We're So Outa Here!!!!

[judy]

Diana,

I think you should have the Christmas pageant somewhere else, but definitely have it!

The truth is, no matter what the atheists say, or the ACLU, or the government, kids are brought up with religion and they are not going to be quiet about it in school. We had quite a diversity of religions in my school.

They certainly voiced their opinions, especially when I taught Health and we discussed abortion, homosexuality and so on. There were some interesting, and very loud, debates in my classroom. I was happy to allow it because I think school is a very appropriate and safe place to be allowed to voice your real opinions and to learn about other peoples' beliefs. Nobody was ever allowed to be right or wrong in my class, but they certainly had the right to believe what they were taught to believe, and to be respected for it.

When I taught about evolution in Biology, I devoted a large part of the beginning lessons to discussing the fact that, in no way, does anybody have to believe in it. My main points were - believe what you were raised to believe - never let anyone tell you differently, but the NYS Biology Regents will be asking questions about evolution. They had to learn the facts required by the state, and then forget all about them if they wanted right after the Regents. They were fine with that, and I never heard a complaint from a parent.

I really dislike the fact that the atheists were able to change laws because of their beliefs. The squeaky wheel gets oiled is all that's about.
I really feel that we should just respect the fact that not everyone believes the exact same things, and that that is fine, and not in the least bit offensive.