perhaps we should cancel out the "invader" religions and stick to Native American religions and honor those.

Julie

blush · 07-24-2010, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toughy

I'm not so sure this is a true statement. I remember prayer in public schools.........and for some reason it's my 5th grade year that sticks in my mind......that would be 1961-62. Today we have the Christian creation story, now called Intelligent Design, being taught as science in public schools. It's no wonder folks think Fake (Fox) News is actually journalism and news.
------
I say no religious holidays in public schools unless you recognize ALL religious holidays and you also need a holiday for atheists.

Take week long breaks in the school year. I don't know if this is still true today but when I was in public school in the 60's, we could have an excused absence (for I think up to a week) to go deer hunting.

I would like to see high school kids learn about the different religions around the world. But that would open up a big ole can of worms that would be impossible to deal with.

You're right, Toughy. I'm speaking to the idea that our government entities are religiously neutral. This conflicts with our desire for freedom of worship. Prayer in schools and such is an example of this conflict.

Corkey · 07-24-2010, 02:11 PM

I'm going to speak from my *me* for a moment. When I was growing up there was no prayer in schools. The pledge of allegiance yes, and that silly phrase of one nation (under god)..., which I skipped over and reverted to the real pledge one nation indivisible.... Now then for me, my parents said I didn't have to follow in their religious backgrounds, they were both different. They said I could learn all of the different theological groups and decide for myself which was a fit for me.
So I did. Now, the school has no business being in the business of religion, it isn't up to the state to teach one religion over another, hense the separation of church and state in the Constitution. I think it is high time we as a society start following that particular clause.

Glenn · 07-24-2010, 05:42 PM

As founder and designer of the United Gospel Music Center, I included notes in my plans. not to teach classes in Religion, nor to celebrate religious holidays and ceremonies inside, statues, Bibles, etc. It will simply be alive with gospel music all day, along with concerts, and also a music school. There will be only pictures of musicians and composers on the walls.

Soft*Silver · 07-24-2010, 06:38 PM

I would love to see religion taught in the public school system, not as a form of worship, but as a science or humanities, or even as part of a class in science or humanities or something. Why? Because most kids dont grow up in homes that say "you can pick any religion you like". Instead, they rear their kids to believe their religion is the "IT" religion and dont educate them in alternatives. As a class, they could get introduced to east and west, native and aboriginal, agnostic and aethiest, xtian and jewish.

I dont know about you, but I was in Jr High before I found out not everyone was Catholic...

Julie · 07-24-2010, 06:51 PM

And I was 20 years old, before I realized that the crosses on the foreheads of people - did not mean they were Manson Followers!

True Story! I was working in a personnel agency at 20 in NYC. I walked out to get my applicant... What I saw terrified me. A room full of people with black crosses on their foreheads. I ran into my bosses office and told him, we had a room filled with Manson Followers. Now how is that for ignorance?!? My first experience with Ash Wednesday.

Point - I agree... My first year of college, I took a world religion course. I always felt it should be taught in primary school.

Quote:

Originally Posted by softness

I would love to see religion taught in the public school system, not as a form of worship, but as a science or humanities, or even as part of a class in science or humanities or something. Why? Because most kids dont grow up in homes that say "you can pick any religion you like". Instead, they rear their kids to believe their religion is the "IT" religion and dont educate them in alternatives. As a class, they could get introduced to east and west, native and aboriginal, agnostic and aethiest, xtian and jewish.

I dont know about you, but I was in Jr High before I found out not everyone was Catholic...

Stearns · 07-24-2010, 07:08 PM

Teachers barely have time to teach the basics. Many schools have already cut out art, music and even recess because there's not enough time in the school day/week. I'd hate to see them have to try to work religion in there, too; plus, I don't agree with public schools being charged with teaching spirituality. I'd like to see music, art and recess brought back, if there was time. I think those are intrinsically more valuable and do not tread into the territory of what values may or may not be in the home (like religion does).

Corkey · 07-24-2010, 07:11 PM

Unless all religions are given equal access I don't see it being a good thing.
1. Who would teach this class?
2. Would students be required to attend?
3. What if a parent was opposed to mandatory class?
4. Would atheists be excluded?
5. Would a scientific approach be utilized, i.e., the world wasn't created in 6 days, humans didn't live at the same time as dinosaurs, and tell the real truth of evolution?

I maintain school and church don't belong together. If parents want to teach their children religion, they need to do so at home.
We need critical thinking and the math and sciences to be pushed in school, not mysticism, faith, or speculation of a God. Our children are falling further and further behind the rest of the world. Religion has dumbed down the education of the children of this country.
Oh and most of our founding fathers were Deists not Christians. They placed separation of church and state in the Constitution for a reason.

While I agree that theology is an important undertaking, I oppose it being taught in primary and high school.

Soft*Silver · 07-24-2010, 07:13 PM

in Jr High art class, my teacher told us to come up with a logo. So I did a Coke logo that said " Jesus, the real thing"

My teacher refused the project. She asked me if I didnt think it was disrespectful to the god I believed in. I said I didnt see the harm in it. She said she was Jewish and while she didnt see Jesus in the same way as my religion, she thought it was "too far out". (of course, this was before the logo for Coke was "Coke, the real thing" came out and became a popular marketing tool)

I blurted out " you dont look jewish" (god I was SO sheltered and ignorant!) and she asked me what someone jewish would look like. We had a really good conversation and I learned SO much from her, including, (rolling my eyes and feeling my embarassment) that Jesus himself was Jewish. No one had taught me that in Sunday School!

I think if when we are young, we are made aware of differences, as we mature, those differences wouldnt matter so much. Its when we are taught to be egocentric and see only our way, that differences make people marks for hatred based in ignorance.

Stearns · 07-24-2010, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by softness

in Jr High art class, my teacher told us to come up with a logo. So I did a Coke logo that said " Jesus, the real thing"

My teacher refused the project. She asked me if I didnt think it was disrespectful to the god I believed in. I said I didnt see the harm in it. She said she was Jewish and while she didnt see Jesus in the same way as my religion, she thought it was "too far out". (of course, this was before the logo for Coke was "Coke, the real thing" came out and became a popular marketing tool)

I blurted out " you dont look jewish" (god I was SO sheltered and ignorant!) and she asked me what someone jewish would look like. We had a really good conversation and I learned SO much from her, including, (rolling my eyes and feeling my embarassment) that Jesus himself was Jewish. No one had taught me that in Sunday School!

I think if when we are young, we are made aware of differences, as we mature, those differences wouldnt matter so much. Its when we are taught to be egocentric and see only our way, that differences make people marks for hatred based in ignorance.

See, I said ART should be brought back into the schools. This worked out great

Soon · 07-24-2010, 07:18 PM

I think if parents wish to teach their children the fundamentals of world religions (all of which are man made and patriarchal in nature), they can do it on their own time and dime.

We are talking about the publicly funded education system, right? I thought it was clear that religion is separate -- or should be -- from public institutions.

I'm for devoting more time to developing critical thinking skills.

Soft*Silver · 07-24-2010, 07:28 PM

I know very little about music making. I am tone deaf and when my daughter tried to teach me to read music, I had a melt down because I just could not get it. So, I have very little understanding of it

but

I know that the note is flat if played without it coming from the part of the person that most would call soul.

I also know that teachers ARE so busy that they have very little time for "extras" and I think we need to adjust priorities so that we value art and music and recreation and spirituality as important as math, reading, science, etc.

And I believe that there is a huge difference between teaching an introduction to religious diversity and promoting and recruiting children to follow A faith system.

I still believe that we could weave diversity in our classes somehow. If the education system does not, then we have an era of children who will grow up knowing how to balance a checkbook but not being able to appreciate the teller at the bank they frequent except as a worker bee and not as a person they are spiritually connected to...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stearns

Teachers barely have time to teach the basics. Many schools have already cut out art, music and even recess because there's not enough time in the school day/week. I'd hate to see them have to try to work religion in there, too; plus, I don't agree with public schools being charged with teaching spirituality. I'd like to see music, art and recess brought back, if there was time. I think those are intrinsically more valuable and do not tread into the territory of what values may or may not be in the home (like religion does).

Corkey · 07-24-2010, 07:31 PM

Spirituality never stopped me from being kind, or respecting another person. It also never made a note of music. Humans do this, not spirit.

Manul · 07-24-2010, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HowSoonIsNow

I think if parents wish to teach their children the fundamentals of world religions (all of which are man made and patriarchal in nature), they can do it on their own time and dime.

We are talking about the publicly funded education system, right? I thought it was clear that religion is separate -- or should be -- from public institutions.

I'm for devoting more time to developing critical thinking skills.

Amen and Hallelujah!

Soon · 07-24-2010, 07:44 PM

*Spirituality* is subjective and personal and is best left to parents if they choose to impart a set of beliefs to their children--not the public school system.

Children should not have to be *taught* any set of imaginary beliefs that have been concocted throughout the ages by a teacher in the public school system.

Among the MANY other problems, I can just imagine the child who is brought up in a house raised to believe that no god exists and how sitting through these classes would make them feel.

You want to raise accepting children who are aware of the diverse nature of people's beliefs or non-beliefs? Raise them that way.

Stearns · 07-24-2010, 07:52 PM

There are many different definitions of spirituality and even more tenets on which spirituality is based. I don't know how it would be decided on which of these it "should" be based: (list borrowed, and these aren't even all of them):
Aboriginal Beliefs
African Diaspora
African Methodist Episcopal
African Religions
Afro-Brazilian
Afro-Caribbean
Agnosticism
Ahmadiyya Movement
Anglicanism
Asatru
Assemblies of God
Atheism
Bahai Faith
Baltic Religions
Baptist
Brahma Kumaris
Buddhism
Candomblé
Cao Dai
Calvinist
Catholics: Roman
Catholics: Eastern
Celtic Religions
Celtic Christianity
Ceremonial Magick
Children of God
Christadelphians
Christian Identity
Christian Science
Christianity: all
Christianity: Evangelical
Christianity: Traditional
Christianity: Progressive
Christianity: Catholic
Christianity: Orthodox
Church of Christ
Church of the Nazarene
Confucianism
Congregational Church
Dark Zen
Deism
Disciples of Christ
Divination
Divine Science
Druidry
Earth-Based Religions
Eastern Orthodoxy
Eastern Rite Catholics
Eckankar
Episcopal
Esoteric
Essenes
Ethical Culture
Falun Gong
First Nations
Folk Magic
Freemasons
Friends (Quakers)
Gnosticism
Greco-Roman
Hare Krishna
Heathens
Hellenismos
Hinduism
Humanism
I-Ching
Indigenous Beliefs
Islam
Jainism
Jedi
Jehovah's Witnesses
Judaism
Kemetic Religions
Latter-Day Saints
Lutheran
Maltheism
Mennonites
Messianic Judaism
Methodist
Metropolitan Community Church
Mormon LDS
Mormon non-LDS
Multifaith Forum
Nation of Islam
Native American
Neo-Pagan Spirituality
New Age
New Church
Noahide Movement
Non-denominational
New Thought
Paganism
Pantheism
Philosophy
Pentecostal Trinitarian
Pentecostal Oneness
Presbyterian
Quakers
Raelians
Rastafarians
Reconstructionists
Reformed
Religio Romana
Religious Science
Roman Catholics
Runes
Salvation Army
Sant Mat
Santería
Satanism
Science of Mind
Scientology
Scientology Freezone
Seventh-Day Adventists
Shamanism
Shinto
Sikhism
Slavic Religions
Society of Friends
Sufism
Swedenborgians
Taoism
Tarot
Umbanda
Unification Church
Unitarian Universalism
United Church/Canada
United Church of Christ
Unity Movement
Urantia Book
Vineyard Churches
Vodou/Voodoo
Wicca
Witchcraft
Yoruba
Zoroastrianism

Quote:

Originally Posted by softness

I know very little about music making. I am tone deaf and when my daughter tried to teach me to read music, I had a melt down because I just could not get it. So, I have very little understanding of it

but

I know that the note is flat if played without it coming from the part of the person that most would call soul.

I also know that teachers ARE so busy that they have very little time for "extras" and I think we need to adjust priorities so that we value art and music and recreation and spirituality as important as math, reading, science, etc.

And I believe that there is a huge difference between teaching an introduction to religious diversity and promoting and recruiting children to follow A faith system.

I still believe that we could weave diversity in our classes somehow. If the education system does not, then we have an era of children who will grow up knowing how to balance a checkbook but not being able to appreciate the teller at the bank they frequent except as a worker bee and not as a person they are spiritually connected to...

Soft*Silver · 07-24-2010, 07:53 PM

I did.

I stated my opinion and I dont feel like I need to defend it. We obviously disagree. I am ok with disagreeing with someone. Thank you for sharing your thoughts by responding to mine, and for keeping the discussion open to other people's opinions. I am going to move on now as I have nothing else to add to the discussion...

Quote:

Originally Posted by HowSoonIsNow

*Spirituality* is subjective and personal and is best left to parents if they choose to impart a set of beliefs to their children--not the public school system.

Children should not have to be *taught* any set of imaginary beliefs that have been concocted throughout the ages by a teacher in the public school system.

Among the MANY other problems, I can just imagine the child who is brought up in a house raised to believe that no god exists and how sitting through these classes would make them feel.

You want to raise accepting children who are aware of the diverse nature of people's beliefs or non-beliefs? Raise them that way.

View Poll Results: what do you think about adding holidays to school calendars?
I think we need to be more inclusive and add other religious holidays	39	41.49%
I think we need to pare it down, we have too many	11	11.70%
I think we need to take all religious holidays out of public school calendars	27	28.72%
I don't care	17	18.09%
Voters: 94. You may not vote on this poll

07-23-2010, 11:13 PM	#81
little man Member How Do You Identify?: mister Preferred Pronoun?: he Relationship Status: hard to hold Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: where the road goes on forever and the party never ends Posts: 1,003 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 169 Thanked 1,535 Times in 437 Posts Rep Power: 13709164	i think that since schools are supposed to be educating kids to move on out into the world, it should be structured more like the "real world". specific schedules, year round, planning your vacations. deadlines and responsibilities...and consequences for not meeting them. i think too much is put on the shoulders of the teachers, when kids refuse to learn or live up to the requirements of getting educated. these young folks need to learn about responsibility and accountability somewhere. i think that by restructuring the school system, that can be managed. now that my rant is over...the holidays need to be handled just like they would be on any job. i think shift "work" might be also be an option for those kids (like my niece) who would rather be up all night and sleep all day. ok, i'm done now. __________________ i gots pitchers here i'm a rambling man i ain't ever gonna change i got a gypsy soul to blame and i was born for leaving --zac brown band (colder weather)

07-24-2010, 01:21 AM	#82
SoftSilver Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: femme Preferred Pronoun?: she Relationship Status: Married Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: rose cottage Posts: 5,592 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 8,948 Thanked 15,908 Times in 4,062 Posts Rep Power*: 21474857	I have gone full circle on this topic over the years. I use to not want the schools have ANY religious activity, especially holidays. I felt it was not the job of the school to teach religion. And if they were going to do so, they should not teach just ONE religion. And then the Change hit. Yes, menopause. Dont laugh. I am a different person even from a year ago because of this. Now I firmly believe our schools must introduce religion to the children, and to be inclusive and celebrate other religious holiday than simply Xtianity. I dont see this so much as a need for religious value, but to introduce diversity to them. But yes, spirituality is very important and while it should not govern our educational system, it should not be excluded from it entirely. When we broke humans down into parts and chambers of a physical being, and then conquered the mind and the way the brain works, we saw no need and even disputed the need for a spiritual base. diversity in childhood would help raise children into less hateful kids... __________________ Pole bachit, a lis chuye. The field sees, the forest hears

07-24-2010, 02:11 PM	#86
Corkey Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Human Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: Very Married Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Where I want to be Posts: 8,155 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 47,491 Thanked 29,270 Times in 6,637 Posts Rep Power: 21474859	I'm going to speak from my me for a moment. When I was growing up there was no prayer in schools. The pledge of allegiance yes, and that silly phrase of one nation (under god)..., which I skipped over and reverted to the real pledge one nation indivisible.... Now then for me, my parents said I didn't have to follow in their religious backgrounds, they were both different. They said I could learn all of the different theological groups and decide for myself which was a fit for me. So I did. Now, the school has no business being in the business of religion, it isn't up to the state to teach one religion over another, hense the separation of church and state in the Constitution. I think it is high time we as a society start following that particular clause. __________________ "Many proposals have been made to us to adopt your laws, your religion, your manners and your customs. We would be better pleased with beholding the good effects of these doctrines in your own practices, than with hearing you talk about them". ~Old Tassel, Chief of the Tsalagi (Cherokee)

07-24-2010, 06:38 PM	#88
SoftSilver Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: femme Preferred Pronoun?: she Relationship Status: Married Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: rose cottage Posts: 5,592 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 8,948 Thanked 15,908 Times in 4,062 Posts Rep Power*: 21474857	I would love to see religion taught in the public school system, not as a form of worship, but as a science or humanities, or even as part of a class in science or humanities or something. Why? Because most kids dont grow up in homes that say "you can pick any religion you like". Instead, they rear their kids to believe their religion is the "IT" religion and dont educate them in alternatives. As a class, they could get introduced to east and west, native and aboriginal, agnostic and aethiest, xtian and jewish. I dont know about you, but I was in Jr High before I found out not everyone was Catholic... __________________ Pole bachit, a lis chuye. The field sees, the forest hears

07-24-2010, 05:42 PM	#87
Glenn Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Dear ol butch bones. Preferred Pronoun?: Old G Relationship Status: Too old to play. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: :rolleyes: Posts: 1,547 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,601 Thanked 3,729 Times in 1,095 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	As founder and designer of the United Gospel Music Center, I included notes in my plans. not to teach classes in Religion, nor to celebrate religious holidays and ceremonies inside, statues, Bibles, etc. It will simply be alive with gospel music all day, along with concerts, and also a music school. There will be only pictures of musicians and composers on the walls.

07-24-2010, 07:08 PM	#90
Stearns Member How Do You Identify?: Trans Man Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: Husband Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: 'nita land Posts: 272 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 385 Thanked 443 Times in 149 Posts Rep Power: 3640	Teachers barely have time to teach the basics. Many schools have already cut out art, music and even recess because there's not enough time in the school day/week. I'd hate to see them have to try to work religion in there, too; plus, I don't agree with public schools being charged with teaching spirituality. I'd like to see music, art and recess brought back, if there was time. I think those are intrinsically more valuable and do not tread into the territory of what values may or may not be in the home (like religion does).

07-24-2010, 07:11 PM	#91
Corkey Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Human Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: Very Married Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Where I want to be Posts: 8,155 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 47,491 Thanked 29,270 Times in 6,637 Posts Rep Power: 21474859	Unless all religions are given equal access I don't see it being a good thing. 1. Who would teach this class? 2. Would students be required to attend? 3. What if a parent was opposed to mandatory class? 4. Would atheists be excluded? 5. Would a scientific approach be utilized, i.e., the world wasn't created in 6 days, humans didn't live at the same time as dinosaurs, and tell the real truth of evolution? I maintain school and church don't belong together. If parents want to teach their children religion, they need to do so at home. We need critical thinking and the math and sciences to be pushed in school, not mysticism, faith, or speculation of a God. Our children are falling further and further behind the rest of the world. Religion has dumbed down the education of the children of this country. Oh and most of our founding fathers were Deists not Christians. They placed separation of church and state in the Constitution for a reason. While I agree that theology is an important undertaking, I oppose it being taught in primary and high school. __________________ "Many proposals have been made to us to adopt your laws, your religion, your manners and your customs. We would be better pleased with beholding the good effects of these doctrines in your own practices, than with hearing you talk about them". ~Old Tassel, Chief of the Tsalagi (Cherokee)

07-24-2010, 07:13 PM	#92
SoftSilver Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: femme Preferred Pronoun?: she Relationship Status: Married Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: rose cottage Posts: 5,592 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 8,948 Thanked 15,908 Times in 4,062 Posts Rep Power*: 21474857	in Jr High art class, my teacher told us to come up with a logo. So I did a Coke logo that said " Jesus, the real thing" My teacher refused the project. She asked me if I didnt think it was disrespectful to the god I believed in. I said I didnt see the harm in it. She said she was Jewish and while she didnt see Jesus in the same way as my religion, she thought it was "too far out". (of course, this was before the logo for Coke was "Coke, the real thing" came out and became a popular marketing tool) I blurted out " you dont look jewish" (god I was SO sheltered and ignorant!) and she asked me what someone jewish would look like. We had a really good conversation and I learned SO much from her, including, (rolling my eyes and feeling my embarassment) that Jesus himself was Jewish. No one had taught me that in Sunday School! I think if when we are young, we are made aware of differences, as we mature, those differences wouldnt matter so much. Its when we are taught to be egocentric and see only our way, that differences make people marks for hatred based in ignorance. __________________ Pole bachit, a lis chuye. The field sees, the forest hears

07-24-2010, 07:18 PM	#94
Soon Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: femme Relationship Status: attached Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: . Posts: 6,896 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 29,046 Thanked 13,094 Times in 3,386 Posts Rep Power: 21474858	I think if parents wish to teach their children the fundamentals of world religions (all of which are man made and patriarchal in nature), they can do it on their own time and dime. We are talking about the publicly funded education system, right? I thought it was clear that religion is separate -- or should be -- from public institutions. I'm for devoting more time to developing critical thinking skills.

07-24-2010, 07:31 PM	#96
Corkey Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Human Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: Very Married Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Where I want to be Posts: 8,155 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 47,491 Thanked 29,270 Times in 6,637 Posts Rep Power: 21474859	Spirituality never stopped me from being kind, or respecting another person. It also never made a note of music. Humans do this, not spirit. __________________ "Many proposals have been made to us to adopt your laws, your religion, your manners and your customs. We would be better pleased with beholding the good effects of these doctrines in your own practices, than with hearing you talk about them". ~Old Tassel, Chief of the Tsalagi (Cherokee)

07-24-2010, 07:44 PM	#98
Soon Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: femme Relationship Status: attached Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: . Posts: 6,896 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 29,046 Thanked 13,094 Times in 3,386 Posts Rep Power: 21474858	Spirituality is subjective and personal and is best left to parents if they choose to impart a set of beliefs to their children--not the public school system. Children should not have to be taught any set of imaginary beliefs that have been concocted throughout the ages by a teacher in the public school system. Among the MANY other problems, I can just imagine the child who is brought up in a house raised to believe that no god exists and how sitting through these classes would make them feel. You want to raise accepting children who are aware of the diverse nature of people's beliefs or non-beliefs? Raise them that way.