Today we're going to learn about Jesus.

[Wandering Hands]

Books are a common sight in classrooms around the nation, but the Bible is one book that is not. Come this fall, a Texas law says all public schools must offer information relating to the Bible in their curriculum.

http://www.kltv.com/global/story.asp?s=10933571

WELL DONE, TEXAS. YOU BEAUTY.

[Caelignis]

Why???
If people want to know about this shit just go to a fucking church...
On a side note...why not give out books to worship the devil as well hmm???HMMM???
:wtf:

[Wandering Hands]

BECAUSE THAT IS NOT GOOD AND CHRISTIAN, which all Texans must be, apparently. :wtf:

[Outsider]

In England we already get taught about that kinda stuff anyways and seeing as I'm an Atheist it's MAJORLY annoying:nag:

But, oh well:)

[Caelum]

The bible is the most commonly stolen book around the world

[Astraia]

http://www.kltv.com/global/story.asp?s=10933571

http://www.mediabistro.com/agencyspy/original/Homer%20Simpson%20Oh%20No.jpg

[chaosblade77]

So will they have the Koran? Or the Bhagavad Gita? Or other Holy Books?

Probably not.

[Rag]

This can only backfire because all the cool kids in America think reading is "wack" and will view it as another book.

...and then christian parents will think they don't have to teach their kids about the Bible so kids will grow up not knowing anything about the Bible...

I jumped the gun :awesome:

I love America.

[Zeromous99]

Yeyyy!! Huh ????? God i live in a country full of fucking retards and religious idiots (who's iq is non existent) who don't know how to worship their god in peace, no they must push it on everyone else .

This is why we have catholic schools don't these morons get that wtf.Also i was forced to goto catholic school up until 8th grade and it was the fucking WORST !!! I'm really beginning to be against all organized religions.At least the ones that must push their beliefs on every living soul on this planet.

(I'm looking at you Jehovah's witnesses you wake me up one more time on Sunday and I'm gonna feed you to my rot)


edit:::: Redaing is fine , if you wanna read the bible why cant you do it on your own , or when forced to goto mass reading it while bored out of YOUR FUCKING MIND!~!!!!!!!

[Glacies]

The fact that the majority of america lives under the delusions of christianity is no sacret.
So this doesn't really surprise me...
We were actually though in 9th grade; that 84% of america (in 2003 I think) believe that God created the world, and that only about 5% believe in the Big-Bang theory, and that america is stupid because of this.
The teacher might have had a grudge against america...

[Dark Chaos]

I live in Texas and there's no way I will agree with this,I mean I don't have anything against the bible but doing this in public schools is just wrong.

[Kurai Warrior]

I don't know why this is so shocking to you people, Christianity in America's public schools used to be common.

It doesn't do any mental, physical or emotional harm to someone to be taught something about the bible.

This does not mean it's being pushed on people, they do not have to go home and pray and tithe, and change their entire lifestyle just because they are taught something about the bible.

The majority of this forum is athiest isn't it....

They are not going to teach about other religious books because America is a Christian nation and has been since it's beginning, our founding fathers were all Christian with an exception of 4 members.

I'll just say this, leave this issue to Texas it has nothing to do with you unless you live in that state, and hell some of you don't even live in America so really STFU.

[Dream Machine]

So you think making kids read a book full of war, genocide, rape and executions won't fuck them up? :wtf:

Thank God I'm an atheist.

[Kurai Warrior]

Oh fucking really? They see all that through the media already. Who says that they will be taught about that?

You may as well go along with the argument that video games fuck all children up too.

The bible does not describe graphic things in detail anyway, even if for some reason things like that were covered in the curriculum.

For god's sake I had to read the book Speak in 10th grade and that book was all about the rape of a girl.

[Cardin]

What will the Jehova's Witnesess do??

:awesome:

[Kurai Warrior]

What will the Jehova's Witnesess do??

:awesome:

Get a real job....

[Dream Machine]

Oh fucking really? They see all that through the media already. Who says that they will be taught about that?

You may as well go along with the argument that video games fuck all children up too.

The bible does not describe graphic things in detail anyway, even if for some reason things like that were covered in the curriculum.

For god's sake I had to read the book Speak in 10th grade and that book was all about the rape of a girl.

Video games have age ratings, the bible does not. Even though I'm not overly fond in age ratings and think they become moot after the age of 7 -12 (depending on the maturity of the child in question), I DON'T think it's a good idea to tell children they'll be burning in hell fire for eternity for wearing clothes with two different fibers (true story lulz) until they can separate fantasy from reality.

Trust me, as a child the idea of things like hell are terrifying enough even without them being described in detail. Telling a child they'll undergo unimaginable tortures for doing something wrong is tantamount to child abuse in my opinion.

But I'm a dirty heretic so what do I know? :wtf:

[Wandering Hands]

America is a Christian nation and has been since it's beginning, our founding fathers were all Christian

You wanna know something? So is Australia. In fact, our current prime minister AND our former prime minister have both said it. But they phased out scripture in the primary school I went to years ago. The only schools that still DO have some form of religious education are religious schools to begin with. Why? Because public schools are a part of the government, and the government is supposed to separate church and state.

[Kurai Warrior]

Video games have age ratings, the bible does not. Even though I'm not overly fond in age ratings and think they become moot after the age of 7 -12 (depending on the maturity of the child in question), I DON'T think it's a good idea to tell children they'll be burning in hell fire for eternity for wearing clothes with two different fibers (true story lulz) until they can separate fantasy from reality.

Trust me, as a child the idea of things like hell are terrifying enough even without them being described in detail. Telling a child they'll undergo unimaginable tortures for doing something wrong is tantamount to child abuse in my opinion.

But I'm a dirty heretic so what do I know? :wtf:

Yeah just keep telling yourself that. I don't recall being scared shitless of hell when I went to church when I was younger, or when I talked about it with friends at home or at school.

And once again you are assuming that they are going to talk about that in the curriculum.

[Little Miss Scarlett]

^Of course they'll teach them about hell, it's a pretty damn big part.




To be honest I'd have thought they did that already in America, since they do it here even though we're less Christian/religious. I think.

My little brother got really badly told off not long ago for saying "But that's stupid, God's not real" to someone in his class, they called my mum in and everything. After giving a six year old a shitty speech about how it's offensive, he asked mother dearest "So, God is real then?" "No sweetheart, but you're not aloud to say so". He can't understand why, of course.

[Caelignis]

That sounds like the Christian way Little Miss Scarlett...:wtf:

[Dream Machine]

Yeah just keep telling yourself that. I don't recall being scared shitless of hell when I went to church when I was younger, or when I talked about it with friends at home or at school.

And once again you are assuming that they are going to talk about that in the curriculum.

Well I was and I wasn't even brought up in a religious family. I've many friends (some who are now atheists and some who are still religious) who were and they were seriously disturbed by the idea of it.

Also, if Texas wants to teach Creationism in science class, I don't think it much of a jump to assume they'd want to brain-rape the kids with ideas of hell fire and stoning women who get raped.


They are not going to teach about other religious books because America is a Christian nation and has been since it's beginning, our founding fathers were all Christian with an exception of 4 members.

(Art. 11. Treaty of Tripoli 1796) As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.

Treaty of Tripoli, Signed by John Adams, President (and Founding Father)

:wtf:

[Emo Panda]

Bah. Damn christians are always trying to force their religion upon others in THA NAME OF JEEBUS!! I hate christfags and I think religion is pointless. Oh yeah I'm from Texas so in your face, Shuyu, 3rd post! X3

[Nagase]

Great, so the little kids of Texas are gonna start growing up like Kurai Warrior...Well Texas, you had a good run! :cathryn:

[Alazais]

Meh, I don't really see this as all that bad. Exact same thing happened to me and it's the soul reason I'm an Atheist. Once I got to the age where I could form my own opinions and somebody asked me "why" I believed in God and my only response was because school told me to, I backlashed at it. It's not religions fault though, most definitely the government's application of the way it's taught at schools.

It should be offered, but never forced. I'm still open minded to the idea of God and all that, but unfortunately I need some proof and proof denies faith yadda yadda.

[Nagase]

Meh, I don't really see this as all that bad. Exact same thing happened to me and it's the soul reason I'm an Atheist. Once I got to the age where I could form my own opinions and somebody asked me "why" I believed in God and my only response was because school told me to, I backlashed at it. It's not religions fault though, most definitely the government's application of the way it's taught at schools.

It should be offered, but never forced. I'm still open minded to the idea of God and all that, but unfortunately I need some proof and proof denies faith yadda yadda.

I don't have a problem with religion being taught, I personally have a problem with Christianity alone being taught. If they're going to insist on teaching religion, they should go through equal amounts of Islam and it's sects, Buddhism, Judaism and even classes which teach atheism. Simply teaching children Christianity is NOT education Texas, it's brainwashing.

Like you Alazais, I was taught Christianity in first school, and I believed it for a while. I actually remember where I was when I became an atheist XD. It took like 30 seconds to stop believing. Was in Year 6 I think, and I asked "If God created us, who created God". And just like that I was like....lol wtf :wtf:

[Alazais]

Well it is an overwhelmingly christian nation but yeah they should at the very very least make it available to learn about other religions, even at a young age. I was only taught about the other religions in the world when I was well into secondary school.

[copelandmaster]

This changes nothing. In the texas school system we have many students of different religious backgrounds. They are taken into account, trust me. In classes like AP world history, we discuss other religions in depth and dabble enough in evolution at the beginning of the year. The teachers don't bullshit you or sugarcoat the material; human history is fucked up, whether it be by religion or by personal greed. The bottom line is, that I have come to accept that and so has the majority of the people here. You guys that don't live here think that we have religion coming out of our asses. While there are a lot of people like that here, they are by no means the majority. I still have yet to see a radical christian mother boycott the school curriculum.

[Whiplash]

I don't know why this is so shocking to you people, Christianity in America's public schools used to be common.

It doesn't do any mental, physical or emotional harm to someone to be taught something about the bible.

This does not mean it's being pushed on people, they do not have to go home and pray and tithe, and change their entire lifestyle just because they are taught something about the bible.

The majority of this forum is athiest isn't it....

They are not going to teach about other religious books because America is a Christian nation and has been since it's beginning, our founding fathers were all Christian with an exception of 4 members.

I'll just say this, leave this issue to Texas it has nothing to do with you unless you live in that state, and hell some of you don't even live in America so really STFU.

I'm Catholic and I also don't think they should be forcing the Bible on kids in state schools. Apart from my general distaste for evangelism, it's a part of the separation of church and state. You are a secular society, using secular political and legal structures. This is part of that.

Leaving aside the separation argument for a moment, America may have been colonised by the Puritans but you don't exactly live like them now. Your society changed as all societies do and things like this should change with them.

[Nagase]

This changes nothing. In the texas school system we have many students of different religious backgrounds. They are taken into account, trust me. In classes like AP world history, we discuss other religions in depth and dabble enough in evolution at the beginning of the year. The teachers don't bullshit you or sugarcoat the material; human history is fucked up, whether it be by religion or by personal greed. The bottom line is, that I have come to accept that and so has the majority of the people here. You guys that don't live here think that we have religion coming out of our asses. While there are a lot of people like that here, they are by no means the majority. I still have yet to see a radical christian mother boycott the school curriculum.

We don't say it comes out your asses, we just know you're the majority. I think it's 86% who are believers :/. That's a pretty huge number this day and age.

[Sabin]

"If God created us, who created God".


Who created the creator of God?

[Neal]

I'll just say this, leave this issue to Texas it has nothing to do with you unless you live in that state, and hell some of you don't even live in America so really STFU.LOL :lol: Classic. I love how you rage so much over your beloved America. Of course people have the right to comment, that's like saying "You're not a game developer, how DARE you comment on the graphics in this game >: ("

Simply teaching children Christianity is NOT education Texas, it's brainwashing.

Exactly. In RE (oh, the good times :wtf:) we were taught about loads of different types of religion, not just one. Tbh I don't think they should force any kind of religious studies on anyone. Just offer an after class optional thing or something. :wtf:

[Nagase]

Who created the creator of God?

Who created the creator of the creator of the creator of the creator of the creator of the creator of the creator of the creator of the creator of the creator?

That's the real question.

Religion says everything needs a creator.

Science says it doesn't.

Religion pretends to know how the universe started.

Science admits not knowing.

Fairy tales shouldn't be etched into education. That's what parents do. When was the last time schools taught children about the book of Santa?

[Sabin]

Who created the creator of the creator of the creator of the creator of the creator of the creator of the creator of the creator of the creator of the creator?


This is my point, according to our religion, no one created God. I'm not saying you have to agree or anything, I'm just saying what Christians think.

[Tidus]

There are plenty of school subjects you go through and books you read....and some of those I could give a shit about. Whether you agree or not....I guess they figure they can use it as a learning tool to round people's education off.

^^^Nagase. That's the beauty. You can believe what you want....but I for one won't place my beliefs in something man made. Men make mistakes. God may exist....God may not exist....Neither science or the Bible can tell you for sure. The fact is that one day...we will all find out. I for one am not a gambler. I have faith in God and he does exist. This has nothing to do with letting Bibles in the schools. I can see arguments from both sides.

I don't think they are trying to push religion on the kids. As long as you live in the U.S., you will be exposed to talk of Christianity at one point or another. Why not have some educational thought processes behind it. It doesn't have to mean you're a Christian....Alot of Atheists are actually very enthralled in Biblical education.

[Caelignis]

So you think making kids read a book full of war, genocide, rape and executions won't fuck them up? :wtf:

Thank God I'm an atheist.


Thank God I'm an atheist.


I lul'd, Thank you

[Neal]

God may exist....God may not exist....Neither science or the Bible can tell you for sure.I hate when people say this. This can be applied to any story. The fact of the matter is that one has solid, tangible proof and one is just a story as it holds not facts or evidence. Saying science can't prove it is just stupid, of course it can't if it's just a story. How about religion proves it? Or perhaps God himself? :wtf:

I for one am not a gambler.

So, what, are you saying you believe it because you think it's true or because if it does turn out to be true you don't want to go to hell?

[Pixel]

I hate when people say this. This can be applied to any story. The fact of the matter is that one has solid, tangible proof and one is just a story as it holds not facts or evidence. Saying science can't prove it is just stupid, of course it can't if it's just a story. How about religion proves it? Or perhaps God himself? :wtf:



So, what, are you saying you believe it because you think it's true or because if it does turn out to be true you don't want to go to hell?

I have no idea why people choose to believe it. You could ask the same question about those idiots who think aliens will abduct us and take over the world.

I think that church and state should be seperated, and if you want to practice your religion in school, go to a private one.

I also agree that America is a Christian nation. That does not mean however, that everyone has to follow the religion, or even respect it. American being a christian nation... all that says is that is was founded by people with Christians beliefs. Thats it, nothing more to it. Christians take that idea way too far. The hard part is trying to seperate everything. I am not really sure where you are supposed to draw the line in America. The pledge is a part of it's history, but are you going to change it just because it says under god? I hope not. If for no other reason, no one actually means it when they say the fucking thing anyway. It just becomes routine, especially if your in a public school system.

As for the whole tangible non tangible evidence thing, I get the argument. But the evidence is not good enough for me. I think the Big Bang theory is a load of bullshit; even though it's plausible (I am just using the BBT as a example, I know there are other theories and shit).

I don't think anyone will ever figure out where we came from, what our purpose is, or what the fuck happens we we die, other than rotting in the ground.

EDIT: No, I did not read all of the posts, I just posted. :wtf:

[Kurai Warrior]

I think the real problem here is that people now days are so fucking butt hurt about religions.

If I was living in China, and was attending a school there, and they wanted to teach me about Buddhism and or Taoism, I would not be offended by it.
I'd listen to whatever they wanted to say, and then I'd forget about it.

Nobody is going to force these kids to be Christian and believe in God. It is a personal choice.

[Zeromous99]

I think the real problem here is that people now days are so fucking butt hurt about religions.

If I was living in China, and was attending a school there, and they wanted to teach me about Buddhism and or Taoism, I would not be offended by it.
I'd listen to whatever they wanted to say, and then I'd forget about it.

Nobody is going to force these kids to be Christian and believe in God. It is a personal choice.

Im not offended i just feel bad if there are people in that class that practice a diff religion which have clashing views and are taught differently by their family why they should have like optional bible study classes like electives or just goto your local church and other programs . Also in college there are many classes about all religions me personally i like to learn about them all so i can be well rounded , now for that typing class heh. (im a lazy typer but if you read this you can probably already tell i just dont give a fuck )

[Tidus]

I hate when people say this. This can be applied to any story. The fact of the matter is that one has solid, tangible proof and one is just a story as it holds not facts or evidence. Saying science can't prove it is just stupid, of course it can't if it's just a story. How about religion proves it? Or perhaps God himself? :wtf:



So, what, are you saying you believe it because you think it's true or because if it does turn out to be true you don't want to go to hell?

IMO....the way you think is ignorant and wrong....that's the beauty of opinions right?...but to you...I'm obviously ignorant and wrong. Science can't tell us how the world was formed. There is no solid proof. There probably will never be. I don't need to see something to believe in it. God has helped me plenty of times in my life. I fear God and I love him. No....I don't want to go to hell. I believe because I am a better person for believing...In all that I do....

I won't try to preach to you. You can believe whatever you choose to believe. All I ask you to do is respect me for my beliefs....as I will respect you for yours. Good day :)

[Alazais]

All I ask you to do is respect me for my beliefs....as I will respect you for yours. Good day :)

Tolerate, yes.
Respect, that has to be earned.

But that's the beauty of opinions right? ^^.

[Tidus]

Tolerate, yes.
Respect, that has to be earned.

But that's the beauty of opinions right? ^^.

haha...Agreed! :)

[Cronos~TimeWave]

I'm Catholic and I don't agree with this. Its not fair for those of other religions. Like many others have said before me, we do have church and religious schools for teaching kids the bible. You cannot force someone to listen or follow a particular religion. Its like trying to convert a gay person into a straight folk, it causes more harm than good.

Furthermore, if they are so content on teaching people religion in school, than why not learn one of the oldest organized religion in the world: Hinduism.

Now if they were to say it was mandatory for Bible study to become an after school study for all public schools, then I'm all for that.

[LittleVerdie]

Now if they were to say it was mandatory for Bible study to become an after school study for all public schools, then I'm all for that.

man·da·to·ry (mhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/abreve.gifnhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/prime.gifdhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/schwa.gif-tôrhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/lprime.gifhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/emacr.gif, -thttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/omacr.gifrhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/lprime.gifhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/emacr.gif)adj.1. Required or commanded by authority; obligatory: Attendance at the meeting is mandatory.
2. Of, having the nature of, or containing a mandate.
3. Holding a League of Nations mandate over a territory.

I'm gonna assume you were thinking of optional.

[Nagase]

man·da·to·ry (mhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/abreve.gifnhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/prime.gifdhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/schwa.gif-tôrhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/lprime.gifhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/emacr.gif, -thttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/omacr.gifrhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/lprime.gifhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/emacr.gif)adj.1. Required or commanded by authority; obligatory: Attendance at the meeting is mandatory.
2. Of, having the nature of, or containing a mandate.
3. Holding a League of Nations mandate over a territory.

I'm gonna assume you were thinking of optional.

He might mean it's mandatory for the schools to to have an after school study, not that it was mandatory for the students to attend.

[Aurelia]

Texas my Texas :wub:

[Caelignis]

Texas my Texas :wub:


I WILL GIVE YOU GILZ FOR THAT ONE STATEMENT K??






4K For You :wub:

[Squall_Leonhart]

If someone chooses to use the bible in a history class there should be nothing wrong with that as long as it is taught as a historical document and used for that purpose. The bible is a historical document written by real people from the times. It gives quite an insightful look into the customs and culture of the time and the lives of real people as well as the development of the Christian religion and its principles. It should not however be used as a religious teaching instrument, nor should religious views be forced on anyone (and I am saying this as a Christian). It also should not be forced to be used in every classroom, but should not be shut out of any classroom either.

[jaken92]

:thumbsup:!!! I like my bibles with pictures in em !!!:thumbsup:

[Zuraith]

Really, America?..... Really?:origa:

[ExodusVII]

Science can't tell us how the world was formed. There is no solid proof.

Ummmm.... Gravity.... and yes there's plenty of proof. Fail statement was fail.

I know I'm late to this thread, but seeing as no one had corrected that yet...

[Clearwater]

Jesus didn't exist. The bible is fiction. Religion is based of the constellations, hence god doesn't exist either.

Science is the only thing worth believing in imo :P

[S-r-ex]

[:wtf:] But how about this: Proof denies faith. God cannot exist without faith. So, the bible proves his existence, and since it proves so, there is no faith, thus he does not exist. EPIC WIN!!! [/:wtf:]

But seriously. Every Wednesday morning, I'm stuck up with bible ed myself since the south is Norway's bible belt. I'm just forcing myself through it. But I think I can make my way through the Old Testament, which actually is rather fascinating. The New Testament is more like...."believe in me or suck it"....

But why are we blaming the evangelists for being ridiculous? The scientologists are the real buggers. Alien souls in cryostasis carried in DC8's who got dropped into volcanoes by a galactic dictator, now making our daily lives terrible WTF?!? Am I glad my parents are at least sane!

[Light Caelum]

Seriously? Geez, and I thought the world was already bad enough.

I think that's an error to teach kids in public schools to read the bible I mean, as someone before me said (Can't Remember who >.<) there are catechism and churches. I can't believe how the church is using their whole "holyness" to control everything. Instead of teaching kids the famous "Truth" what they're gonna do is separate people from church (I did). What they're doing is making people get annoyed by this whole situtation and people will seriously stop reading the bible. Jesus is something that people are supposed to choose to follow not something you HAVE to follow. As Shuyu said State and Church they're supposed to be separated not together and it annoys me how they are joining forces (?) it makes me see them as hypocrital (I think that's the word (?). Anyway, in my opinion I don't agree that bible is something mandatory or obligatory insted something optional.

PD: This is my opinion, not mean to offend anyone. Also, I'm not a Church Goer =)