NationStates Jolt Archive

I want to know- why can't religion be taught in American public schools?

Religion is quite clearly very important to huge numbers of people across the entire worlds, so shouldn't we be encouraging people to learn more about the various systems of beliefs?
Surely an open look into the theories and different interpretations of various religions would only help broaden horizons of the next generation?


Please note, I'm not talking about teaching religion as fact, as seems to be happening with "intelligent design" (creationism), but a look into the different major worldwide belief systems.

There is nothing wrong with a class on religion in general. "Religion in schools" to most people is "learning about the bible"

Umm, you learn about religions from a secular point of view. Not from a spiritual point of view.

I want to know- why can't religion be taught in American public schools?

Religion is quite clearly very important to huge numbers of people across the entire worlds, so shouldn't we be encouraging people to learn more about the various systems of beliefs?
Surely an open look into the theories and different interpretations of various religions would only help broaden horizons of the next generation?


Please note, I'm not talking about teaching religion as fact, as seems to be happening with "intelligent design" (creationism), but a look into the different major worldwide belief systems.

Because the first sentance of the first amendment to the constitution says:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion of preventing the free excercize thereof."


Teaching religion in schools is not merely against the law of the constitution, it is contrary to the first sentiment expressed in the bill of rights.

It is profoundly unamerican.

Fit more for Iran or another theocracy.


Edit:
If you were unaware, religions can be taught about objectively in school. No one really opposes that.

religion is best taught by experts. there are so many different sects of the thousands of religions in the world that it could not all be covered well

religion is "taught" in history class in an objective manner. after all you cant talk about the pilgrims without discussing their religion. the history of europe is hard to teach without the reformation being discussed. it would be ridiculous to study asia without hinduism/buddhism/confucianism/islam.

but for the rest, since school is mandatory and run by the government, it is unconstitutional to subject children to being Proselytized by teachers or to have tax money spent on teaching religion.

In America, religion *is* taught in schools, but from what you refered to at the begining, as theory, not fact. What is technically illegal in America by the first amendment, is what you refered to in your second paragraph, teaching religion as fact.

Jeremy

There's a difference between teaching religion and teaching about religion. Learning about different belief systems and their contributions to history is important because world religion has had important impact on our history (Islamic empire, Christianity in Rome, Buddhism in Asia, etc.).

I took a class like that many years ago in college. We started with anamism and ended up with first century Christianity. Outstanding course and would be a great one to teach in hight school.
Only problem with that is many parents would probably protest as they don't want their children to be "tainted" by other religious thought. Unfortunate, very unfortunate.
It would probably be legal as it would not advocate any one religion but would give an overview of the history and beliefs of many religions.

Because the first sentance of the first amendment to the constitution says:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion of preventing the free excercize thereof."


Teaching religion in schools is not merely against the law of the constitution, it is contrary to the first sentiment expressed in the bill of rights.

Hold on here my friend and re-read the first amendment. School systems are not Congress and can not make a law. Teaching a comparative religion course is not advocating the establishment of any religion.

I want to know- why can't religion be taught in American public schools?

Religion is quite clearly very important to huge numbers of people across the entire worlds, so shouldn't we be encouraging people to learn more about the various systems of beliefs?
Surely an open look into the theories and different interpretations of various religions would only help broaden horizons of the next generation?


Please note, I'm not talking about teaching religion as fact, as seems to be happening with "intelligent design" (creationism), but a look into the different major worldwide belief systems.

Some schools already have religion studies in class. We read Edith Hamilton's Mythology in English. Religion's already there, it's just that one particular religion isn't expressly backed.

I don't think anyone really has a problem with teaching religion studies as an elective. I wish there'd been one at my school.

Hold on here my friend and re-read the first amendment. School systems are not Congress and can not make a law. Teaching a comparative religion course is not advocating the establishment of any religion.
the supreme court (minus clarence thomas) disagrees with you.

I remember religion in Catholic High School being informative and a great average booster. ;)

In America, religion *is* taught in schools, but from what you refered to at the begining, as theory, not fact. What is technically illegal in America by the first amendment, is what you refered to in your second paragraph, teaching religion as fact.

Jeremy

Saying that "people believe this in many countries", maybe briefly going over the origin, and moving on is not favoring one over the other. Teaching the Christian belief of Creation is. Well in my opinion anyhow.

I remember religion in Catholic High School being informative and a great average booster. ;)

Religion was one of the most boring classes I took when I went to a Catholic school grades k-8. :)

Saying that "people believe this in many countries", maybe briefly going over the origin, and moving on is not favoring one over the other. Teaching the Christian belief of Creation is. Well in my opinion anyhow.

I don't see what's wrong with teaching what creationism is, as a way to better understand the belief systems of those particular religion. But I don't think that many history courses don't have that much time to discuss religion that indepth.

Religion was one of the most boring classes I took when I went to a Catholic school grades k-8. :)

It probably is when you're only learning about one religion.

I took a class like that many years ago in college. We started with anamism and ended up with first century Christianity. Outstanding course and would be a great one to teach in hight school.
Only problem with that is many parents would probably protest as they don't want their children to be "tainted" by other religious thought. Unfortunate, very unfortunate.
It would probably be legal as it would not advocate any one religion but would give an overview of the history and beliefs of many religions.

Yeah, i have no problem with that sort of stuff. It is sad that it will never happen in high school. Many religions are intolerant of other religions. I'm a 13 year old Christian, who thinks that learning other religions brings general enlightment into history and culture. Hey I'm 13 tho and have no power to do anything about that... yet. *Laughs Evilly*

I find it funny because, where I live (Ontario, in Canada), World Religions is a required course for Grade 11 students. It teaches about religions, their traditions and how they fit into the modern world. It does not talk about them as fact, and approaches it from a non-partisan point of view.

Would this sort of thing infringe upon your precious Constitution?

I don't see what's wrong with teaching what creationism is, as a way to better understand the belief systems of those particular religion. But I don't think that many history courses don't have that much time to discuss religion that indepth.

well, if it also taught several OTHER major religous Creation stories that would be fine. However teaching one is elevating one over the rest. Also i can imagine how many mummies and daddies would protest their children learning about some "despeicable" religions. It might corrupt their souls! Pathetic, i have no respect for people like that.

I find it funny because, where I live (Ontario, in Canada), World Religions is a required course for Grade 11 students. It teaches about religions, their traditions and how they fit into the modern world. It does not talk about them as fact, and approaches it from a non-partisan point of view.

Would this sort of thing infringe upon your precious Constitution?

nope, teaching many religions is not an infringement, at least not that i know of, i have given MY opinion on this several times.

What about taking it as an optional class like you take economics or history by choice. Could that work in the US public system?

Hold on here my friend and re-read the first amendment. School systems are not Congress and can not make a law. Teaching a comparative religion course is not advocating the establishment of any religion.
14th amendment...

I find it funny because, where I live (Ontario, in Canada), World Religions is a required course for Grade 11 students. It teaches about religions, their traditions and how they fit into the modern world. It does not talk about them as fact, and approaches it from a non-partisan point of view.

Would this sort of thing infringe upon your precious Constitution?
i dont think that it would

BUT

given that school is mandatory. and given that we let parents exempt their kids from such non-religious classes as sex-ed, id guess that if it were to be "mandatory" in the US it would also have an "out" for those who felt it religiously wrong for their kids to learn about other religions

besides, we have entirely too many required subjects as it is, we dont need another

I never said anything about it being mandatory in the United States, just that it was here. You folks down there are just too damn opinionated for anything along those lines to be required.

I never said anything about it being mandatory in the United States, just that it was here. You folks down there are just too damn opinionated for anything along those lines to be required.

But surely if you dont want to learn religion for what ever reason its your right not o have it thrust upon you by the public school system.

I want to know- why can't religion be taught in American public schools?

Religion is quite clearly very important to huge numbers of people across the entire worlds, so shouldn't we be encouraging people to learn more about the various systems of beliefs?
Surely an open look into the theories and different interpretations of various religions would only help broaden horizons of the next generation?

This is a good idea. In my country (traditionally a bastion of conservative Catholicism), we have it. It's not mandatory, but it's a subject you can choose to study. You learn about various world religions and schools of philosophy.

But surely if you dont want to learn religion for what ever reason its your right not o have it thrust upon you by the public school system.

I don't want to learn math. I feel it is corrupting my ability to properly understand the English language. Does that mean I can refuse to take math?
[/SARCASM]

No, but seriously, this should be there: if not mandatory, than at least optional. Having a lack of courses like these only increases ignorance and intolerance.

EDIT: And come to think of it, it may not be mandatory (I go to a Catholic school, and it's a required course for us, but it may not be for the public school system. But the principle, the actual presence of such a course, is important.

Then again, it may be mandatory: we pride ourselves on our multiculturalism, after all.

I think having a "Religions of the World" type elective would be a decent idea. The problems would occur when you get fundamentalists screaming that the school would be endorsing "Paganism/Satanism/incert here.." in schools. Also is raised is the question of objectivity. I took a "History of Christianity" course in college that was little more than Sunday School. This professor taught theology as fact. Fortunately they (the Univ.) eventually took the class from him.

I don't want to learn math. I feel it is corrupting my ability to properly understand the English language. Does that mean I can refuse to take math?
[/SARCASM]

No, but seriously, this should be there: if not mandatory, than at least optional. Having a lack of courses like these only increases ignorance and intolerance.
Provided that it is balanced and unbiased, why not. The problem is that it will never be unbiased, especially in the United States...

I don't want to learn math. I feel it is corrupting my ability to properly understand the English language. Does that mean I can refuse to take math?
[/SARCASM]

No, but seriously, this should be there: if not mandatory, than at least optional. Having a lack of courses like these only increases ignorance and intolerance.

maths is different, if you read my post i think youll find i agree with you. do you have to take maths all through school in the states in New Zealand you can drop it in your last 2 years.

I never said anything about it being mandatory in the United States, just that it was here. You folks down there are just too damn opinionated for anything along those lines to be required.

Might i ask what is wrong with being opinionated? I am a 13 year old HIGHLY OPINIONATED and passionate, person! is that a problem? Please explain what you mean.

I was kidding about the math thing. Even though I don't have to take it anymore, due to my fast-tracking through the system, taking two maths in one year and then one in the next, I probably should in order to get into university more easily.

And yeah, like I said, the U.S. is far too opinionated for something to be totally fair and balanced. But yeesh, my World Religions course is taught by a nun, and even she approaches the whole thing fairly.

Might i ask what is wrong with being opinionated? I am a 13 year old HIGHLY OPINIONATED and passionate, person! is that a problem? Please explain what you mean.

Yes, in fact, it is a problem. Being highly opinionated only means you refuse to accept others opinions. I have strong opinions, but I recognise that they may be wrong, and I like to see others as well. That and you're 13: take a look at the world a little more, seriously, and those opinions won't be as strong anymore.

What I mean is that you people need to stop yelling about anybody else who has a differing opinion, and actually starting intelligent debate about them.

What is technically illegal in America by the first amendment, is what you refered to in your second paragraph, teaching religion as fact.
It appears to me that plenty of Americans, especially in the southern "Bible Belt" want religion (specifically, Evangelical Christianity) to be taught as fact.

Yes, in fact, it is a problem. Being highly opinionated only means you refuse to accept others opinions. I have strong opinions, but I recognise that they may be wrong, and I like to see others as well. That and you're 13: take a look at the world a little more, seriously, and those opinions won't be as strong anymore.

What I mean is that you people need to stop yelling about anybody else who has a differing opinion, and actually starting intelligent debate about them.

And how old are you?

I was kidding about the math thing. Even though I don't have to take it anymore, due to my fast-tracking through the system, taking two maths in one year and then one in the next, I probably should in order to get into university more easily.

And yeah, like I said, the U.S. is far too opinionated for something to be totally fair and balanced. But yeesh, my World Religions course is taught by a nun, and even she approaches the whole thing fairly.

I like the idea, but i just don't think it would work here in the U.S. of A. Atheists scraming about the Constitution, Christians screaming about corruption. God only knows how many other religions wanted time in the classroom. Ughhh. We in America are unfortunately NOT fair and balanced. Well some of us aren't anyway. "Bush" *loud fake cough*

i think its a great idea. i go to a private school in australia and next year i think were learnin about different religions. i cant wait. i hate my RE teacher rite now and learnin and christianity (christian private school) is borin. im a wiccan

16, but I'm far more worldly than might appear. I used to be the same way, and then I saw more and more, and because less and less opinionated. Age is no measure, but generally, I don't truly accept an opinion unless that person is over 13 years old. No offence intended, anyone, just my opinion. :P

16, but I'm far more worldly than might appear. I used to be the same way, and then I saw more and more, and because less and less opinionated. Age is no measure, but generally, I don't truly accept an opinion unless that person is over 13 years old. No offence intended, anyone, just my opinion. :P

your right, by the time people get to be 16 or 17 is when they start to think clearly

I like the idea, but i just don't think it would work here in the U.S. of A. Atheists scraming about the Constitution, Christians screaming about corruption. God only knows how many other religions wanted time in the classroom. Ughhh. We in America are unfortunately NOT fair and balanced. Well some of us aren't anyway. "Bush" *loud fake cough*

Now that wasn't highly opinionated, now was it? Rather sensible, in fact, so I'll withdraw some of my earlier statements.

Its a good idea, but it'll never work south of the border. God help America, if something like this could never be done.

Yes, in fact, it is a problem. Being highly opinionated only means you refuse to accept others opinions. I have strong opinions, but I recognise that they may be wrong, and I like to see others as well. That and you're 13: take a look at the world a little more, seriously, and those opinions won't be as strong anymore.

What I mean is that you people need to stop yelling about anybody else who has a differing opinion, and actually starting intelligent debate about them.

Well i am not highly opinionated in that regard. Yeah, i'm not infallible, that is the point of debate to my way of thinking. To show that you may be wrong and to let you in on why the other side thinks as they do. You are right, Opinions can be a problem, but not when tempered by intellingence and facts.

personally i am far from being a 'religious' person in the sense of sleeping through church every sunday morning. i do find learning ABOUT other religions fascinating and think that there are some great religions out there. people are educated ABOUT religion at my school, and i don't see anything wrong with that. i think teaching religion as a law at school is oppressive, however. to me, religion is just a way of looking at the world; different religions offer different perspectives. :)

Nice to see you aren't sunk in the Torrent of Opinion, but this is not the time nor the place to rant about Plato, hehe.

16, but I'm far more worldly than might appear. I used to be the same way, and then I saw more and more, and because less and less opinionated. Age is no measure, but generally, I don't truly accept an opinion unless that person is over 13 years old. No offence intended, anyone, just my opinion. :P

ahhh... none taken. I happen to disagree, but that is because i have myself heard adults debate each other, and know i can beat a lot of 'em. Although age brings wisdom, it does not bring infallibility, nor necesarrily intelligence. I am much smarter than many adults i know, and certainly most 13 year olds. Be that as it may, i am not 100% correct, know this, and accept it. I don't know enough, and never will. none of us ever know all that we should, it is one of the sadder facts of life.

You know, this probably one of the only threads related to religion on this forum that hasn't seen flaming. Man... what a nice change from the usual "DIE ATHEIST!" "**** YOU CHRISTIAN FANATIC!" routine.

An intelligent debate, for once.

*Bump*

*Bump*

?

It's Funny, most debates like this wind up with massive flaming. just the basic Shut the F*#k up you atheist, or P*ss off Bible Boy. Ahh, it's nice to talk intelligently.

It's Funny, most debates like this wind up with massive flaming. just the basic Shut the F*#k up you atheist, or P*ss off Bible Boy. Ahh, it's nice to talk intelligently.

You know, this probably one of the only threads related to religion on this forum that hasn't seen flaming. Man... what a nice change from the usual "DIE ATHEIST!" "**** YOU CHRISTIAN FANATIC!" routine.

An intelligent debate, for once.

you two should get married. ;)

It's Funny, most debates like this wind up with massive flaming. just the basic Shut the F*#k up you atheist, or P*ss off Bible Boy. Ahh, it's nice to talk intelligently.

Maby they just havent got here yet.

Maby they just havent got here yet.

Cynical, yet probably true.

Yeah, the paticular phrasing of those replies was pretty freaky. Wow.

The answer is:

1. It would cost too much money to hire new teachers for every religion.
2. What about the agnostics? They would have no class to go to.
3. Athiest? The US would not tolerate such things in public areas.
4. It would mean longer school hours to fit in another class.
(longer school hours = more money to pay teachers)

I, myself, am agnostic, and don't beleive in any religion, and I hope the US never practices religion in school, it would corrupt the already corrupted nation.

Cynical, yet probably true.

Yeah, the paticular phrasing of those replies was pretty freaky. Wow.

What do you mean freaky?

The answer is:

1. It would cost too much money to hire new teachers for every religion.
2. What about the agnostics? They would have no class to go to.
3. Athiest? The US would not tolerate such things in public areas.
4. It would mean longer school hours to fit in another class.
(longer school hours = more money to pay teachers)

I, myself, am agnostic, and don't beleive in any religion, and I hope the US never practices religion in school, it would corrupt the already corrupted nation.

Ok we got one, everybody run for cover

Ok we got one, everybody run for cover

*Air Raid Siren begins to wail*

*Air Raid Siren begins to wail*
Ok we got one, everybody run for cover

lol :)

*Air Raid Siren begins to wail*

I hide under my bed and remember not to look at the flash just before my skin melts off.

good thing i have my 'safe room'; all vents and openings are duct-taped shut.

good thing i have my 'safe room'; all vents and openings are duct-taped shut.

Maby all the layers of lead paint on my house will o somthing like in the simpsons. Man this place is like a tomb nobody whants to say anything.

I wish I'd started digging that bomb shelter now instead of playing StarCraft! Oh, what a day!

atheena: ???????????
salutus to legit business: yeah ur right. lata

I think it is a very god idea to allow religion in schools; with one catch, we must teach many religions, and tolerance thereof.

I'm pretty sure that was the conclusion we came to already.

I think it is a very god idea to allow religion in schools; with one catch, we must teach many religions, and tolerance thereof.

I think its a very god idea, nice pun ha ha (stupid jock laugh)

I think it is a very god idea to allow religion in schools; with one catch, we must teach many religions, and tolerance thereof.

heeeeeeeeeee's back!

tolerance in of itself is a contradiction: you can teach tolerance, but must be tolerant of intolerance. it doesn't work.

*continues meditating under a tree*

your right, by the time people get to be 16 or 17 is when they start to think clearly

Yes, and then around 60 we start back into that fuzzy thinking again. :p

I want to know- why can't religion be taught in American public schools?

Religion is quite clearly very important to huge numbers of people across the entire worlds, so shouldn't we be encouraging people to learn more about the various systems of beliefs?
Surely an open look into the theories and different interpretations of various religions would only help broaden horizons of the next generation?


Please note, I'm not talking about teaching religion as fact, as seems to be happening with "intelligent design" (creationism), but a look into the different major worldwide belief systems.
um, religion IS taught in the way you are describing. i attended public schools, and we had several classes that covered religion in such contexts as history, social studies, and world cultures. if you think religion isn't being taught in American schools then you clearly haven't attended any.

I want to know- why can't religion be taught in American public schools?

Religion is quite clearly very important to huge numbers of people across the entire worlds, so shouldn't we be encouraging people to learn more about the various systems of beliefs?
Surely an open look into the theories and different interpretations of various religions would only help broaden horizons of the next generation?


Please note, I'm not talking about teaching religion as fact, as seems to be happening with "intelligent design" (creationism), but a look into the different major worldwide belief systems.

I think it's because it would be too easy for the teacher to turn the class into a church service.

um, religion IS taught in the way you are describing. i attended public schools, and we had several classes that covered religion in such contexts as history, social studies, and world cultures. if you think religion isn't being taught in American schools then you clearly haven't attended any.

Not true Senor Bottle. I attend an american high school, and no religous classes are offered. If you want to take one, you have to go off campus, to the proper facility, and take it there, and you don't get any credits for it.

Christians have this stupid notion that they're absolutely correct about religion and God and therefore must MAKE everyone else a Christian.

During the election, I heard some Christian Republican say "80% of Americans say they believe in God." This is where this freaking "mandate" stuff comes from.

Just because I say I believe in God, it doesn't mean the triune Christian God. It can be Allah, the trees outside, the Goddess, Confucious, whoever.

Religion should be taught in public schools as a tolerance thing. We encounter so many different people in this country every single day...and we need to be taught at least a little bit about their morals, customs, and religious beliefs.

Nowhere should the Christian God be made more important. Nowhere should the 10 Commandments be displayed over the teachings of other religions. Prayer shouldn't be allowed.

/btw, I identify myself as Christian. So I'm not some atheist who's just mad about religion or something.

Not true Senor Bottle. I attend an american high school, and no religous classes are offered. If you want to take one, you have to go off campus, to the proper facility, and take it there, and you don't get any credits for it.
no, there are usually no RELIGION classes, because public school is not in place to educate students in theology. but religion as a subject is introduced in ANY decent history or social studies class, and if your school fails to do that then i would strongly advise that you transfer...your school is seriously crappy if it can't manage basic SS education.

But there is a jopb oppuntrinty for Theologist?

So why not? Public school is the place to get your understanding on what do you wnat to achieve. If its religion then i say why not lets learn about it. But it has to include Atheism even though its not a religion just too be fair and blaenced.

And your confusing Accpetence with Tolerance. Tolerance just means you have to tolerate, whihc means deal with, a problem or a group. There is always goign to be Intolerance so deal with it. Acceptance is where you are forced to like people for who they are. Accpetance is the one you caould make the argument for contrridctory but i don't see how it is.

Public schools should teach about different religious systems and traditions. Students should know major religious figures, doctrines, and names of scriptures. That is jst factual knowledge, useful if you want to live in a world culture.

Public schools should not attempt to teach or influence belief in any way. They are not good at it, and it's not their business.

I am a born again Christia nand welcome the idea of teaching classes on religion. I f a person is afraid to have ones faith challanged then one should re examine ones faith. Thanx for asking the question and God Bless you all....

If a person is afraid to have ones faith challanged then one should re examine ones faith.I agree with you. In fact, I think it's good to have your faith questioned; if you can walk away unaffected from evidence that everything you believe may be wrong, it shows that your faith is strong.

Problem is, not everyone can handle having their faith questioned without plugging their ears and screaming "LA LA LA LA" or crying.


My opinion: If people want [their kids] to be taught religion, go to Sunday school at your local church; that's where religion belongs.

I agree with you. In fact, I think it's good to have your faith questioned; if you can walk away unaffected from evidence that everything you believe may be wrong, it shows that your faith is strong.

Problem is, not everyone can handle having their faith questioned without plugging their ears and screaming "LA LA LA LA" or crying.


My opinion: If people want [their kids] to be taught religion, go to Sunday school at your local church; that's where religion belongs.

It's good to question everything. If you find that through questioning you don't believe in something, it was never something you should have believed in. I like the idea of a basic OPTIONAL history of religion sort of thing. The problem is Atheist would protest, minor religions would complain of not enough air time, Christians would screech about corruption, etc. I wish it would work, but it probably won't. :( ahhh... i think i might move to Canada.

Comparitive religion, yes. Strictly Christianity, Judaism, etc NO

I think objective religious courses *should* be mandatory. If you're too close-minded to learn about other peoples' religions out of fear that it somehow "corrupts" your soul, you are too arrogant and ignorant to deserve to graduate from high school anyway.

And I disagree that agnostics/atheists wouldn't be interested. I am agnostic myself, but I am still interested in learning about other religions. Though, to be honest, I've heard all I want to hear about Christianity.

I also disagree with the notion that religion should be left to home/church. The fact that I was indoctrinated into Christianity at an early age and later renounced it is still a source of tension between myself and the rest of my family. I don't think religion should be taught to anyone too young to think for themselves, as opposed to having beliefs shoved down their throats.

They teach religion in schools in Canada, and look how we turned out. :D

I will make my response plain and simple:

You can tell me about Jesus after school and after court.

I think objective religious courses *should* be mandatory. If you're too close-minded to learn about other peoples' religions out of fear that it somehow "corrupts" your soul, you are too arrogant and ignorant to deserve to graduate from high school anyway.

And I disagree that agnostics/atheists wouldn't be interested. I am agnostic myself, but I am still interested in learning about other religions. Though, to be honest, I've heard all I want to hear about Christianity.

I also disagree with the notion that religion should be left to home/church. The fact that I was indoctrinated into Christianity at an early age and later renounced it is still a source of tension between myself and the rest of my family. I don't think religion should be taught to anyone too young to think for themselves, as opposed to having beliefs shoved down their throats.

What age do you think is appropriate to teach religion? explain your answer. Also i caan understand having heard enough about Christianity, it's not hard for anyone to get sick of that. (I even kinda am, and i'm a Christian!) Two questions other than that,
1. What exactly is agnostic? From what i understand it's that you don't know/don't care if there is a god, godess, etc.
2. (don't answer if it's too touchy) Why did you stop being a Christian?