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originally posted by: SlapMonkey
a reply to: underwerks
It's an elective class, and the biblical discussion in that class with just be a part of a broader syllabus, which includes things like poetry.
I'm an atheist, but even I can realize that your anger is misplaced. Christian teachings had a very big hand in forming our nation, from the reasons why people sailed away from Europe on their own dime to why nations funded things like the Spanish colonization of America. Whether you like it or not, there SHOULD be elective classes in our education system that dive deeper into a scholastic studying of the bible--it will allow people to understand a lot of the "whys" behind what our founding fathers did, along with other nations during things like the murderous and genocidal Spanish Inquisition, the "Holy Crusades," and the many other atrocities carried out in the name of the Christian religion.
Scholarly study of the Bible has a definite place in education--hell, a deep study of the Bible and Christianity, which led to the study of other religions (ancient and contemporary) is what led me from the path of a baptized Christian to an atheist. If your fear is indoctrination, quell that fear--without actual learning, which could really happen in a classroom setting versus a religious setting, all we are left with is indoctrination. At least give this a chance before you condemn what will be an elective course of study.
ETA: Please understand that my optimism comes from the stance that they will treat the discussion of the Bible similarly to how Yale does it in their two free religious-studies courses here. If it turns out that they end up preaching in the classroom, I will be against it 100%.
originally posted by: SlapMonkey
a reply to: underwerks
I live in Kentucky, albeit Northern Kentucky, so it's a bit different.
I understand your concerns, but please note my added comment that I edited into my initial comment:
ETA: Please understand that my optimism comes from the stance that they will treat the discussion of the Bible similarly to how Yale does it in their two free religious-studies courses here. If it turns out that they end up preaching in the classroom, I will be against it 100%.
I think that we are on similar pages, I'm just more optimistic than you. Only time will tell, but if they get preachy, it won't last long.
I hate the Creationist Museum and the Ark Encounter--I live about 20 minutes from both.
originally posted by: SlapMonkey
a reply to: underwerks
I'm glad that you survived the Bowling Green Massacre
(I hope someone gets this reference, probably not though)
“It’s important that children be given an opportunity to realize that the evangelical materials now creeping into their schools are representative of but one religious opinion amongst many. While the Good News Clubs focus on indoctrination, instilling them with a fear of Hell and God’s wrath, After School Satan Clubs will focus on free inquiry and rationalism, the scientific basis for which we know what we know about the world around us. We prefer to give children an appreciation of the natural wonders surrounding them, not a fear of everlasting other-worldly horrors.”
. . .
The Supreme Court ruled in 2001 in the case of Good News Club v. Milford Central School that schools operate a “limited public forum” and that, as such, they may not discriminate against religious speech should a religious organization choose to operate an After School Club on their premises. Christian evangelicals — particularly the Child Evangelism Fellowship — have taken advantage of this ruling ever since. As it is illegal for the schools to discriminate against specific religions or preference others, After School Satan Clubs cannot be denied wherever Christian, or any other religious clubs, operate.
Source