Thses are a few of the excerpts from the article. although some later recant what was said or allowed to do.

 

middle school football coaches were reprimanded for bowing their heads during a post-game prayer

 

teachers were warned to hide from students if they chose to pray

 

Teachers have expressed to me that it is being communicated to them that they cannot do certain things: things like wear or display a cross

 

All because of this:

The policy was written in response to a lawsuit filed last May by the American Civil Liberties Union, alleging the school district has endorsed Christianity.

Not arguing, just stating what I read. The posts in this thread lead you to believe that teachers aren't allowed to bow their heads when they pray, but that's not how I understood the actual article.

Nor was I being contentious with you, but simply adding to the dialogue. Your comments are great... keep 'em coming! :thumb:

When Jesus prayed he looked up with no mention of bowing the head or closing eyes. Paul even says to raise hands during prayer. We were listening to a Christian radio preaching this week and the Preacher said "bow your head and lets Pray, I did bow my head as I was driving and Mama started yelling at me.

 

Hangman, why do you respond to Christian thread? I don't respond to a lot of threads on here just because I don't have any say so and couldn't give positive/negative imput.

mountain ref, could you go one day without a backhanded remark about tolerance?

 

That said, as an atheist I think this is a bit ridiculous.

 

Are atheist tolerant?

When Jesus prayed he looked up with no mention of bowing the head or closing eyes. Paul even says to raise hands during prayer. We were listening to a Christian radio preaching this week and the Preacher said "bow your head and lets Pray, I did bow my head as I was driving and Mama started yelling at me.

 

Hangman, why do you respond to Christian thread? I don't respond to a lot of threads on here just because I don't have any say so and couldn't give positive/negative imput.

 

I respond to any thread that I find the conversation to be interesting. I'm not quite sure if I add anything to the conversation outside of words, but I like to chime in.

 

Completely off topic, but I'd like to believe. I think it's awesome when people have something they believe in that they can pray to and thank when things happen to them and things of that nature. My wife's a great Christian, I envy her and her family for that. I'd like to feel comfortable waking up on Sunday mornings and going to church. I'm happy for those who can.

 

But at the end of the day, I'm not going to give a half-hearted effort. If I honestly don't believe (even though I want to) why go through the motions? If I pray but I don't believe my praying has any impact on anything at all, is there a point? Does God answer prayers from people that don't really think there is a God? What's worse -- Me being a good person who doesn't believe in God, or me being a terrible person that does? That's the kind of thing I like to think about and discuss... And I guess that's why I come to religion related threads.

 

I'm not one to attack Christianity. I was raised in a devout Christian home... But as some wake up one day having seen the light and believe, I woke up one day the complete opposite.

Are atheist tolerant?

 

All atheists are not the same. I can't make a blanket statement of "atheists are tolerant" or "atheists are not tolerant". Each individual has their own approach to life, I can't speak for them.

 

As for myself, if I didn't openly acknowledge that I'm an atheist people would not even know. Just because I don't believe doesn't mean I've got a Sigil of Baphomet or upside down crosses tattooed all over me. I'm just a regular person who tries to be the best person I can be and positively impact the people that are around me... Like the vast majority of people.

 

The only difference is I believe I can accomplish that without church in my life.

 

I bow my head when others do because I consider it respectful of the religious beliefs of those around me. I'm just not praying along with them.. I'm pondering what I'm going to have for dinner or what game to watch when I get home. And then I'm wondering how many other bowed heads are thinking about the same things I'm thinking about.. It's kind of a weird feeling, actually.

 

Some atheists are tolerant, some aren't. Some Christians go way overboard, some don't. Some Kentucky fans are impractical, some aren't. Generalizations are silly.

As for myself, if I didn't openly acknowledge that I'm an atheist people would not even know.

In this regard, you're not all that different from people who profess to be Christians, but live up to the highest Pagan ideals. By this I mean, if they didn't tell someone they believe in Jesus Christ, you might not know by their actions.

 

I respect your ability to offer an honest appraisal of your heart and beliefs. I would encourage you to continue to pursue God with your honest questions. I'm not attempting to twist your arm or proselytize. I just know that regardless of the weaknesses of all His flawed followers... He is willing and able to endure our sincere questions. :thumb:

But at the end of the day, I'm not going to give a half-hearted effort. If I honestly don't believe (even though I want to) why go through the motions?

 

That is actually a biblical view Hangman. :DTo paraphrase, Jesus said to the Laodicean church in Revelation that he'd prefer they either be cold or hot, but instead they were lukewarm. The implication of that specific passage is that the in-between position you allude to is the worst place to be.

That is actually a biblical view Hangman. :DTo paraphrase, Jesus said to the Laodicean church in Revelation that he'd prefer they either be cold or hot, but instead they were lukewarm. The implication of that specific passage is that the in-between position you allude to is the worst place to be.

 

Can you tell me specifically what passage that is? I'd like to read it.

Can you tell me specifically what passage that is? I'd like to read it.

Revelations 3:15-16

 

Here it is in context: 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Revelations 3:15-16

 

Here it is in context: 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.

 

:thumb: Thanks.

I struggle with this one more than I struggle with the prayer over the PA at at football game.

Yes. Please don't take me too seriously, as my post was intended more for humor than anything. Hence, the smiley.

 

Although, it is a very interesting passage of scripture and one worth taking a look at and studying.

Yes. Please don't take me too seriously, as my post was intended more for humor than anything. Hence, the smiley.

 

Although, it is a very interesting passage of scripture and one worth taking a look at and studying.

 

I don't take anything seriously. :lol:

I don't take anything seriously. :lol:

 

I didn't think so.