Correct.

 

And, in which case, having stood the test of time for 48 years, I will make the (pretty solid) assumption that the enviornment of the school is such that the painting is not offensive, the parents/administrators have put up no fuss...so...it stays.

And, in which case, having stood the test of time for 48 years, I will make the (pretty solid) assumption that the enviornment of the school is such that the painting is not offensive, the parents/administrators have put up no fuss...so...it stays.

 

So majority rules? How many tax dollars are you willing to spend to defend it?

So majority rules? How many tax dollars are you willing to spend to defend it?

 

One thing I keep forgetting in this hypothetical is that your school is public. I have to go back to square one to see if my thought process would be the same. Forgive me....I think like a person who has to pay for their education.

I don't care whether it is left up or taken down.

 

But, I do wonder. Why would this bother an atheist?

 

Personally, if I didn't believe in God, I don't think anything related to religion would bother me. I would simply view it as another fairy tale like Lord of the Rings.

I don't care whether it is left up or taken down.

 

But, I do wonder. Why would this bother an atheist?

 

Personally, if I didn't believe in God, I don't think anything related to religion would bother me. I would simply view it as another fairy tale like Lord of the Rings.

 

I am highly doubting it actually offends this young lady. Just a moment in the spotlight.

 

Logically, there is absolutely no reason religion should OFFEND or intrude upon an individual's RIGHTS. The exception is forcing someone to act against their will, such as making prayer mandatory.

Fair point. However, the argument would be that public schools are not to promote any religion. The fact that one may or may not be offended is really immaterial. It's simply a matter of law that is to be debated.

 

You are correct, my issue is not so much with the policing of the law as it is with the law itself. On this topic, I constantly question how this policy came about. Who was so offended by religion to force it out of schools completely, and why was that person or group of people offended? Good discussion by the way. Makes my work day move a little faster.

So majority rules? How many tax dollars are you willing to spend to defend it?

 

Clyde, this hypothetical art wouldn't have been allowed due to decency laws.

Clyde, this hypothetical art wouldn't have been allowed due to decency laws.

 

I'm on your side, but I'm assuming that's pretty much what Clyde wanted you to say. You can probably draw a parallel between decency laws and laws that separate church from the educational realm.

I'm on your side, but I'm assuming that's pretty much what Clyde wanted you to say. You can probably draw a parallel between decency laws and laws that separate church from the educational realm.

 

I know....now I have to admit Clyde is right. :lol:

Since I don't believe in Santa Claus can I make everyone else take down their Santa decorations?

Since I don't believe in Santa Claus can I make everyone else take down their Santa decorations?

 

Probably... But is it worth the lump of coal in your stocking?

Several Comments:

 

1. I was not being condescending when I asked how you know you are an atheist at 10. I would think you would be more agnostic in that you don't know. But to have made up your mind at 10 . . . As for myself, I think I was 7 when I made a profession (in a very conservative southern baptist church) and I think it was wrong. My understanding of God and Jesus is more clouded now than it was then, and I believe that most of what I thought then is wrong. When you are 10, you are more than likely espousing your parent's beliefs.

 

2. I struggle seeing how this is promoting the establishment of religion. 10 Commandments - yes, Prayer to Jesus over loud speakers, yes - mural with a prayer to a "heavenly father" , not so much.

 

3. I also don't see how this inhibits or disrupts education. It is in the auditorium, correct?

My question is how do you know you are an atheist at 10?

 

I completely agree, many things change between the ages of ten and young adulthood. Maturity, beliefs, and belief interpretation is much broader.

I completely agree, many things change between the ages of ten and young adulthood. Maturity, beliefs, and belief interpretation is much broader.

I'll ask again.

 

I often hear children even younger than ten espousing Christianity. What's the difference?

Several Comments:

 

1. I was not being condescending when I asked how you know you are an atheist at 10. I would think you would be more agnostic in that you don't know. But to have made up your mind at 10 . . . As for myself, I think I was 7 when I made a profession (in a very conservative southern baptist church) and I think it was wrong. My understanding of God and Jesus is more clouded now than it was then, and I believe that most of what I thought then is wrong. When you are 10, you are more than likely espousing your parent's beliefs.

I agree wholeheartedly with the last part. I probably just said what my Mom taught me. I do however remember at a fairly young age (13ish) not believing what was said in the church and openly questioning everything I was being taught. By 16 I was proclaiming myself as an agnostic.

 

The thing with my situation is unlike the majority of Christians I was exposed to another option before I made my choice.