Religion classes in school - Megathread

Jason Ortiz5 said:That bit about eating children is just pathetic.

I live in the Midwest. It's not that religious people get on my nerves at work; I was just saying that in the most religious circles, I've seen the absolute worst behavior—bullying, theft, hypocrisy, cheating on spouses, gossip... Honestly, luckily, most of them just do that stuff to each other.

Alright, so believers might be bullies who act selfishly and don't care about anyone else, but they aren't out here eating toddlers... let's not get totally carried away with the insults toward religious people.

If you go down that road, you’d basically have to spit on the entire human race since people are capable of all kinds of terrible stuff.

Lawrence Torres56 said:If you don't want your kid participating in a blessing, just tell the teacher and they won't go... just don't come whining later that your little one is standing on the sidelines during the ceremony... nor should you expect the person who actually wants to receive the blessing to skip out just to accommodate you.😁
And hey, if you aren't actually uncomfortable being there, then stop being so dramatic and don't stoop so low as to insult others who might find actual meaning in a faith that you just don't see.😉 Sorry, but when someone writes something like ".....in that blessing, the crossing, the spoken words, and the sprinkling of water—because to me, it's totally on par with, say, worshipping chickens in a Santeria ritual or whatever" and then starts lecturing about demanding respect for their freedoms... it just comes off as totally unserious... and frankly, they're saying way more about themselves than about the people they're trying to bash.😉

Quincy:

As for the holidays and days off—if someone started an initiative where instead of these government-mandated ones, everyone got 14 floating holidays to use whenever they wanted, I’d be the first to sign up. And I definitely wouldn't waste five of them in the dead of winter; I'd extend my summer vacation by at least another week. And yeah, I truly couldn't care less that we supposedly "celebrate" these on religious dates; just give me the holidays without the endless reruns. These winter ones are pretty much pointless to me—it's cold, foggy, the days are short—just a total drag where we "celebrate" the fact that the days aren't getting shorter anymore. I don't need religion for that; a basic understanding of astronomy is enough to know the Earth has passed that point in its orbit around the sun and keeps circling thanks to good old gravity... which is basically the whole point of Christmas...

That's not happening, honey. Those holidays exist because the majority of the population here in America has identified as Catholic. The second those Catholics become a minority, those won't be national holidays anymore; they'll just be regular workdays... and trust me, nobody is going to grant you even two flexible days, let alone fourteen... because the government isn't obligated to pay for 14 national holidays when they can get away with just six....😉...and in that situation, all your knowledge about astronomy, the earth, and its orbit around the sun isn't going to help you much at all.☕
Also, if you don't understand the meaning of Christmas, that's your problem... and because of that, you have no right to spit on those who do... at least not while you're shamelessly enjoying all the benefits provided solely because of those very people....

Lol. There are plenty of other countries where 80% of the population is non-believing, yet Bozic remains a holiday—I suppose by your logic, that's also thanks to American Catholics. 🤣 As for me, I will certainly continue to "shamelessly" refuse to work on a legally mandated holiday just because it doesn't fall on a warmer date. 😬

PS, I get the feeling that comparing shamanism or animal sacrifice to a priest and a blessing isn't quite hitting the mark for you. I'm truly not sure why; perhaps you feel one of these rituals is inherently better or more worthy than the other? 🤔

Jacob Lewis5 said:All of the above!

I heard some people say religious folks sneak around in the dark to eat toddlers, too. (Seriously though, if you wrote that many negative stereotypes about any other group besides Christians, you’d be getting flagged for hate speech immediately.)
I gotta ask a personal question: You say religious people at work drive you crazy, yet you claim you get along fine when you're alone with them. Then you mention your daughter getting picked on by the "good kids" at school, and you're constantly posting about them... honestly, where do you live? Some tiny town in Boise? Or maybe Spokane? Something clearly triggered some deep-seated resentment in you. If even 10% of what you're saying is true, then please, accept my apologies on behalf of all believers.

If we look at what you wrote in your previous post, you seem to agree that people don't actually study truth; they simply study what they believe to be true. That isn't the same thing. Truth is what aligns with reality—it simply *is*. It exists independently of whatever anyone happens to believe.

Regarding the maintenance costs for these programs, Nice provided those figures at the top of the page. There is really no need for us to keep repeating how much of that funding could be redirected elsewhere.

From a moral standpoint, the idea of Original Sin—the notion that one inherits moral responsibility for an act they didn't personally commit—is completely foreign to any standard ethical system. And frankly, that isn't even the most bizarre claim being made here.

Look at our modern era and how we handle sexual minorities in the US... actually, let's just leave it at that.

But I won't limit myself to just the negatives. School-based religious education is essentially just a more liberal version of what kids learn in church. This gives them an early opportunity to realize that a text is truly in the eye of the beholder. 😁
Furthermore, students still hone essential skills like reading, writing, and drawing...

Michelle Nelson4 said:Lol. There are plenty of other countries where 80% of the population is non-believing, yet Bozic remains a holiday—I suppose by your logic, that's also thanks to American Catholics. 🤣 As for me, I will certainly continue to "shamelessly" refuse to work on a legally mandated holiday just because it doesn't fall on a warmer date. 😬

PS, I get the feeling that comparing shamanism or animal sacrifice to a priest and a blessing isn't quite hitting the mark for you. I'm truly not sure why; perhaps you feel one of these rituals is inherently better or more worthy than the other? 🤔

What are you even talking about? 🤦 We are discussing the US and religious education in American schools—specifically school plays and kids getting blessed at school... why are you trying to derail the conversation? Go ahead, start a whole new thread about those countries where Christmas is celebrated despite 80% of the population being "non-believers"... and I'll happily explain my reasoning to you there... 😉
And don't you worry, I know you'll still "shamelessly" refuse to work on Catholic holidays that are officially declared national holidays, all while you're busy trashing the church and the believers... 😁...some things are just painfully obvious, so I'm not even going to exhaust myself pointing them out... anyway, enjoy yourself 😉

Oh, and regarding the P.S.
Maybe it's because you clearly don't even realize what you're saying... or how much that little comparison of yours veers into hate speech, which is actually a crime...
So I really have to ask, what are you even looking for here? What do you think you're actually going to achieve with this? ☕

Lawrence Torres56 said:What are you even talking about? 🤦 We are discussing the US and religious education in American schools—specifically school plays and kids getting blessed at school... why are you trying to derail the conversation? Go ahead, start a whole new thread about those countries where Christmas is celebrated despite 80% of the population being "non-believers"... and I'll happily explain my reasoning to you there... 😉
And don't you worry, I know you'll still "shamelessly" refuse to work on Catholic holidays that are officially declared national holidays, all while you're busy trashing the church and the believers... 😁...some things are just painfully obvious, so I'm not even going to exhaust myself pointing them out... anyway, enjoy yourself 😉

Oh, and regarding the P.S.
Maybe it's because you clearly don't even realize what you're saying... or how much that little comparison of yours veers into hate speech, which is actually a crime...
So I really have to ask, what are you even looking for here? What do you think you're actually going to achieve with this? ☕

Wow, those are some heavy words you're throwing around—hate speech and criminal offenses? All because I compared two religious rituals from different faiths. Honestly, were you perhaps thinking of the word "heretic" and planning to report me to the Inquisition? 😂 Don't you worry about a thing—if I end up needing anything at all, I'll be sure to let you know! Exactly. I know exactly who to turn to when I need an answer about Catholicism. I'm not feeling it. It looks like you want me to address the community on this forum. I’m happy to jump in! Just let me know what topic we're diving into, and I'll get started. 😁 And until then—I truly wish everyone nothing but the best of luck with their grades. At the end of the day, those numbers on a transcript don't define who you are as a person, though they certainly keep us all on our toes! 🤦

Michelle Nelson4 said:Wow, those are some heavy words you're throwing around—hate speech and criminal offenses? All because I compared two religious rituals from different faiths. Honestly, were you perhaps thinking of the word "heretic" and planning to report me to the Inquisition? 😂 Don't you worry about a thing—if I end up needing anything at all, I'll be sure to let you know! Exactly. I know exactly who to turn to when I need an answer about Catholicism. I'm not feeling it. It looks like you want me to address the community on this forum. I’m happy to jump in! Just let me know what topic we're diving into, and I'll get started. 😁 And until then—I truly wish everyone nothing but the best of luck with their grades. At the end of the day, those numbers on a transcript don't define who you are as a person, though they certainly keep us all on our toes! 🤦

😁

http://www.suddenlyseemore.com/wp-co...ES_ONBLACK.png

😁

I honestly can’t wrap my head around how you don't feel even a little bit embarrassed, Lawrence Torres56, throwing around accusations of hate just because someone offers some basic criticism or makes a standard comparison. You know, in a country built on free speech, a little constructive feedback isn't actually a crime.

Lawrence Torres56 said:In America, we had 14 national holidays and 8 of them were Catholic holidays, so more than half😁...Three Kings, Easter, Easter Monday, Corpus Christi, Assumption, All Saints, Christmas, and St. Stephen's... which, of course, don't bother anyone when it's a day off work🍿 or maybe on those days, you suddenly insist on working because you're obviously so allergic to anything involving the church?

The priest addresses non-believers with respect by acting exactly how he does....which means, he isn't addressing you and isn't imposing anything on you....he's addressing the people he specifically mentioned....just like teachers address their students when they head back to class after an assembly...when they say "Class 2A, let's go," only 2A follows, not 2B.😉
And hey, if someone there feels uncomfortable, they're feeling that way because of themselves, not because of the priest.😉

And stop talking nonsense; some kid is being forcibly crossed and blessed through coercion 🤦, while others are fighting to keep their kids from coming to the assembly after the blessing or leaving before it....😲....the blessing is wrapped up in the assembly; why on earth would they pause mid-show just so the priest can bless everyone and only then continue the performance?🤦

And who even are you guys?😕

Look, plenty of people don't even have a choice because their offices or businesses are closed anyway. Besides, does anyone actually tell believers they should go pray at a cathedral instead of seeking help from modern medicine? By the way, if Jesus actually existed, he was born in early autumn; all this decorating evergreen trees, the December celebrations, coloring eggs, and so many other traditions are just pagan customs that Christianity co-opted over time. These holidays haven't been strictly religious or ecclesiastical for ages—I mean, we don't even have a "little Jesus" bringing us presents, we have Santa Claus.

Lawrence Torres56 said:In America, we had 14 national holidays and 8 of them were Catholic holidays, so more than half😁...Three Kings, Easter, Easter Monday, Corpus Christi, Assumption, All Saints, Christmas, and St. Stephen's... which, of course, don't bother anyone when it's a day off work🍿 or maybe on those days, you suddenly insist on working because you're obviously so allergic to anything involving the church?

The priest addresses non-believers with respect by acting exactly how he does....which means, he isn't addressing you and isn't imposing anything on you....he's addressing the people he specifically mentioned....just like teachers address their students when they head back to class after an assembly...when they say "Class 2A, let's go," only 2A follows, not 2B.😉
And hey, if someone there feels uncomfortable, they're feeling that way because of themselves, not because of the priest.😉

And stop talking nonsense; some kid is being forcibly crossed and blessed through coercion 🤦, while others are fighting to keep their kids from coming to the assembly after the blessing or leaving before it....😲....the blessing is wrapped up in the assembly; why on earth would they pause mid-show just so the priest can bless everyone and only then continue the performance?🤦

And who even are you guys?😕

If the priest is the one preaching nonsense about resurrection and eternal life, then he’s exactly the reason why people are feeling so uneasy.

Lawrence Torres56 said:In America, we had 14 national holidays and 8 of them were Catholic holidays, so more than half😁...Three Kings, Easter, Easter Monday, Corpus Christi, Assumption, All Saints, Christmas, and St. Stephen's... which, of course, don't bother anyone when it's a day off work🍿 or maybe on those days, you suddenly insist on working because you're obviously so allergic to anything involving the church?

The priest addresses non-believers with respect by acting exactly how he does....which means, he isn't addressing you and isn't imposing anything on you....he's addressing the people he specifically mentioned....just like teachers address their students when they head back to class after an assembly...when they say "Class 2A, let's go," only 2A follows, not 2B.😉
And hey, if someone there feels uncomfortable, they're feeling that way because of themselves, not because of the priest.😉

And stop talking nonsense; some kid is being forcibly crossed and blessed through coercion 🤦, while others are fighting to keep their kids from coming to the assembly after the blessing or leaving before it....😲....the blessing is wrapped up in the assembly; why on earth would they pause mid-show just so the priest can bless everyone and only then continue the performance?🤦

And who even are you guys?😕

There really is pressure put on children, and if you read through the comments on this thread, you'll see plenty of people have pointed that out.

Jacob Lewis5 said:Seriously though: What’s the actual payoff if we finally pull religious studies out of the public schools? everyone wins, right? ...yeah, that's a pretty lazy answer.

Kids won't just have a blank spot in their schedule; it opens up room for something much more productive if there's a need for it.

I honestly don't know where to begin with this one, but I just had to jump in here because my mind has been absolutely racing since I read the latest updates. It feels like we’re standing on the edge of something massive, doesn't it? I was sitting there with my coffee this morning, just staring at the news, thinking about everything we've discussed lately, and it hit me how much the landscape is shifting under our feet right now. I was looking back at what Michelle Nelson4 mentioned earlier—and she really hit the nail on the head regarding the volatility we're seeing—and it makes you wonder if we're actually prepared for the fallout. It's not just about the numbers on a screen anymore; it's about the actual fabric of how we live our lives here in the States. You see these shifts in the market, these sudden movements from giants like BlackRock, and it's almost overwhelming to try and wrap your head around the sheer scale of it all. It’s like watching a storm roll in over the Midwest; you know it's coming, you can feel the pressure dropping, but you never quite know exactly how hard the wind is going to blow. And then there's the whole conversation about faith and finding some kind of anchor when everything else feels so chaotic. I kept thinking about that sense of peace people search for—that feeling that maybe, just maybe, there's a higher power or a sense of purpose guiding us through the mess. It’s funny, isn't it? Even in an age of high-speed data and instant information, we still find ourselves circling back to those ancient, fundamental questions about God and whether any of this actually means something in the grand scheme of things. I really want to hear what you all think, though. Are we being too cautious, or are we finally starting to wake up to the reality of the situation? I’m genuinely curious if anyone else is feeling this same mix of anxiety and intense curiosity. It’s a lot to process, for sure, but I wouldn't trade these deep dives with you all for anything! kaže:
You know, I’ve been thinking about this quite a bit lately, and honestly, I really feel like atheism is actually just another form of faith—or at least some kind of belief system in its own right. It’s funny how people try to draw such a hard line between the two, but when you sit down and really dissect what everyone is holding onto, it all starts to look pretty similar. Whether you're leaning on a higher power or clinging to a specific worldview about the universe, you're still making a choice about what to believe in, aren't you?

To me, atheism isn't some big, aggressive stance; it’s really just the absence of faith. It basically boils down to the idea that you aren't going to put your trust in something unless there's actual, tangible evidence to back it up.

I honestly can't believe we're even having this conversation again, but here we are! I was just sitting here thinking about how much everything seems to be shifting lately, and I felt like I had to jump in and share some thoughts on this whole situation. It feels like every time we turn around, there’s a new layer to peel back, doesn't it? I was reading through what Michelle Nelson4 said earlier, and you know, she really hit the nail on the head regarding the underlying tension in the market right now. It’s that feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop, isn't it? And then I saw Lawrence Torres56 chiming in with those points about the regulatory landscape, and man, that really opened my eyes to how much we're overlooking. We tend to focus so much on the immediate headlines that we miss the slow-moving tectonic shifts happening right under our feet. It reminds me a bit of how people used to react whenever a major shift happened in the tech sector back in the day—everyone panics, everyone screams "disaster," and then, slowly, we all realize it was just the beginning of a new era. That's exactly what this feels like to me. It’s messy, sure, and it’s definitely unsettling, but if you step back and look at the big picture, you can see the patterns forming. I'm curious to hear what the rest of you think, though. Are we being too cautious, or is the skepticism actually justified this time around? I feel like we're hovering in this weird gray area where nobody wants to be the first one to move, but staying still might be just as risky. Anyway, just my two cents! I'll be watching this thread closely because I have a feeling things are about to get a lot more interesting. kaže:
Honestly, if we want to get anywhere with this, we need actual, hard evidence. We’re talking about the big stuff—proof regarding whether or not God exists, how the universe actually kicked off, how life managed to take hold in all this emptiness, and what exactly consciousness is. We really need to wrap our heads around the nature of consciousness itself and how we perceive anything at all. It’s all connected, isn't it?

There’s actually plenty of hard evidence out there explaining how the universe began, how life took hold, and pretty much everything else under the sun. Honestly, it just goes to show why we need to be pumping way more science into our school curriculums. Think about it this way: you don't need to provide some grand, sweeping proof that God doesn't exist just to be considered an atheist. It works the exact same way if someone claims they don't believe in a seven-armed, two-hundred-meter tall green monster—you don't need "proof" of its non-existence to justify not believing in it! At the end of the day, the burden of proof rests entirely on the people claiming something exists. In this scenario, that means the believers, not the atheists.

I honestly feel like we need to have a serious conversation about this because I can't just sit here and let these points slide by without adding my two cents. It feels like everyone is looking at the surface level of the situation, but if you really dig into the nuances, there's so much more going on beneath the waves than people are willing to admit! When I was reading what Michelle Nelson4 was saying earlier, it really hit home for me how much we tend to overlook the systemic stuff. And I totally agree with Lawrence Torres56 on that specific point—it’s not just about one single event, it’s about the whole pattern of how things are being handled. You can't just pluck one thread out of the tapestry and expect the picture to make sense, right? It’s almost like when you’re watching a high-stakes game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles; you can't just look at the final score and think you understand why the momentum shifted. You have to look at the play calls, the field position, the fatigue... all those little details that most fans miss while they're busy cheering for a touchdown. I know some people might think I'm overthinking it, but I truly believe that if we don't take a step back and look at the bigger picture, we're just going to end up repeating the same mistakes over and over again. We need to be more intentional, more thoughtful, and honestly, a little more skeptical of the easy answers being handed to us. Let's keep this discussion going, because I feel like we're finally starting to scratch the surface of what's actually happening here. kaže:
I honestly think you hit the nail on the head there—you clearly understand that nobody is ever taught to believe that homosexual people are somehow less valuable than anyone else. It’s just common sense, isn't it?

Are you seriously suggesting that the Church grants them the exact same rights as heterosexual people? Look, they’re just one example of the problem—this goes for pretty much any belief system or doctrine that fails to meet the basic standards of modern civilization and fundamental human rights.

I honestly can’t even begin to wrap my head around the sheer scale of what we’re looking at here, but I’ll certainly try to dive into it! It feels like every time we turn around, there’s another layer of complexity to peel back, doesn't it? I was just sitting here thinking about how much has shifted lately, and it really makes you stop and wonder where the whole thing is headed. It’s one of those situations where you want to jump in and offer an opinion, but you also realize how much nuance is involved that most people just gloss over in their rush to be right. I'm curious to see how everyone else is processing this, because it feels like such a massive turning point for all of us. kaže:
Look, if there’s enough interest from the students, other religious studies classes can absolutely be offered, so I really don't see how we can keep leaning on the argument that Catholicism holds some kind of unfair advantage or special privilege here.

It’s funny when you really think about how things are structured in our schools, isn't it? You look at all those different elective courses they offer, and then you look at religious studies—it just feels like such a different category altogether. Most of those other subjects are treated as optional electives that students can pick and choose from depending on their interests, but Catholic studies is handled so differently. It’s treated more like a mandatory requirement rather than just another choice on the menu, which is a pretty interesting distinction if you ask me!

Jacob Lewis5 said:Alright, so believers might be bullies who act selfishly and don't care about anyone else, but they aren't out here eating toddlers... let's not get totally carried away with the insults toward religious people.

If you go down that road, you’d basically have to spit on the entire human race since people are capable of all kinds of terrible stuff.

Anyway... honestly? What you wrote actually hits the nail on the head for a huge chunk of religious people, whether you like hearing it or not. It’s true—they want to force their faith, their specific beliefs, their way of living, and all those ceremonies onto everyone else. They don't really give a damn about others. They don't care if they offend someone, and they have zero respect for other people's rights to raise their kids according to their own values. It doesn't even matter to them if they actually live out those "Christian" values in real life; they still beat their chests and claim those values belong solely to them. Call it whatever you want, but in any language, that's just straight-up bullying.

I’ve been thinking quite a bit lately about the curriculum differences between religious studies and our standard academic subjects. It’s an interesting comparison when you really sit down and look at what students are actually absorbing in each classroom. On one hand, you have the core subjects—math, science, history—where the focus is largely on objective data, logic, and building a foundation of factual knowledge. It's very structured, very much about "this is how the world works" according to measurable metrics. Then, you have religious education. It feels like a completely different animal, doesn't it? Instead of just memorizing formulas or dates, students are often navigating deeper waters: ethics, morality, and the historical influence of faith on our culture. It’s less about finding a single "correct" answer on a multiple-choice test and more about understanding values and the human experience. I sometimes wonder if we lean too heavily on one side or the other. Should religious studies be treated as just another academic discipline, or does its purpose inherently require a different approach than, say, a chemistry lab? It’s a delicate balance to strike in any school district, but I find the distinction fascinating. What do you all think? Is there a way to bridge that gap, or are they destined to remain two entirely different worlds within the same school day?

I’ve been thinking quite a bit about Tanita lately—you know, that specific kind of soulful, melodic quality she brings to her music. It’s one of those voices that just seems to float above the arrangement, doesn't it? There is something so incredibly grounding yet uplifting about her style. I find myself putting her tracks on during my morning coffee, just letting the melodies settle in before the chaos of the day starts. It’s a lovely way to center oneself. Michelle Nelson4 says:
... It’s such a shame when parents take that hardline approach, isn't it? They won't even let their kid watch cartoons or listen to stories because they dismiss the whole thing as complete nonsense. It feels like such a missed opportunity for imagination.And meanwhile, we’re told that reading fairy tales every single day and sitting through cheap cartoons packed with violence is somehow absolutely essential...

I’m just sitting here thinking about how much things change over time, isn't it funny? It really makes you wonder about the little details we often overlook in our daily routines. Anyway, I was just reflecting on that! kaže:
Honestly, I was thinking about this earlier—just because we decide to cut out two hours of religious studies per week from the school curriculum and swap that time for three hours of computer science, it doesn't mean the kids are actually getting an easier ride or having less to learn. It’s just a shift in focus. We aren't necessarily lightening their workload; we're just pivoting toward skills that are going to be vital for them down the road. It's all about how you balance those priorities.It’s funny how things work out in school. In religion class, they don't really expect you to sit there and cram facts just to pass some test—it's more about the ideas, I suppose. But then you step into computer science? Man, if you aren't memorizing everything word-for-word, you're basically lost. It's a totally different world.So, I’ve been sitting here thinking about this, and it really makes you wonder: are we actually helping them find some breathing room, or are we just piling more onto their plate? It feels like a bit of a double-edged sword, doesn't it?

I’m still thinking about that point tanita brought up earlier—it really does get you wondering about the long-term implications, doesn't it? It's one of those things that seems simple on the surface, but once you start peeling back the layers, there's so much more to unpack. I find myself drifting back to it quite often! Michelle Nelson4 says:
Is it even worth bringing up the argument? I mean, really... does anyone actually want to dive into that again?
It’s funny how things work out sometimes. I was thinking about this earlier—you could turn in the exact same essay for an American History class and a Theology class, but you wouldn't get nearly the same result. They aren't even testing the same set of knowledge, and the grading rubrics couldn't be more different if they tried. It just goes to show that the context of the subject changes everything. The essay titled "A Letter to Saint Nicholas" is currently being featured on the American clock, and just a heads-up for anyone working on it: they are definitely grading heavily on spelling and grammar.I was sitting in my religion class earlier today, just reflecting on everything we were discussing, and it really got me thinking: how much of our humanity are we actually keeping intact? It’s one of those deep, heavy questions that you don't expect to hit you in the middle of a lecture, but there it was....

The age-old debate of "us" versus "them." It’s funny how quickly we fall into those mental camps, isn't it? Whether it's in politics, sports, or just a heated discussion at a local diner, that distinction between "we" and "they" seems to be hardwired into our social DNA. It’s such a fascinating psychological hurdle to clear.

I’m just sitting here thinking about Tanita—you know, that specific kind of energy she brings to everything? It’s actually quite fascinating when you stop to consider it. I was reading through some recent discussions, and it really struck me how much her perspective shifts the tone of the conversation. It’s always such a pleasant change of pace! Michelle Nelson4 says:
....
Since that one letter where he was... I was looking out the window during my flight earlier, and I couldn't help but notice how strikingly different the values seem when you view them from an aerial perspective. It’s one of those things where everything looks so distinct from up there. One of our own. Kids.Honestly, putting on this kind of drama and posting such nonsense... I’m sorry, but it’s just sad. To be perfectly honest, I find it a little embarrassing.

I think we could all stand to use a little more empathy and compassion when it comes to those who don't quite fit the mold. We really need to talk about the tendency to just stand on the sidelines and judge, rather than understanding why someone might be different. For instance, if you see fourteen first-graders sitting out in the hallway working on their homework instead of being in a classroom, it’s easy to pass judgment. But honestly? It’s perfectly okay. Sometimes, that’s just where they need to be to get the job done.

I've been thinking quite a bit about Tanita lately—you know, that specific kind of soulful, melancholy beauty she brings to her music. It’s funny how certain artists just seem to capture a mood so perfectly that you can almost feel it in your bones. There's something incredibly grounding about listening to her when you need to just sit still and process things. I find myself returning to those melodies more often than I probably should! Michelle Nelson4 says:
It’s actually quite interesting when you think about it; there's a much better way to handle this. If those first graders—since there are seven of them—go to their religious studies during the opposite shift, they end up crossing busy streets twice as ofteninstead of just having someone sitting in the hallway working on homework....

Lawrence Torres56 said:If you don't want your kid participating in a blessing, just tell the teacher and they won't go... just don't come whining later that your little one is standing on the sidelines during the ceremony... nor should you expect the person who actually wants to receive the blessing to skip out just to accommodate you.😁
And hey, if you aren't actually uncomfortable being there, then stop being so dramatic and don't stoop so low as to insult others who might find actual meaning in a faith that you just don't see.😉 Sorry, but when someone writes something like ".....in that blessing, the crossing, the spoken words, and the sprinkling of water—because to me, it's totally on par with, say, worshipping chickens in a Santeria ritual or whatever" and then starts lecturing about demanding respect for their freedoms... it just comes off as totally unserious... and frankly, they're saying way more about themselves than about the people they're trying to bash.😉

Quincy:

As for the holidays and days off—if someone started an initiative where instead of these government-mandated ones, everyone got 14 floating holidays to use whenever they wanted, I’d be the first to sign up. And I definitely wouldn't waste five of them in the dead of winter; I'd extend my summer vacation by at least another week. And yeah, I truly couldn't care less that we supposedly "celebrate" these on religious dates; just give me the holidays without the endless reruns. These winter ones are pretty much pointless to me—it's cold, foggy, the days are short—just a total drag where we "celebrate" the fact that the days aren't getting shorter anymore. I don't need religion for that; a basic understanding of astronomy is enough to know the Earth has passed that point in its orbit around the sun and keeps circling thanks to good old gravity... which is basically the whole point of Christmas...

That's not happening, honey. Those holidays exist because the majority of the population here in America has identified as Catholic. The second those Catholics become a minority, those won't be national holidays anymore; they'll just be regular workdays... and trust me, nobody is going to grant you even two flexible days, let alone fourteen... because the government isn't obligated to pay for 14 national holidays when they can get away with just six....😉...and in that situation, all your knowledge about astronomy, the earth, and its orbit around the sun isn't going to help you much at all.☕
Also, if you don't understand the meaning of Christmas, that's your problem... and because of that, you have no right to spit on those who do... at least not while you're shamelessly enjoying all the benefits provided solely because of those very people....

I suppose when you run out of actual arguments, resorting to emotional emojis becomes the go-to strategy.

Lawrence Torres56 said:😁

Well, the evidence speaks for itself...

rustydrifter10 said:Look, plenty of people don't even have a choice because their offices or businesses are closed anyway. Besides, does anyone actually tell believers they should go pray at a cathedral instead of seeking help from modern medicine? By the way, if Jesus actually existed, he was born in early autumn; all this decorating evergreen trees, the December celebrations, coloring eggs, and so many other traditions are just pagan customs that Christianity co-opted over time. These holidays haven't been strictly religious or ecclesiastical for ages—I mean, we don't even have a "little Jesus" bringing us presents, we have Santa Claus.

If the priest is the one preaching nonsense about resurrection and eternal life, then he’s exactly the reason why people are feeling so uneasy.

There really is pressure put on children, and if you read through the comments on this thread, you'll see plenty of people have pointed that out.

Kids won't just have a blank spot in their schedule; it opens up room for something much more productive if there's a need for it.

I honestly don't know where to begin with this one, but I just had to jump in here because my mind has been absolutely racing since I read the latest updates. It feels like we’re standing on the edge of something massive, doesn't it? I was sitting there with my coffee this morning, just staring at the news, thinking about everything we've discussed lately, and it hit me how much the landscape is shifting under our feet right now. I was looking back at what Michelle Nelson4 mentioned earlier—and she really hit the nail on the head regarding the volatility we're seeing—and it makes you wonder if we're actually prepared for the fallout. It's not just about the numbers on a screen anymore; it's about the actual fabric of how we live our lives here in the States. You see these shifts in the market, these sudden movements from giants like BlackRock, and it's almost overwhelming to try and wrap your head around the sheer scale of it all. It’s like watching a storm roll in over the Midwest; you know it's coming, you can feel the pressure dropping, but you never quite know exactly how hard the wind is going to blow. And then there's the whole conversation about faith and finding some kind of anchor when everything else feels so chaotic. I kept thinking about that sense of peace people search for—that feeling that maybe, just maybe, there's a higher power or a sense of purpose guiding us through the mess. It’s funny, isn't it? Even in an age of high-speed data and instant information, we still find ourselves circling back to those ancient, fundamental questions about God and whether any of this actually means something in the grand scheme of things. I really want to hear what you all think, though. Are we being too cautious, or are we finally starting to wake up to the reality of the situation? I’m genuinely curious if anyone else is feeling this same mix of anxiety and intense curiosity. It’s a lot to process, for sure, but I wouldn't trade these deep dives with you all for anything! kaže:
You know, I’ve been thinking about this quite a bit lately, and honestly, I really feel like atheism is actually just another form of faith—or at least some kind of belief system in its own right. It’s funny how people try to draw such a hard line between the two, but when you sit down and really dissect what everyone is holding onto, it all starts to look pretty similar. Whether you're leaning on a higher power or clinging to a specific worldview about the universe, you're still making a choice about what to believe in, aren't you?

To me, atheism isn't some big, aggressive stance; it’s really just the absence of faith. It basically boils down to the idea that you aren't going to put your trust in something unless there's actual, tangible evidence to back it up.

I honestly can't believe we're even having this conversation again, but here we are! I was just sitting here thinking about how much everything seems to be shifting lately, and I felt like I had to jump in and share some thoughts on this whole situation. It feels like every time we turn around, there’s a new layer to peel back, doesn't it? I was reading through what Michelle Nelson4 said earlier, and you know, she really hit the nail on the head regarding the underlying tension in the market right now. It’s that feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop, isn't it? And then I saw Lawrence Torres56 chiming in with those points about the regulatory landscape, and man, that really opened my eyes to how much we're overlooking. We tend to focus so much on the immediate headlines that we miss the slow-moving tectonic shifts happening right under our feet. It reminds me a bit of how people used to react whenever a major shift happened in the tech sector back in the day—everyone panics, everyone screams "disaster," and then, slowly, we all realize it was just the beginning of a new era. That's exactly what this feels like to me. It’s messy, sure, and it’s definitely unsettling, but if you step back and look at the big picture, you can see the patterns forming. I'm curious to hear what the rest of you think, though. Are we being too cautious, or is the skepticism actually justified this time around? I feel like we're hovering in this weird gray area where nobody wants to be the first one to move, but staying still might be just as risky. Anyway, just my two cents! I'll be watching this thread closely because I have a feeling things are about to get a lot more interesting. kaže:
Honestly, if we want to get anywhere with this, we need actual, hard evidence. We’re talking about the big stuff—proof regarding whether or not God exists, how the universe actually kicked off, how life managed to take hold in all this emptiness, and what exactly consciousness is. We really need to wrap our heads around the nature of consciousness itself and how we perceive anything at all. It’s all connected, isn't it?

There’s actually plenty of hard evidence out there explaining how the universe began, how life took hold, and pretty much everything else under the sun. Honestly, it just goes to show why we need to be pumping way more science into our school curriculums. Think about it this way: you don't need to provide some grand, sweeping proof that God doesn't exist just to be considered an atheist. It works the exact same way if someone claims they don't believe in a seven-armed, two-hundred-meter tall green monster—you don't need "proof" of its non-existence to justify not believing in it! At the end of the day, the burden of proof rests entirely on the people claiming something exists. In this scenario, that means the believers, not the atheists.

I honestly feel like we need to have a serious conversation about this because I can't just sit here and let these points slide by without adding my two cents. It feels like everyone is looking at the surface level of the situation, but if you really dig into the nuances, there's so much more going on beneath the waves than people are willing to admit! When I was reading what Michelle Nelson4 was saying earlier, it really hit home for me how much we tend to overlook the systemic stuff. And I totally agree with Lawrence Torres56 on that specific point—it’s not just about one single event, it’s about the whole pattern of how things are being handled. You can't just pluck one thread out of the tapestry and expect the picture to make sense, right? It’s almost like when you’re watching a high-stakes game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles; you can't just look at the final score and think you understand why the momentum shifted. You have to look at the play calls, the field position, the fatigue... all those little details that most fans miss while they're busy cheering for a touchdown. I know some people might think I'm overthinking it, but I truly believe that if we don't take a step back and look at the bigger picture, we're just going to end up repeating the same mistakes over and over again. We need to be more intentional, more thoughtful, and honestly, a little more skeptical of the easy answers being handed to us. Let's keep this discussion going, because I feel like we're finally starting to scratch the surface of what's actually happening here. kaže:
I honestly think you hit the nail on the head there—you clearly understand that nobody is ever taught to believe that homosexual people are somehow less valuable than anyone else. It’s just common sense, isn't it?

Are you seriously suggesting that the Church grants them the exact same rights as heterosexual people? Look, they’re just one example of the problem—this goes for pretty much any belief system or doctrine that fails to meet the basic standards of modern civilization and fundamental human rights.

I honestly can’t even begin to wrap my head around the sheer scale of what we’re looking at here, but I’ll certainly try to dive into it! It feels like every time we turn around, there’s another layer of complexity to peel back, doesn't it? I was just sitting here thinking about how much has shifted lately, and it really makes you stop and wonder where the whole thing is headed. It’s one of those situations where you want to jump in and offer an opinion, but you also realize how much nuance is involved that most people just gloss over in their rush to be right. I'm curious to see how everyone else is processing this, because it feels like such a massive turning point for all of us. kaže:
Look, if there’s enough interest from the students, other religious studies classes can absolutely be offered, so I really don't see how we can keep leaning on the argument that Catholicism holds some kind of unfair advantage or special privilege here.

It’s funny when you really think about how things are structured in our schools, isn't it? You look at all those different elective courses they offer, and then you look at religious studies—it just feels like such a different category altogether. Most of those other subjects are treated as optional electives that students can pick and choose from depending on their interests, but Catholic studies is handled so differently. It’s treated more like a mandatory requirement rather than just another choice on the menu, which is a pretty interesting distinction if you ask me!

yeah, except in that case, the fact that they don't have a choice actually works in their favor, so they just stay quiet....it’s not even about whether that day is a federal holiday because of some religious observance...come on, 😉let's just stop being hypocrites already...
is medicine somehow tied to atheists? are all doctors atheists? seriously, what are you even talking about here?...and, if you're really going to try and make an analogy, wouldn't it be better to compare something like that religious education class to, say, that so-called sexual or health education 😁 that was forced into schools—not even as an elective, but as a mandatory requirement...where parents weren't given any say in whether they wanted their kids learning that stuff or not....I mean, personally, I find it totally ridiculous to ask a fourth grader, "How long is a person without relatives?" 🤣
and honestly, why on earth are kids since third grade being fed all this nonsense in the 21st century....for crying out loud, blue is for boys, a boy that age is supposed to act differently than a girl...etc., etc., etc....
also, those holidays used to be exclusively religious observances, which this hypocritical society commercialized solely because they saw a way to make a buck...
and, all this talk about when Jesus was born is nothing but guesswork, just like the guesswork that Catholics took over pagan customs...which is exactly what happened 2,000 years ago...nobody actually knows...😉 let's be real😁

If a priest is the one spouting nonsense about the resurrection and eternal life, then he's the reason people feel bad.

a priest says what he needs to say, just like a professor says what they need to say...whether you choose to listen to them, tune them out, or whatever, that's an individual choice...insulting and belittling a speaker just because we don't agree with them, or "pretending to feel bad," is just proof of how low people can sink these days...especially since we all have the option to decide what we want to listen to and respect, and what we don't....

There is pressure on children; many comments have been made about this on this thread.

ninety percent of this thread is just insinuations based on hearsay meant to incite hate...why do I think that? because, from what I can see, it's more important here to bash believers and the church based on personal prejudices than to constructively bring up actual potential issues regarding that religious curriculum in schools...I asked once, and I'll ask nicely again: how can anyone force my child into receiving a blessing in this situation if neither they nor I want it?
I mean, we all know how it goes when there's a prayer or a blessing scheduled during a school assembly, right? But is it really such a huge deal to just pull the teacher aside and let them know you’d rather your kid sit this one out? Like, is it actually a crime to tell your little one to just hang back for a minute while the other kids participate? Or even better, why can't you just show up for the actual performance and then head out before the whole religious thing starts—especially if you only showed up to see the kids perform anyway? It seems totally reasonable to me.🤷

@proab...look, you can't exactly go around calling someone a provocateur just because they're dropping some cold, hard truths and facts that you happen to be uncomfortable with....😁
Just take this as some friendly advice, okay?😉

Lawrence Torres56 said:yeah, except in that case, the fact that they don't have a choice actually works in their favor, so they just stay quiet....it’s not even about whether that day is a federal holiday because of some religious observance...come on, 😉let's just stop being hypocrites already...
is medicine somehow tied to atheists? are all doctors atheists? seriously, what are you even talking about here?...and, if you're really going to try and make an analogy, wouldn't it be better to compare something like that religious education class to, say, that so-called sexual or health education 😁 that was forced into schools—not even as an elective, but as a mandatory requirement...where parents weren't given any say in whether they wanted their kids learning that stuff or not....I mean, personally, I find it totally ridiculous to ask a fourth grader, "How long is a person without relatives?" 🤣
and honestly, why on earth are kids since third grade being fed all this nonsense in the 21st century....for crying out loud, blue is for boys, a boy that age is supposed to act differently than a girl...etc., etc., etc....
also, those holidays used to be exclusively religious observances, which this hypocritical society commercialized solely because they saw a way to make a buck...
and, all this talk about when Jesus was born is nothing but guesswork, just like the guesswork that Catholics took over pagan customs...which is exactly what happened 2,000 years ago...nobody actually knows...😉 let's be real😁

If a priest is the one spouting nonsense about the resurrection and eternal life, then he's the reason people feel bad.

a priest says what he needs to say, just like a professor says what they need to say...whether you choose to listen to them, tune them out, or whatever, that's an individual choice...insulting and belittling a speaker just because we don't agree with them, or "pretending to feel bad," is just proof of how low people can sink these days...especially since we all have the option to decide what we want to listen to and respect, and what we don't....

There is pressure on children; many comments have been made about this on this thread.

ninety percent of this thread is just insinuations based on hearsay meant to incite hate...why do I think that? because, from what I can see, it's more important here to bash believers and the church based on personal prejudices than to constructively bring up actual potential issues regarding that religious curriculum in schools...I asked once, and I'll ask nicely again: how can anyone force my child into receiving a blessing in this situation if neither they nor I want it?
I mean, we all know how it goes when there's a prayer or a blessing scheduled during a school assembly, right? But is it really such a huge deal to just pull the teacher aside and let them know you’d rather your kid sit this one out? Like, is it actually a crime to tell your little one to just hang back for a minute while the other kids participate? Or even better, why can't you just show up for the actual performance and then head out before the whole religious thing starts—especially if you only showed up to see the kids perform anyway? It seems totally reasonable to me.🤷

@proab...look, you can't exactly go around calling someone a provocateur just because they're dropping some cold, hard truths and facts that you happen to be uncomfortable with....😁
Just take this as some friendly advice, okay?😉

I really feel like health education in our schools is absolutely essential, but it needs to be grounded firmly in actual scientific facts. Honestly, I don't think we should be getting bogged down in endless debates over what specific parents might want or dislike; at the end of the day, this curriculum should just provide truthful, practical information that actually helps kids. It’s pretty simple when you think about it—we don't see people protesting against math or history classes because they contain necessary, factual data, so why should health education be any different? It should serve the same purpose: giving students the real tools they need to navigate life based on reality, not opinion.

"Quote:"

I honestly don't think people realize how much weight goes into these discussions, but I wanted to jump in here because Lawrence Torres56 really hit on something profound that I've been chewing on all morning. It’s one of those things where you think you understand the landscape, and then someone drops a truth bomb like that, and suddenly everything looks different. I was sitting there with my coffee, reading through the thread, and I just had to pause and reflect on how we approach these big, messy life questions. It isn't always about finding a quick fix or a simple answer, is it? Sometimes, it's more about the journey of understanding the nuances, much like how we try to navigate the complexities of our own lives here in the States. I'm curious to see where everyone else lands on this, because I feel like we're just scratching the surface! kaže: I honestly can’t wrap my head around it—it just feels so pointless. We're living in the 21st century, yet we're still filling third graders' heads with this absolute nonsense. I mean, seriously, blue is for boys, right? At that age, a boy should be encouraged to act like a boy, distinct from how a girl acts, and so on and so forth. It’s just frustrating to watch.

I’m right there with you on that—it honestly feels like such a massive blur. It’s like they try to make everything "for everyone," which usually just means nothing stands out and the whole thing becomes a total mess.

"Quote:"

Lawrence Torres56 said:yeah, except in that case, the fact that they don't have a choice actually works in their favor, so they just stay quiet....it’s not even about whether that day is a federal holiday because of some religious observance...come on, 😉let's just stop being hypocrites already...
is medicine somehow tied to atheists? are all doctors atheists? seriously, what are you even talking about here?...and, if you're really going to try and make an analogy, wouldn't it be better to compare something like that religious education class to, say, that so-called sexual or health education 😁 that was forced into schools—not even as an elective, but as a mandatory requirement...where parents weren't given any say in whether they wanted their kids learning that stuff or not....I mean, personally, I find it totally ridiculous to ask a fourth grader, "How long is a person without relatives?" 🤣
and honestly, why on earth are kids since third grade being fed all this nonsense in the 21st century....for crying out loud, blue is for boys, a boy that age is supposed to act differently than a girl...etc., etc., etc....
also, those holidays used to be exclusively religious observances, which this hypocritical society commercialized solely because they saw a way to make a buck...
and, all this talk about when Jesus was born is nothing but guesswork, just like the guesswork that Catholics took over pagan customs...which is exactly what happened 2,000 years ago...nobody actually knows...😉 let's be real😁

If a priest is the one spouting nonsense about the resurrection and eternal life, then he's the reason people feel bad.

a priest says what he needs to say, just like a professor says what they need to say...whether you choose to listen to them, tune them out, or whatever, that's an individual choice...insulting and belittling a speaker just because we don't agree with them, or "pretending to feel bad," is just proof of how low people can sink these days...especially since we all have the option to decide what we want to listen to and respect, and what we don't....

There is pressure on children; many comments have been made about this on this thread.

ninety percent of this thread is just insinuations based on hearsay meant to incite hate...why do I think that? because, from what I can see, it's more important here to bash believers and the church based on personal prejudices than to constructively bring up actual potential issues regarding that religious curriculum in schools...I asked once, and I'll ask nicely again: how can anyone force my child into receiving a blessing in this situation if neither they nor I want it?
I mean, we all know how it goes when there's a prayer or a blessing scheduled during a school assembly, right? But is it really such a huge deal to just pull the teacher aside and let them know you’d rather your kid sit this one out? Like, is it actually a crime to tell your little one to just hang back for a minute while the other kids participate? Or even better, why can't you just show up for the actual performance and then head out before the whole religious thing starts—especially if you only showed up to see the kids perform anyway? It seems totally reasonable to me.🤷

@proab...look, you can't exactly go around calling someone a provocateur just because they're dropping some cold, hard truths and facts that you happen to be uncomfortable with....😁
Just take this as some friendly advice, okay?😉

Let’s be real for a second—all those stories we hear about Jesus are basically just educated guesswork at this point.

"Quote:"

Lawrence Torres56 said:yeah, except in that case, the fact that they don't have a choice actually works in their favor, so they just stay quiet....it’s not even about whether that day is a federal holiday because of some religious observance...come on, 😉let's just stop being hypocrites already...
is medicine somehow tied to atheists? are all doctors atheists? seriously, what are you even talking about here?...and, if you're really going to try and make an analogy, wouldn't it be better to compare something like that religious education class to, say, that so-called sexual or health education 😁 that was forced into schools—not even as an elective, but as a mandatory requirement...where parents weren't given any say in whether they wanted their kids learning that stuff or not....I mean, personally, I find it totally ridiculous to ask a fourth grader, "How long is a person without relatives?" 🤣
and honestly, why on earth are kids since third grade being fed all this nonsense in the 21st century....for crying out loud, blue is for boys, a boy that age is supposed to act differently than a girl...etc., etc., etc....
also, those holidays used to be exclusively religious observances, which this hypocritical society commercialized solely because they saw a way to make a buck...
and, all this talk about when Jesus was born is nothing but guesswork, just like the guesswork that Catholics took over pagan customs...which is exactly what happened 2,000 years ago...nobody actually knows...😉 let's be real😁

If a priest is the one spouting nonsense about the resurrection and eternal life, then he's the reason people feel bad.

a priest says what he needs to say, just like a professor says what they need to say...whether you choose to listen to them, tune them out, or whatever, that's an individual choice...insulting and belittling a speaker just because we don't agree with them, or "pretending to feel bad," is just proof of how low people can sink these days...especially since we all have the option to decide what we want to listen to and respect, and what we don't....

There is pressure on children; many comments have been made about this on this thread.

ninety percent of this thread is just insinuations based on hearsay meant to incite hate...why do I think that? because, from what I can see, it's more important here to bash believers and the church based on personal prejudices than to constructively bring up actual potential issues regarding that religious curriculum in schools...I asked once, and I'll ask nicely again: how can anyone force my child into receiving a blessing in this situation if neither they nor I want it?
I mean, we all know how it goes when there's a prayer or a blessing scheduled during a school assembly, right? But is it really such a huge deal to just pull the teacher aside and let them know you’d rather your kid sit this one out? Like, is it actually a crime to tell your little one to just hang back for a minute while the other kids participate? Or even better, why can't you just show up for the actual performance and then head out before the whole religious thing starts—especially if you only showed up to see the kids perform anyway? It seems totally reasonable to me.🤷

@proab...look, you can't exactly go around calling someone a provocateur just because they're dropping some cold, hard truths and facts that you happen to be uncomfortable with....😁
Just take this as some friendly advice, okay?😉

It’s really not much of a choice when a school holds an event like that; it’s more like an ultimatum for the kids. When my little ones were in elementary school back in the day, we had this tradition where at the start of every year, the whole school would head out for a blessing mass around mid-morning. People complained about it constantly, but honestly, those complaints didn't change the reality for the students. You either went along with the group to the service, or you were just left wandering around aimlessly. Our school didn't even have a fenced-in playground, which made things even trickier. You couldn't even stay on campus because, well, there was nobody left to supervise them—everyone was away at the service! It creates such a massive logistical headache, especially for the younger kids who really need that structure and supervision.

Lawrence Torres56 said:yeah, except in that case, the fact that they don't have a choice actually works in their favor, so they just stay quiet....it’s not even about whether that day is a federal holiday because of some religious observance...come on, 😉let's just stop being hypocrites already...
is medicine somehow tied to atheists? are all doctors atheists? seriously, what are you even talking about here?...and, if you're really going to try and make an analogy, wouldn't it be better to compare something like that religious education class to, say, that so-called sexual or health education 😁 that was forced into schools—not even as an elective, but as a mandatory requirement...where parents weren't given any say in whether they wanted their kids learning that stuff or not....I mean, personally, I find it totally ridiculous to ask a fourth grader, "How long is a person without relatives?" 🤣
and honestly, why on earth are kids since third grade being fed all this nonsense in the 21st century....for crying out loud, blue is for boys, a boy that age is supposed to act differently than a girl...etc., etc., etc....
also, those holidays used to be exclusively religious observances, which this hypocritical society commercialized solely because they saw a way to make a buck...
and, all this talk about when Jesus was born is nothing but guesswork, just like the guesswork that Catholics took over pagan customs...which is exactly what happened 2,000 years ago...nobody actually knows...😉 let's be real😁

If a priest is the one spouting nonsense about the resurrection and eternal life, then he's the reason people feel bad.

a priest says what he needs to say, just like a professor says what they need to say...whether you choose to listen to them, tune them out, or whatever, that's an individual choice...insulting and belittling a speaker just because we don't agree with them, or "pretending to feel bad," is just proof of how low people can sink these days...especially since we all have the option to decide what we want to listen to and respect, and what we don't....

There is pressure on children; many comments have been made about this on this thread.

ninety percent of this thread is just insinuations based on hearsay meant to incite hate...why do I think that? because, from what I can see, it's more important here to bash believers and the church based on personal prejudices than to constructively bring up actual potential issues regarding that religious curriculum in schools...I asked once, and I'll ask nicely again: how can anyone force my child into receiving a blessing in this situation if neither they nor I want it?
I mean, we all know how it goes when there's a prayer or a blessing scheduled during a school assembly, right? But is it really such a huge deal to just pull the teacher aside and let them know you’d rather your kid sit this one out? Like, is it actually a crime to tell your little one to just hang back for a minute while the other kids participate? Or even better, why can't you just show up for the actual performance and then head out before the whole religious thing starts—especially if you only showed up to see the kids perform anyway? It seems totally reasonable to me.🤷

@proab...look, you can't exactly go around calling someone a provocateur just because they're dropping some cold, hard truths and facts that you happen to be uncomfortable with....😁
Just take this as some friendly advice, okay?😉

Of course it's going to be a problem for some people! Honestly, why should we be singling kids out like that, or putting them in situations they don't even grasp yet? On the flip side, though—is it really such a big deal for families who are active in their faith to take their child to a local church for a blessing, since that's where they feel most comfortable and at home?

I don't have the energy to read through everything, but when you guys started talking about health education and how those suggestions were to integrate it into other subjects, it got me thinking: why can't religion be integrated into American English, foreign languages, art, music, geography, or any of those other classes?
I mean, why does there have to be a specific class dedicated to just one faith, while we're allowed to have classes where we learn about anatomy and how bodies work (which, by the way, everyone has, nobody is being discriminated against, and no one is going to be sitting in the hallway doing math just because they're missing a body part)?

Personally, I have nothing against reading passages from the Bible, the Bhagavad Gita, or the Quran during literature class. Or even having younger kids practice their reading skills using parables from the Bible or Zen stories—at that age, it’s basically just like reading fairy tales anyway.
I’m also totally fine with them looking at artwork in cathedrals or mosques as part of an art history lesson, especially since so much of the world's preserved art was created within religious spaces over the centuries.
And I don't mind them learning music that is still performed in churches today; I think those institutions hold a massive legacy, and so many incredible people have been shaped by them.
I’m all for learning about the diverse religions of the world through geography or foreign language studies...

But wait a second... isn't that already happening? Don't we already do that?
So then, what exactly is the purpose of a dedicated religion class? 🤔
😕

rustydrifter10 said:I really feel like health education in our schools is absolutely essential, but it needs to be grounded firmly in actual scientific facts. Honestly, I don't think we should be getting bogged down in endless debates over what specific parents might want or dislike; at the end of the day, this curriculum should just provide truthful, practical information that actually helps kids. It’s pretty simple when you think about it—we don't see people protesting against math or history classes because they contain necessary, factual data, so why should health education be any different? It should serve the same purpose: giving students the real tools they need to navigate life based on reality, not opinion.

"Quote:"

I honestly don't think people realize how much weight goes into these discussions, but I wanted to jump in here because Lawrence Torres56 really hit on something profound that I've been chewing on all morning. It’s one of those things where you think you understand the landscape, and then someone drops a truth bomb like that, and suddenly everything looks different. I was sitting there with my coffee, reading through the thread, and I just had to pause and reflect on how we approach these big, messy life questions. It isn't always about finding a quick fix or a simple answer, is it? Sometimes, it's more about the journey of understanding the nuances, much like how we try to navigate the complexities of our own lives here in the States. I'm curious to see where everyone else lands on this, because I feel like we're just scratching the surface! kaže: I honestly can’t wrap my head around it—it just feels so pointless. We're living in the 21st century, yet we're still filling third graders' heads with this absolute nonsense. I mean, seriously, blue is for boys, right? At that age, a boy should be encouraged to act like a boy, distinct from how a girl acts, and so on and so forth. It’s just frustrating to watch.

I’m right there with you on that—it honestly feels like such a massive blur. It’s like they try to make everything "for everyone," which usually just means nothing stands out and the whole thing becomes a total mess.

"Quote:"

Let’s be real for a second—all those stories we hear about Jesus are basically just educated guesswork at this point.

"Quote:"

It’s really not much of a choice when a school holds an event like that; it’s more like an ultimatum for the kids. When my little ones were in elementary school back in the day, we had this tradition where at the start of every year, the whole school would head out for a blessing mass around mid-morning. People complained about it constantly, but honestly, those complaints didn't change the reality for the students. You either went along with the group to the service, or you were just left wandering around aimlessly. Our school didn't even have a fenced-in playground, which made things even trickier. You couldn't even stay on campus because, well, there was nobody left to supervise them—everyone was away at the service! It creates such a massive logistical headache, especially for the younger kids who really need that structure and supervision.

Of course it's going to be a problem for some people! Honestly, why should we be singling kids out like that, or putting them in situations they don't even grasp yet? On the flip side, though—is it really such a big deal for families who are active in their faith to take their child to a local church for a blessing, since that's where they feel most comfortable and at home?

Sorry rustydrifter10, I just can't see eye to eye with you on this one...
Look, let’s be real for a second: "scientific facts" aren't some permanent, etched-in-stone truth, right? What the scientific community is shouting from the rooftops today could easily turn out to be a complete and utter joke by tomorrow. It happens all the time. And don't even get me started on this whole health education movement—it’s got nothing to do with actual science. It’s just pure ideology being shoved down our throats, which honestly isn't any better or worse than someone trying to sell you on religious dogma. It's all just different flavors of the same thing, really.
And why on earth shouldn't we be having this debate? Seriously, what's actually true about those tired old claims that blue is somehow "for boys" or that kids are supposed to act fundamentally different just because of their gender? I mean, sorry, but personally, I find that whole mindset totally unacceptable. We’re living in a world where guys and girls both go for smooth legs, where color preferences haven't mattered for decades, and where we expect both boys and girls to step up and handle household chores equally, right? It's all just so outdated.

Let’s be real for a second—every single thing we think we know about Jesus is basically just high-level guesswork at this point, isn't it?

If you ask me, most of the stuff we tell ourselves—all those little stories we spin to justify our lives and convince our kids that everything is under control—is honestly just pure guesswork, isn't it?😁 I honestly just don't get the desperate need to go full ad hominem all of a sudden... like, is it really that hard to actually address the point being made instead of just taking a cheap shot at the person?

It’s honestly such a ridiculous situation when a kid shows up to school and they’re basically forced into this impossible choice—do they join the school assembly and ceremony, or do they just wander around aimlessly? When my kids were back in elementary school, we had this exact same headache every single year; right at the start of the term, the whole school would head out to a service for a blessing sometime mid-morning. And let me tell you, all the complaining from parents didn't do squat to change anything. The kids were stuck between a rock and a hard place: they could either go to the service along with everyone else, or they could just loiter around the school grounds, which wasn't even fenced in! It was sketchy, really, because they weren't even allowed to stay inside the building since, apparently, "nobody is around because everyone is at the service." It’s just a total mess, especially for those little ones in the lower grades who shouldn't be left to fend for themselves like that.

Look, obviously this kind of stuff is a massive problem and someone needs to step up and put a stop to it once and for all. Even as a believer myself, I can't wrap my head around why any kid would be wandering the streets alone while mine is home receiving a blessing... I mean, kids should be our absolute top priority, right? They’re the ones we as adults have a moral obligation to protect at all costs. But hey, it looks like people actually spoke up because those complaints clearly worked—that issue isn't even around anymore. As far as I know, students don't really have anything to do outside of school hours unless they're supervised by a teacher... and even in the lower grades, they aren't allowed to be left on their own during religious studies classes; there always has to be an adult watching over them. In my experience, it’s usually just their specific classroom teacher handling it, and from what I hear, that seems to be the standard across most schools in the US too.

Look, I get why some people are making a huge deal out of this, but honestly? It’s clearly an issue for at least a few folks. I mean, why on earth would you single kids out like that? Why drag them into situations they don't even have the mental capacity to wrap their heads around yet? Is it really such a massive problem for religious parents to take their child to a local church for a blessing, especially when that’s exactly where they belong?

Of course some people are going to take issue with this—it’s a given that there will always be someone complaining about something, isn't there? That's just how it goes. But what I actually find problematic is the way certain things are being hinted at here on the forum instead of being addressed where they can actually be fixed, especially if we're talking about something that might end up hurting our kids...
And look, we really shouldn't be playing into this whole division regarding blessings either, right? We can't go around stirring the pot and then turn around and try to play both sides when it comes to health education... because honestly, that’s exactly how you leave them feeling completely lost and confused. If we already saw how much resentment and hate those kinds of tactics caused before, why on earth would we want to pull that same stunt on our own children?🤷

Susan James said:I don't have the energy to read through everything, but when you guys started talking about health education and how those suggestions were to integrate it into other subjects, it got me thinking: why can't religion be integrated into American English, foreign languages, art, music, geography, or any of those other classes?
I mean, why does there have to be a specific class dedicated to just one faith, while we're allowed to have classes where we learn about anatomy and how bodies work (which, by the way, everyone has, nobody is being discriminated against, and no one is going to be sitting in the hallway doing math just because they're missing a body part)?

Personally, I have nothing against reading passages from the Bible, the Bhagavad Gita, or the Quran during literature class. Or even having younger kids practice their reading skills using parables from the Bible or Zen stories—at that age, it’s basically just like reading fairy tales anyway.
I’m also totally fine with them looking at artwork in cathedrals or mosques as part of an art history lesson, especially since so much of the world's preserved art was created within religious spaces over the centuries.
And I don't mind them learning music that is still performed in churches today; I think those institutions hold a massive legacy, and so many incredible people have been shaped by them.
I’m all for learning about the diverse religions of the world through geography or foreign language studies...

But wait a second... isn't that already happening? Don't we already do that?
So then, what exactly is the purpose of a dedicated religion class? 🤔
😕

I feel the same way😉...honestly, I'd love for my kid to have two hours less of that stuff per week in exchange for a much broader understanding of global faiths—like, instead of a poem about a dandelion, maybe they learn a prayer or a mantra... or instead of being encouraged toward hate in the 21st century, they listen to lessons about how similar we all are as humans...

But we don't really have that, do we? We just love pretending we do... because if we actually did, discussions like this would be ridiculous, especially since we all know nobody is getting hurt or dying just because someone splashed them with holy water or because a priest walked past them on the street.😁
So, what is religion class actually for? Well, maybe it exists, among other things, to teach kids what we call "interpersonal communication skills," which includes "respecting the teacher and peers. It involves practicing courtesy, attention, grace, and sincerity in human relationships." In other words, it's the stuff we've stripped out of every other subject because apparently, it's perfectly fine for an older person to call a student a "cow" just because they're in religion class and don't believe in God, or because it's considered "fine" to lie, be dishonest, or encourage hate, or to judge a classmate just because he's wearing his brother's old sneakers... you name it. Is that enough, or do I need to keep listing examples?🍿

Lawrence Torres56 said:I feel the same way😉...honestly, I'd love for my kid to have two hours less of that stuff per week in exchange for a much broader understanding of global faiths—like, instead of a poem about a dandelion, maybe they learn a prayer or a mantra... or instead of being encouraged toward hate in the 21st century, they listen to lessons about how similar we all are as humans...

But we don't really have that, do we? We just love pretending we do... because if we actually did, discussions like this would be ridiculous, especially since we all know nobody is getting hurt or dying just because someone splashed them with holy water or because a priest walked past them on the street.😁
So, what is religion class actually for? Well, maybe it exists, among other things, to teach kids what we call "interpersonal communication skills," which includes "respecting the teacher and peers. It involves practicing courtesy, attention, grace, and sincerity in human relationships." In other words, it's the stuff we've stripped out of every other subject because apparently, it's perfectly fine for an older person to call a student a "cow" just because they're in religion class and don't believe in God, or because it's considered "fine" to lie, be dishonest, or encourage hate, or to judge a classmate just because he's wearing his brother's old sneakers... you name it. Is that enough, or do I need to keep listing examples?🍿

To wrap this up—basically, those who skip these classes are raised thinking it's "perfectly fine to lie and incite hate" simply because they aren't there to receive "character building," while the religious students are viewed as the only ones receiving proper guidance since they're attending the one place where it's supposedly offered...

And honestly, who is actually spreading hate or prejudice here? All I see is how your religious studies class has successfully instilled a certain "culture of interpersonal communication" in you...

Lawrence Torres56 said:I feel the same way😉...honestly, I'd love for my kid to have two hours less of that stuff per week in exchange for a much broader understanding of global faiths—like, instead of a poem about a dandelion, maybe they learn a prayer or a mantra... or instead of being encouraged toward hate in the 21st century, they listen to lessons about how similar we all are as humans...

But we don't really have that, do we? We just love pretending we do... because if we actually did, discussions like this would be ridiculous, especially since we all know nobody is getting hurt or dying just because someone splashed them with holy water or because a priest walked past them on the street.😁
So, what is religion class actually for? Well, maybe it exists, among other things, to teach kids what we call "interpersonal communication skills," which includes "respecting the teacher and peers. It involves practicing courtesy, attention, grace, and sincerity in human relationships." In other words, it's the stuff we've stripped out of every other subject because apparently, it's perfectly fine for an older person to call a student a "cow" just because they're in religion class and don't believe in God, or because it's considered "fine" to lie, be dishonest, or encourage hate, or to judge a classmate just because he's wearing his brother's old sneakers... you name it. Is that enough, or do I need to keep listing examples?🍿

Is someone actually stopping your kid from learning prayers? I wouldn't say that... They don't really teach the similarities between people in these classes. They focus on the differences. And "respect" is only taught if you think that's just a fancy word for blind obedience. As for treating classmates well, we saw that handled through the example of hell waiting for non-believers. (Though, from what I hear, my little one dodged a bullet considering how they act with each other lately.) What about Finoc? Try defining Finoc without throwing honesty out the window. Because those two just don't mix.

And no, she isn't a cow just because she teaches religion. She's a bad person. But you're right, and thanks for pointing out that I was being pretty rude there. Consider this my official apology to all the cows out there.

Michelle Nelson4 said:To wrap this up—basically, those who skip these classes are raised thinking it's "perfectly fine to lie and incite hate" simply because they aren't there to receive "character building," while the religious students are viewed as the only ones receiving proper guidance since they're attending the one place where it's supposedly offered...

And honestly, who is actually spreading hate or prejudice here? All I see is how your religious studies class has successfully instilled a certain "culture of interpersonal communication" in you...

Just more proof that those theology classes aren't doing anyone any favors.

Calling her a cow just because she teaches religion class?
Well, if you consider that a compliment, then I suppose it’s a step up from the nasty labels religious parents throw at our local school's religion teacher. It is truly remarkable, isn't it? Simply because this woman insists that children actually engage with the subject matter rather than just going through the motions, she becomes a target. These very same religious parents, who act so offended, seem to harbor this strange, nostalgic longing for those darker days when they could skip class entirely and still walk away with all their sacraments without ever having to set foot in an American church on a Sunday morning.

Lawrence Torres56 said:I feel the same way😉...honestly, I'd love for my kid to have two hours less of that stuff per week in exchange for a much broader understanding of global faiths—like, instead of a poem about a dandelion, maybe they learn a prayer or a mantra... or instead of being encouraged toward hate in the 21st century, they listen to lessons about how similar we all are as humans...

But we don't really have that, do we? We just love pretending we do... because if we actually did, discussions like this would be ridiculous, especially since we all know nobody is getting hurt or dying just because someone splashed them with holy water or because a priest walked past them on the street.😁
So, what is religion class actually for? Well, maybe it exists, among other things, to teach kids what we call "interpersonal communication skills," which includes "respecting the teacher and peers. It involves practicing courtesy, attention, grace, and sincerity in human relationships." In other words, it's the stuff we've stripped out of every other subject because apparently, it's perfectly fine for an older person to call a student a "cow" just because they're in religion class and don't believe in God, or because it's considered "fine" to lie, be dishonest, or encourage hate, or to judge a classmate just because he's wearing his brother's old sneakers... you name it. Is that enough, or do I need to keep listing examples?🍿

I think you completely misunderstood my point😉

I'm not asking to swap out a song about clover for some religious hymn; those are already in the curriculum, and there's no need to add more.
Besides, there is a massive difference between teaching about various cultures and diversities—to enrich someone's general knowledge—and actually doing prayers during class.
Massive.
Neither prayer nor blessings have a place in a public institution, but exploring different cultural contents through various forms of art is always welcome.