NationStates Jolt Archive

So, here I am today in my study hall, pop open my school's newspaper (Which is usually pretty damn good if I do say so myself), and I flip to the center-spread story, which is usually the best story in the paper. What do I find, a two page story on this kid who is a buddhist, what buddhism teaches, etc. This kid trashes my religion (Christianity) By saying that in Buddhism, "you control your own life, not some God you can't even talk to" among other things.

Now, I'd have no problem with the school newspaper doing a story on Buddhism. However, just a few weeks ago, My teacher and my assistant principal told me that I couldn't turn in an essay to my teacher because I talked of my relationship with God. And now, they run a story on Buddhism? Bullshit. Complete bullshit. I'm not sure what to do.

What say you, people of NS?

School newspapers are usually not guided by teaching policies.

But the big question is what was your assignment about?

Public school?

School newspapers are usually not guided by teaching policies.

But the big question is what was your assignment about?

That's not the big question. It was a free-form essay.

Wait, what does your essay have to do with the school paper? If the school paper turned you down because something you wrote had religious content, then printed the buddhist thing you would have a legitimate complaint. As it stands you do not. If your teacher accepted an essay about buddhism, then I would be on your side.

If he was a Buddhist, he didn't talk about his relationship with any god, so he's already holier than thou. It's a plus that Buddhism is better than Christianity, of course.

You should just fester.

It doesn't matter if it's a public school.

Yes, this is BS.

Some people just seem to think that "freedom of religion" means "let everyone else free but oppress Christianity." Take this issue up with the school board - our beliefs deserve equality, too. Just because we are the largest religion in the world does not warrant repressing us.

The newspaper stuff is not really that bad in my POV as long as someone have the same freeddom to write about any other religion. Now, if your school is stopping you from writing about your religion, then I say it´s bullshit... but let be clear, the wrong here is you being censored and not the other kid getting a voice.

That's not the big question. It was a free-form essay.

In some cases it is. A teacher asks for a certain topic. Christian kid goes off on a tangent....

I am sorry but I have to give you the leary eye since the assistent principle got involved. It says there is more to the story.

However, a class assignment is still different then the school newspaper. As mentioned they don't have the same teaching policies.

Now if the you submitted an article and you were turned down because it was about Christianity, then you have a complaint. Keep in mind publication also depends on how well the article is written. The topic value, purpose, etc. Sometimes people complain censorship and or bias when they basically wrote a crappy story.

Just the .02 of an ex-school newspaper dude!

It doesn't matter if it's a public school.

Yes, this is BS.

Some people just seem to think that "freedom of religion" means "let everyone else free but oppress Christianity." Take this issue up with the school board - our beliefs deserve equality, too. Just because we are the largest religion in the world does not warrant repressing us.

How is it BS? School assignment vs. a newspaper article.

We only know it was a freeform easy. But the question again is about what?

That's not the big question. It was a free-form essay.

You should've been able to write it if it was a free-form essay; unless there were other guidelines, in the assignment, that said otherwise.

In some cases it is. A teacher asks for a certain topic. Christian kid goes off on a tangent....

I am sorry but I have to give you the leary eye since the assistent principle got involved. It says there is more to the story.

However, a class assignment is still different then the school newspaper. As mentioned they don't have the same teaching policies.

Now if the you submitted an article and you were turned down because it was about Christianity, then you have a complaint. Keep in mind publication also depends on how well the article is written. The topic value, purpose, etc. Sometimes people complain censorship and or bias when they basically wrote a crappy story.

Just the .02 of an ex-school newspaper dude!

It was basically free-form. It was "something you consider wonderful in your life" or something to this affect.

The assistant principal got involved because I got him involved. My teacher told me she couldn't take because it was about God, and I went to the principal. Wether it was an assignment or not, it doesn't matter. I believe I have a valid complaint. At the very least, they shouldn't have allowed the nasty comments about Christianity.

Haloman, I wouldn't take it!

You march right there with a huge sign saying FREEDOM OF SPEECH! and you walk up and down gathering more support until they take your paper -.-

So, here I am today in my study hall, pop open my school's newspaper (Which is usually pretty damn good if I do say so myself), and I flip to the center-spread story, which is usually the best story in the paper. What do I find, a two page story on this kid who is a buddhist, what buddhism teaches, etc. This kid trashes my religion (Christianity) By saying that in Buddhism, "you control your own life, not some God you can't even talk to" among other things.

Now, I'd have no problem with the school newspaper doing a story on Buddhism. However, just a few weeks ago, My teacher and my assistant principal told me that I couldn't turn in an essay to my teacher because I talked of my relationship with God. And now, they run a story on Buddhism? Bullshit. Complete bullshit. I'm not sure what to do.

What say you, people of NS?


i've got a hell of a school story for you.

sometime in the past couple of months (i don't know exactly when) a girl got molested at a school dance in our district. so everyone got all paranoid about raunchy dancing and our administrators, in their infinite wisdom, instituted a new dance policy. they sent us all a memo declaring that 'physical contact' could be 'inappropriate'-it was up to the teachers on hand at the dance. so at our next dance it was friggin lit up, room full of teachers kicking people out for 'dirty' dancing.
NOT EVERYBODY IS HAVING SEX ON THE DANCE FLOOR. :fluffle: :fluffle: so now just because somebody got molested we all have to pay. to quote haloman, "Bullshit. Complete Bullshit."

Is there something wrong with a minority religion being favoured over one that is a majority religion?

We require more information.

Is there something wrong with a minority religion being favoured over one that is a majority religion?

Of course. They should be equal.

It was basically free-form. It was "something you consider wonderful in your life" or something to this affect.

The assistant principal got involved because I got him involved. My teacher told me she couldn't take because it was about God, and I went to the principal. Wether it was an assignment or not, it doesn't matter. I believe I have a valid complaint. At the very least, they shouldn't have allowed the nasty comments about Christianity.

Actually the assignment defines all. Your rights don't overule the teachers control of the class.

However, if there is no policy about relgious expression in the classroom, you do have a very big complaint. A freeform essay about something you think is wonderful? If that is all that it was, then yes you have been wronged.

Now if the teacher said no religion then is sucks but you loose.

Check the school policies. If there is nothing about Religion in the classroom, then you have a justified complaint.

But you will probably loose if you try to compare the newspaper. Again different rules betweent the two.

Again the policy is the key. If there isn't one saying you can't, then you have been wronged.....

Well, on the surface it does sound like bullshit.
But it makes sense in a nonidealistic, real world sort of way you may not understand yet.

Unlike the mad-dog Christian whackjob kids who routinely organize "against" things they don't like (again, real world here, not just your little school), the BUddhist kids do not interfere or disrupt the education process.

Buddhist kids aren't pushing for meditation in the classroom.

Buddhist kids aren't orgainizing "Straight Pride" weeks.

Buddhist kids aren't pushing pamphlets or touting their moral superiority in their peers faces.

Face the facts, assholes from your own religion have ruined your chances at ever a getting a truly fair, unbiased opportunity to express your viewpoints.
And it's really for the best.

It doesn't matter if it's a public school.

Yes, this is BS.

Some people just seem to think that "freedom of religion" means "let everyone else free but oppress Christianity." Take this issue up with the school board - our beliefs deserve equality, too. Just because we are the largest religion in the world does not warrant repressing us.

Quiet down.

If it's a private school, then he has no recourse to complain. If it's a public school, demand to be allowed to write a similar article about how Christianity has affected your life.

It is bull. You handing in an essay based on religion is NOT administrative policy formed and directed by religious dogma. Seperation of church and state is being taken too far in this case.

I think the reason the Buddhist got an avenue for his beliefs is because Buddhism is a philosophy and not a true organized religion. So there is no real 'church' to seperate from the state if you get my meaning.

But this gets me wondering on the content of your essay. Oral presentation? I wonder what the just cause was for them blocking you. Sadly, I'm getting only one side of the story here but if you think your rights are getting stamped on then contact the ACLU and they may be able to help.

EDIT

Although all non-legal actions should be exhausted first :)

Quiet down.

If it's a private school, then he has no recourse to complain. If it's a public school, demand to be allowed to write a similar article about how Christianity has affected your life.
That's the thing. Nobody told him he couldn't write an article for the school paper about his religion, like the buddhist kid did. His teacher just said she won't accept a religious essay for his assignment. We don't know that the teacher wouldn't say the same thing to the buddhist.

One Buddhist does not a religious story make...

How ever it does make for an interesting human interest story about one mans opinion on the state of the world.

And if you haven't learned that every venue of information, save your own two eyes, is slanted towards whoever has the last say on the matters feelings about whatever it is you should pay more attention in school.

;-)

Well, on the surface it does sound like bullshit.
But it makes sense in a nonidealistic, real world sort of way you may not understand yet.

Unlike the mad-dog Christian whackjob kids who routinely organize "against" things they don't like (again, real world here, not just your little school), the BUddhist kids do not interfere or disrupt the education process.

Buddhist kids aren't pushing for meditation in the classroom.

Buddhist kids aren't orgainizing "Straight Pride" weeks.

Buddhist kids aren't pushing pamphlets or touting their moral superiority in their peers faces.

Face the facts, assholes from your own religion have ruined your chances at ever a getting a truly fair, unbiased opportunity to express your viewpoints.
And it's really for the best.

Christian kids don't interfere with the education process.

Christian Kids aren't pushing pamphlets in people's faces. And, it's not "pushing it in your face" You take everything too harshly. If you found out what Christianity is about, you might like it. I guarentee you if you came to my church or youth group, you'd want to go back.

There's nothing wrong with straight pride week. Absolutely nothing. If they want to express their sexuality, they should be allowed to do it.

So submit your essay to the school newspaper and ask them to publish it then. If they published one, they'd probably publish the other.

If your teacher didn't accept an essay on Christianity because it was religious, than they probably wouldn't accept an essay on Buddhism either.

But your teacher and the school newspaper are two different entities. There is no correlation between one of them accepting Item A and another rejecting Item B.

Is there something wrong with a minority religion being favoured over one that is a majority religion?

Yes there is. Why do you think the majority relligion is the majority. But besides that, there must be equal treatment.

The essay and the newspaper are two entirely separate things, with different submission criteria and standards of writing. I agree with Onedersia: the Buddhist story was a human interest story, and the school was justified in running it. From what you've told us, I don't think the Buddhist kid meant to be offensive - it was just his view of Christianity, and his reasons for his beliefs.

I wouldn't accept a religious essay for a freeform essay, simply because if that religion is not my own then I may not give it the mark it deserves. I have a similar policy with politics.

First off, Buddhism isn't a religion, it's a philosophy, so it can somewhat slip under the 'religious radar', if you will.

Equality is a social myth. You have a room. In that room are a hundred people. All of them are geniuses. And ONE person who skirts the edges of retardation. The only way to be 'equal' is to trea everyone the same as the slow one. Equality caters, by necessity, to the lowest common denominator. Is this phantom equality fair to the rest of the people, who might be more comfortable dealing with those who aren't coddling them. Where is the equality there?

Simple fact. Some people are stronger than others. Some are smarter than others. If we could just let go of this phantom 'We gotta be fair to everyone, cookie-cutter' equality, perhaps we could ALL evolve as a society.

It saddens me thet Xtianity has become the 'majority religion'. At least in the west. I quote the remarkably intelligent, and ficticious Lazarus Long. "The most preposterous notion that H. sapiens has ever dreamed up is that the Lord God of Creation, Shaper and Ruler of all the Universes, wants the saccharine adoration of His creatures, can be swayed by their prayers, and becomes petulant if He does not receive this flattery. Yet this absurd fantasy, without a shred of evidence to bolster it, pays all the expenses of the oldest, largest, and least productive industry in all history."

Life ain't fair. Sh*t hapens. Trust me. I didn't ASK to get Multiple Sclerosis.

Get used to it. These days bashing Christianity is only second to bashing Republicans.

Sadly, I'm getting only one side of the story here but if you think your rights are getting stamped on then contact the ACLU and they may be able to help.
ACLU? They would turn him down. They are one of the most anti-chrostian organizations on earth.
A better group would be the Thomas More Law Center.
Link-
http://www.thomasmore.org/

But this gets me wondering on the content of your essay. Oral presentation? I wonder what the just cause was for them blocking you. Sadly, I'm getting only one side of the story here but if you think your rights are getting stamped on then contact the ACLU and they may be able to help.


That is a good point. We haven't seen the essay. It's one thing to write about why you like it and it's another thing if it had an effort to proselytise.

So Halo, if you are getting singled out, the ACLU would help you. Even if you don't belive it! ;)

Well, on the surface it does sound like bullshit.
But it makes sense in a nonidealistic, real world sort of way you may not understand yet.

Unlike the mad-dog Christian whackjob kids who routinely organize "against" things they don't like (again, real world here, not just your little school), the BUddhist kids do not interfere or disrupt the education process.

Buddhist kids aren't pushing for meditation in the classroom.

Buddhist kids aren't orgainizing "Straight Pride" weeks.

Buddhist kids aren't pushing pamphlets or touting their moral superiority in their peers faces.

Face the facts, assholes from your own religion have ruined your chances at ever a getting a truly fair, unbiased opportunity to express your viewpoints.
And it's really for the best.

Emphasis.

And I thought I'd add a few.

Buddhists arn't complaining about their "morals" being rejected by the mainstream because they're out-of-date.

Buddhists arn't advocating the harm of Gays.

Buddhists don't tell people they'll go to "hell" if they don't convert.

So, here I am today in my study hall, pop open my school's newspaper (Which is usually pretty damn good if I do say so myself), and I flip to the center-spread story, which is usually the best story in the paper. What do I find, a two page story on this kid who is a buddhist, what buddhism teaches, etc. This kid trashes my religion (Christianity) By saying that in Buddhism, "you control your own life, not some God you can't even talk to" among other things.

Now, I'd have no problem with the school newspaper doing a story on Buddhism. However, just a few weeks ago, My teacher and my assistant principal told me that I couldn't turn in an essay to my teacher because I talked of my relationship with God. And now, they run a story on Buddhism? Bullshit. Complete bullshit. I'm not sure what to do.

What say you, people of NS?

Here's your answer, whether you like it or not:

Buddhism is a teaching, Christianity is a religion. Because of the seperation of Church and State, religious topics cannot legally be printed in a school newspaper while the teachings of Buddhism can be printed because they are just that; teachings. Fair has nothing to do with it, thats simply how the laws are written.

Here's your answer, whether you like it or not:

Buddhism is a teaching, Christianity is a religion. Because of the seperation of Church and State, religious topics cannot legally be printed in a school newspaper while the teachings of Buddhism can be printed because they are just that; teachings. Fair has nothing to do with it, thats simply how the laws are written.

Wow, never thought of that, and it's true!

Hey, and isn't it mostly Christians going around and saying "Buddhism isn't a true religion"? Bitten by their own arguement.

First off kid, I'm positive I could dance circles around you concerning my understanding of the Bible and Christianity (in both a modern and historical context). You're looking at a reformed traditional Baptist whackjob here, not someone raised in an atheist home with liberal values. Don't assume too much about someone you dont know.Christian kids don't interfere with the education process.
Please, don't give me an opportunity to embarrass you. You've already shown us that you're willing to go all the way to the top and take time away from far more important issues, like drugs and school violence.
Of course, I may have failed to mention that if I were in control there, the Buddhist article would have never been published under my watch. There's no excuse for allowing a religious article of any kind into the school paper as it's assured to cause a problem these days (obviously, considering the thread).
It was irresponsible for them to create a double standard, and it was bullshit.
Christian Kids aren't pushing pamphlets in people's faces. And, it's not "pushing it in your face" You take everything too harshly.
Please tell that to the assholes showing up at my door to push pamphlets in my face.
If you found out what Christianity is about, you might like it. I guarentee you if you came to my church or youth group, you'd want to go back.
"Stale incense, old sweat and lies".
Again, been there, done that. No, I wouldn't like to go back, kid. Not one little bit.
There's nothing wrong with straight pride week. Absolutely nothing. If they want to express their sexuality, they should be allowed to do it.Again, this is definitely a disruption (so is a "Gay Pride" week).
You prove my point beautifully. Thanks for the help, bro.

Christian kids don't interfere with the education process.

Sure they do. I have seen efforts. I even remember one kid who did the screaming thing on top of a box in the middle of school. He screamed oppression when the school asked him to stop......


There's nothing wrong with straight pride week. Absolutely nothing. If they want to express their sexuality, they should be allowed to do it.

Straight pride? :rolleyes: If you think gay pride is only about sexuality, you are a tad misinformed. In a gay pride parade, you can find all flavors of people. Even straights. Can you say that about straight pride parades?

I agree that it was completely uncalled for for him to make a remark on buddhism compared to christianity, but it's still sort of not that big a deal, when you look at some of the FAR more jaded things christian evangelicals say about any religion or lifestyle, you can see that this kid is on the lower end of the insult spectrum.

P.S- gay pride parades or weeks are in place because it provides a positive environ for gays and lesbians to meet and it is called "pride" because sometimes in the face of radicals, you need some positive reinforcment.

And though I do agree that there could be a "straight pride week", but it would be seen by some as not only a ridiculous and un-needed proposal, but also a defined and sarcastic offensive to the gay pride parade/week, seemingly pointing fun at the idea that they are stupid. Even though this may not be the desired effect or reason for founding, it would certainly be seen this way, promoting hate and a defined gap between "gay culture" and "straight culture", at the same time removing the brickwork lain by the village people and organizations like PFLAG. This would thus be counterproductive and cannot be brought into place.

Hey, and isn't it mostly Christians going around and saying "Buddhism isn't a true religion"? Bitten by their own arguement[sic].Must be karma.

lol, a kid in my school did a story in our paper about giving respect towards christianity. it was basically bashing me and 3 of my friends for getting mad at her becasue she gave a speech saying that we need to teach christianity in science classrooms in the public school system. also, she is very odd, she is the biggest christian i have ever met, yet she wears a hobbit cloak to school and one day wore a nun outfit to school (she is catholic- odd there). she was saying that she is being "persecuted" while she shoves her religion down my throat.

What makes you so abusive...you should like a very mad person. Why take your anger out on a young man who is asking legiitamate questons?

Well, on the surface it does sound like bullshit.
But it makes sense in a nonidealistic, real world sort of way you may not understand yet.

Unlike the mad-dog Christian whackjob kids who routinely organize "against" things they don't like (again, real world here, not just your little school), the BUddhist kids do not interfere or disrupt the education process.

Buddhist kids aren't pushing for meditation in the classroom.

Buddhist kids aren't orgainizing "Straight Pride" weeks.

Buddhist kids aren't pushing pamphlets or touting their moral superiority in their peers faces.

Face the facts, assholes from your own religion have ruined your chances at ever a getting a truly fair, unbiased opportunity to express your viewpoints.

And it's really for the best.

Well, on the surface it does sound like bullshit.
But it makes sense in a nonidealistic, real world sort of way you may not understand yet.

Unlike the mad-dog muslim whackjob terrorists who routinely organize "attacks" on things they don't like (again, real world here, not just your little school), the christians do not detonate car bombs or demolish tall buildings.

Christians aren't pushing for Sharia.

Christians aren't hanging 14 year old girls for not being virgins..

Christians aren't pushing pamphlets or touting the amorality of western women to their peers faces.

Christians haven't publically declared that they want to turn the UK into a theocracy.

Face the facts, assholes from Islam have ruined their chances at ever a getting a truly fair, unbiased opportunity in the west..

And it's really for the best.

That was fun! Let's do hindus next!

What makes you so abusive...you should like a very mad person. Why take your anger out on a young man who is asking legiitamate questons?I think Eichen's sick of intolerance.

she was saying that she is being "persecuted" while she shoves her religion down my throat.

That's actually a new tactic I have seen grown in usuage. Basically, the fact you won't let force my Religion on you so you are oppressing me! The seperation of chruch and state only oppresses Christianity....

I wondered where it came from until I read an article that the Vatican want's the UN to declare "Christianophobia" a problem in the world.....

Here's your answer, whether you like it or not:

Buddhism is a teaching, Christianity is a religion. Because of the seperation of Church and State, religious topics cannot legally be printed in a school newspaper while the teachings of Buddhism can be printed because they are just that; teachings. Fair has nothing to do with it, thats simply how the laws are written.

Look, I've had to debate separation of church and state since the beginning of January and it is only the most stupid sense of the word that bans articles and assignments about it. Separation means an unbiased position, not one simply biased the right way. I agree that teacher was stupid not to allow the essay unless you were really prostletyzing instead of doing the assignment, teacher bias sucks. Ever try to write an essay about how just one thing MLK said may actually be wrong? I've got caught on that one before.

In any case, the newspaper's inclusion of the Buddhist aritcle was perfectly OK. Not because it's not a religion, but because it's expression. And from what you said about the "insults" in there, you can get worse from talking to some of the nicest people on this very forum. In any case, the school should encourage religious debate. While your story might not be particulary interesting to the school paper, perhaps one about how religion saved someone from drugs or helped them recover from abuse or something would be appreciated. If they're really nonbiased, that is.

That's actually a new tactic I have seen grown in usuage. Basically, the fact you won't let force my Religion on you so you are oppressing me! The seperation of chruch and state only oppresses Christianity....

I wondered where it came from until I read an article that the Vatican want's the UN to declare "Christianophobia" a problem in the world.....


You know what, the left was warned time and time again that all these laws against hate crimes, for civil rights, respect for religion would eventually bite them in the ass.

Now it has, so don't cry about it.

HOLY CRAP! If I hear one reference to "Terrorists" in a speech about christianity again, I'm going to cram the facts SO FAR... :gundge: :sniper: :headbang: :mp5: :mad:

If christians preach that god loves all his children, then don't the muslims count? or do they not count because they are non-believers. And if so, a synonim for this is infidel. And excluding and hating (and doing more to) infidels is exactly what you hate them for! So next time you decide to discriminate against someone who doesn't follow your belief, remember, you're a terrorist (according to your sketched moral views)

Must be karma.

Karma is good. And I can't spell, so thanks for the [sic].

That's actually a new tactic I have seen grown in usuage. Basically, the fact you won't let force my Religion on you so you are oppressing me! The seperation of chruch and state only oppresses Christianity....

I wondered where it came from until I read an article that the Vatican want's the UN to declare "Christianophobia" a problem in the world.....


ive seen that alot lately, so damn annoying

Buddhist kids aren't pushing for meditation in the classroom.

...

Buddhist kids aren't pushing pamphlets or touting their moral superiority in their peers faces.

Could you introduce me to these Buddhist kids? All the Buddhist kids I know do both of those things. It pisses the hell out of me.

Could you introduce me to these Buddhist kids? All the Buddhist kids I know do both of those things. It pisses the hell out of me.

The Buddhist kids I know don't do either. They're peaceful and never bother anyone.

Karma is good. And I can't spell, so thanks for the [sic].Sorry, force of habit ...

Sorry, force of habit ...

Hehe

P.S. Like the sig! Funny!

What makes you so abusive...you should like a very mad person. Why take your anger out on a young man who is asking legiitamate questons?
Abusive? :p
Politics is not for pussies, people!!! Never has been, never will be.
There are plenty of other forums to discuss warm and fuzzy topics.
NS is a poor start if you're looking to slide an agenda under the table without being called on it.

That was fun! Let's do hindus next!

You can't make fun of hindus! They're cool! That's like making fun of lesbians!

Random comment about the whole victiming christians thing: why isn't it working?!! Besides two ex-mormons I have not met anyone who switched sides in this debate.

Here's your answer, whether you like it or not:

Buddhism is a teaching, Christianity is a religion. Because of the seperation of Church and State, religious topics cannot legally be printed in a school newspaper while the teachings of Buddhism can be printed because they are just that; teachings. Fair has nothing to do with it, thats simply how the laws are written.
That is so uninformed as to be rediculous (although I think your heart's in the right place).

Try telling the Dalai Lama that he's only a teacher. Tell a monk he has no real religion to follow, just instructions.

That's arrogant to assume that only the West has got the dibs on "real religions".

I think.

You religeous bastards have something better to think about rather than religeon. Here, I have something for you guys to ponder about.

God knows all. So technically, you don't have any control over your life, because god already knows whats going to happen to you. So no matter what you do, god already knows whats going to happen.

If there were only 2 people around. We would all be inbred idiots.

Dear Conservative Moron,
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I
have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that
knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend
the homosexual lifestyle for example, I simply remind them that
Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination... End of
debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other
elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.

1. Leviticus 25:44 also states that I may possess slaves, both male
and female, provided they are purchased from neighbouring nations. A
friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not
Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in
Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair
price for her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in
her period of menstrual uncleanliness Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is
how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offence.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a
pleasing odour for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is, my neighbours.
They claim the odour is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5. I have neighbours who insist on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2
clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to
kill him myself, or should I ask he police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an
abomination - Lev.11:10, it is a lesser abomination than
homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees'
of abomination?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I
have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading
glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room
here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair
around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by
Lev.19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes
me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two
different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing
garments made of two different kinds of thread(cotton/polyester
blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really
necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town
together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to
death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep
with their in-laws?(Lev.20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy
considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can
help.

Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Your adoring fan,
carpe diem, lash

That is so uninformed as to be rediculous (although I think your heart's in the right place).

Try telling the Dalai Lama that he's only a teacher. Tell a monk he has no real religion to follow, just instructions.

That's arrogant to assume that only the West has got the dibs on "real religions".

It's a semi-religion. It depends on what group you talk to. The First one [not Great Vehicle, Zen or Tibetan] is just teaching: it's not actually a religion. The others are. Therefore, if the kid was just stating the teachings of Buddhism, the post is correct.

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in
her period of menstrual uncleanliness Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is
how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offence.
"Try asking the traffic court judge if she's on the rag before you approach the bench." - Penn Jillette

:p

I think.

You religeous bastards have something better to think about rather than religeon. Here, I have something for you guys to ponder about.

God knows all. So technically, you don't have any control over your life, because god already knows whats going to happen to you. So no matter what you do, god already knows whats going to happen.

If there were only 2 people around. We would all be inbred idiots.

Dear Conservative Moron,
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I
have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that
knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend
the homosexual lifestyle for example, I simply remind them that
Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination... End of
debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other
elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.

1. Leviticus 25:44 also states that I may possess slaves, both male
and female, provided they are purchased from neighbouring nations. A
friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not
Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in
Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair
price for her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in
her period of menstrual uncleanliness Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is
how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offence.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a
pleasing odour for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is, my neighbours.
They claim the odour is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5. I have neighbours who insist on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2
clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to
kill him myself, or should I ask he police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an
abomination - Lev.11:10, it is a lesser abomination than
homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees'
of abomination?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I
have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading
glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room
here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair
around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by
Lev.19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes
me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two
different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing
garments made of two different kinds of thread(cotton/polyester
blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really
necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town
together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to
death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep
with their in-laws?(Lev.20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy
considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can
help.

Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Your adoring fan,
carpe diem, lash

Does anyone have any quotes that everyone hasn't already heard?

Does anyone have any quotes that everyone hasn't already heard?

Probably not. "The whole entertainment industry is built on pagarism." -The Simpsons.

Note: This forum is entertainment, so it counts! :p

In agreement with you, Halo, to an extent.
This was the centerfold story, as in the most important one. Simply put, this was irresponsible reporting, as their centerfold story was serving as a platform for bashing Christianity, not news.
They would be justified only if they gave Christianity an equal voice. Otherwise, it is bullcrap.



NOT EVERYBODY IS HAVING SEX ON THE DANCE FLOOR. so now just because somebody got molested we all have to pay. to quote haloman, "Bullshit. Complete Bullshit."

I disagree.
Molestation is a horrible thing.
All neccessary measures should be taken to prevent it from happening again, and the school should not feel bad, as they are only infringing on the rights of minors.




Also, the vast majority of Christians do not have a missionary spirit. It may be that way in the South (the land where mutual mastrubation supposdely makes you pregnant), but most do not.
Most do not scream at gays, and we are fine with it.
Most do not say people are going to Hell.
None interrupt the educational process.

You know who interrupts the educational process at my school?
The atheists, whenever they call all God-believing people morons. THAT is what ticks me off.

You people are taking this way out of proportion. I'm not trying to shove Christianity down anyone's throat. I merely did the assignment, explaining why I view my relationship with God as a wonderful thing in my life. I'm not saying that it's wrong that they ran the story, I'm saying that it's wrong that I couldn't do the essay because it's about religion.

Also, Christianity is a teaching. I'm not bashing Buddhism here at all, in fact I think some of its teachings are quite admirable. Chrsitianity preaches much more than what you see. A lot of people seem to think that Christianity is evil....no, it's not. Christianity's basic principles of love for your fellow man, peace, and kindness are taught at my church. So, yes, it is a teaching.

You took this way out of context. It went from how I was turned down because my essay had religion in it, to how horrible Christianity is. Damn. The mere mention of it, and everyone goes crazy about how it's evil. Shows quite a few generalizations and misconceptions. Grow up, please.

It's a semi-religion. It depends on what group you talk to. The First one [not Great Vehicle, Zen or Tibetan] is just teaching: it's not actually a religion. The others are. Therefore, if the kid was just stating the teachings of Buddhism, the post is correct.
I happen to be a Tibetan Buddhist/Atheist. I can tell you that any monk I've had the pleasure of asking considers the question to be extremely arrogant, presumptuous and full of Western pretense.

You're still using Western standards to classify Eastern religions.

Existentialism is a philosophy. Tibetan, Zen, Tao; all religions.
In the East, a "philosophy" (sic) can qualify as a religion.

You know what, the left was warned time and time again that all these laws against hate crimes, for civil rights, respect for religion would eventually bite them in the ass.

Now it has, so don't cry about it.

Do you hear me crying about it. Most of the time I just laugh at them when they try to claim oppression. Especially when they are denied oppressing others(ie I want a manger scene on goverment property but nobody else can set anything up because.....).

Seperation of Chruch and State is a beautiful thing.

If Christians clamped down on the "Christians" who give them a bad name, views would greatly change.

We atheist don't call all god believing people morons. If your agnostic, we think your ok. If your a catholic who says, "The bible is a book of morals," your ok. If your like, "IT STARTED WITH CREATION! BIBLE IS HISTORY! GOD IS ALL GOOD! YOU MUST BE CHRISTIAN TO GO TO HEAVEN!"

Then we have a problem.

NOT EVERYBODY IS HAVING SEX ON THE DANCE FLOOR. so now just because somebody got molested we all have to pay. to quote haloman, "Bullshit. Complete Bullshit."

I disagree.
Molestation is a horrible thing.
All neccessary measures should be taken to prevent it from happening again, and the school should not feel bad, as they are only infringing on the rights of minors.



"Molestation may be horrible, but more horrible is denying it to those that want it."
-me, just now
By the way, I know our rights don't count, but that doesn't mean the school shouldn't feel guilty.

You people are taking this way out of proportion. I'm not try to shove Christianity down anyone's throat. I merely did the aaignment, explaining why I view my relationship with God as a wonderful thing in my life. I'm not saying that it's wrong that they ran the story, I'm saying that it's wrong that I couldn't do the essay because it's about religion.

Also, Christianity is a teaching. I'm not bashing Buddhism here at all, in fact I think some of its teachings are quite admirable. Chrsitianity preaches much more than what you see. A lot of people seem to think that Christianity is evil....no, it's not. Christianity's basic principles of love for your fellow man, peace, and kindness are taught at my church. So, yes, it is a teaching.

You took this way out of context. It went from how I was turned down because my essay had religion in it, to how horrible Christianity is. Damn. The mere mention of it, and everyone goes crazy about how it's evil. Shows quite a few generalizations and misconceptions. Grow up, please.
Let's sum it up nicely here:

Your administrators were dumbasses at best, bigots at the worst.

Point: Neither of you should be permitted to bring religion, of any kind, into a public school. Inappropriate platform.
Both parties would do well to realize this.

-snip-
Always has to be someone in a religious debate who uses the Old Testament against Christians.

NOTE: Most Christians ignore Moses' Laws and I can think of several Jews who pick and choose from it.

Back on topic:
Though the teacher not accepting the term paper is questionable, there was probably a reason for it. Reread or look into what she asked for in the essay. If there is nothing that says otherwise and she just denied your paper because it was Christian, then you should talk to him/her. If that does not work, talk to someone higher up in the administration.

Whatever you do, please try to keep the media and parents from causing an uproar unless it turns to that. Look into the reasons first.

You people are taking this way out of proportion. I'm not try to shove Christianity down anyone's throat. I merely did the aaignment, explaining why I view my relationship with God as a wonderful thing in my life. I'm not saying that it's wrong that they ran the story, I'm saying that it's wrong that I couldn't do the essay because it's about religion.

Also, Christianity is a teaching. I'm not bashing Buddhism here at all, in fact I think some of its teachings are quite admirable. Chrsitianity preaches much more than what you see. A lot of people seem to think that Christianity is evil....no, it's not. Christianity's basic principles of love for your fellow man, peace, and kindness are taught at my church. So, yes, it is a teaching.

You took this way out of context. It went from how I was turned down because my essay had religion in it, to how horrible Christianity is. Damn. The mere mention of it, and everyone goes crazy about how it's evil. Shows quite a few generalizations and misconceptions. Grow up, please.

Grow up? :D

Well if all you say is true, try the ACLU out. It does sound like oppression. But again, the rules for a newspaper are different then the classroom. If they say no to all Relgious discussion, then you don't have much to go on.

If they are singling out Christianity, then the ACLU would be intrerested as that violates the establishment clause.

Do look into it......

I happen to be a Tibetan Buddhist/Atheist. I can tell you that any monk I've had the pleasure of asking considers the question to be extremely arrogant, presumptuous and full of Western pretense.

You're still using Western standards to classify Eastern religions.

Existentialism is a philosophy. Tibetan, Zen, Tao; all religions.
In the East, a "philosophy" (sic) can qualify as a religion.

Ok, I wasn't aware. Sorry for using my Western standards. [No sarcasm there]

It doesn't matter if it's a public school.

Yes, this is BS.

Some people just seem to think that "freedom of religion" means "let everyone else free but oppress Christianity." Take this issue up with the school board - our beliefs deserve equality, too. Just because we are the largest religion in the world does not warrant repressing us.
1) im pretty sure christiantiy is NOT the largest religion in the world
2) just because christians are not allwoed to do whatever they fucking please does not mean they are oppressed

Always has to be someone in a religious debate who uses the Old Testament against Christians.

NOTE: Most Christians ignore Moses' Laws and I can think of several Jews who pick and choose from it.

Back on topic:
Though the teacher not accepting the term paper is questionable, there was probably a reason for it. Reread or look into what she asked for in the essay. If there is nothing that says otherwise and she just denied your paper because it was Christian, then you should talk to him/her. If that does not work, talk to someone higher up in the administration.

Whatever you do, please try to keep the media and parents from causing an uproar unless it turns to that. Look into the reasons first.


That last part is very good advice. If you take a professional attitude you can always get results and you will sway the non-christians if the media does get involved. Scream oppresion and mouth off, people will tune you out.

Do you hear me crying about it. Most of the time I just laugh at them when they try to claim oppression. Especially when they are denied oppressing others(ie I want a manger scene on goverment property but nobody else can set anything up because.....).

Seperation of Chruch and State is a beautiful thing.

If Christians clamped down on the "Christians" who give them a bad name, views would greatly change.

No, most christians don't care. In fact, they were the people who pointed out the massive intrusions into private life in the name of civil rights and equality - i.e. the repugnant New York City human rights laws*, then one day every whckjob with a chip on his shoulder would use them to cause trouble, and inevitably - there being more christains than anyone else - most of the time these laws would be used by whackjob christians.

And you are not laughing about it really. In fact it really pisses you off I can tell from your earlier post. Don't worry though, its only going to get worse. I can actually see the day not to far in the future where christian groups start to win damage awards for discrimination and have teachers disciplined for silly "infractions".

I find it funny however.


*But it makes me happy to know if a gay man beats me up or kills me his sentence will be enhanced for commiting a hate crime, especially if I am a notorious homophobe.

I think what many christians miss to see is that everything is good and fine as long as they can make sure that only other groups are opressed ("Equal rights for homosexuals? That's absolutely against God's will. Who are we, the religion of charity and tolerance?") but if somebody dares to touches their own privilegs, then they start to cry and yell bad words like "persecution" and "opression", funny thing, if you consider that they must have learnt them from the society minorities they persecuted and opressed once.
Ever thought about all the aspects of US society who give Christianity a, I might say, TINY preference before buddhism?

If they want to express their sexuality, they should be allowed to do it.
LOL
Now I surely didn't expect a christian to say SUCH a thing.^^

1) im pretty sure christiantiy is NOT the largest religion in the world


Yah, it is.

And will you please remove the LeMay quote from your sig.

1) im pretty sure christiantiy is NOT the largest religion in the world
Actually, it most definitely is the largest religion in the world... ever.

Not necessarily a good thing.

So, here I am today in my study hall, pop open my school's newspaper (Which is usually pretty damn good if I do say so myself), and I flip to the center-spread story, which is usually the best story in the paper. What do I find, a two page story on this kid who is a buddhist, what buddhism teaches, etc. This kid trashes my religion (Christianity) By saying that in Buddhism, "you control your own life, not some God you can't even talk to" among other things.

Now, I'd have no problem with the school newspaper doing a story on Buddhism. However, just a few weeks ago, My teacher and my assistant principal told me that I couldn't turn in an essay to my teacher because I talked of my relationship with God. And now, they run a story on Buddhism? Bullshit. Complete bullshit. I'm not sure what to do.

What say you, people of NS?

I agree, its BS. It's almost anti racism in a sense.

You're not allowed to make a squeak about your own thoughts or beliefs these days, but other people seem to be fully able to shove their agenda's down your throat while no one wants to do anything about it, and many seem to openly support it (because complaining would be "racist" and "politically incorrect").

Make a fuss I say.

And you are not laughing about it really. In fact it really pisses you off I can tell from your earlier post. Don't worry though, its only going to get worse. I can actually see the day not to far in the future where christian groups start to win damage awards for discrimination and have teachers disciplined for silly "infractions".

I find it funny however.


*But it makes me happy to know if a gay man beats me up or kills me his sentence will be enhanced for commiting a hate crime, especially if I am a notorious homophobe.

Ok if you say I am pissed of then you know more then I do. It's just funny to hear the dominate Religion in this land claiming oppression.

Damange awards are warrented if the Christians are being singled out on certain matters.

However, don't laugh too much, the christians themselves can be hit with those as well. If your teacher thing happens, then I can see churches getting sued for harassing people by sending paritionors out to visit the neighborhoods.....

As to the gay man analogy? Murder and assault are against the law. And he can't get an "enhanced" sentence if you were taughting the guy.

I am not too worried. Christianophobia isn't going to happen. Christians will still bitch about oppression

That is absolute Crap! I'm in school right now (bored in typing class), and I must agree with you there. I go to a DOD school in Yokosuka Japan, so I am very sensative of different cultures and beliefs; HOWEVER, I expect others to extend the same respect to me! People of different beliefs constantly mock christianity, and yet they're the ones who follow the teachings of some overweight lunatic who thought he could make the world a better place sitting in the dirt under a tree, or they believe the world will submit to their will if they cast spells with lizard feces and a dried leaf. Enlightenment my Butt!

Is there something wrong with a minority religion being favoured over one that is a majority religion?

There is something wrong... it isn't fair. It's called discrimination.

they're the ones who follow the teachings of some overweight lunatic who thought he could make the world a better place sitting in the dirt under a tree
You mean to tell me you're in Japan, surrounded by Buddhists, and you didn't know that Siddhartha was skinny as a twig?
Or are you referring to Amithaba?

:confused:

That is absolute Crap! I'm in school right now (bored in typing class), and I must agree with you there. I go to a DOD school in Yokosuka Japan, so I am very sensative of different cultures and beliefs; HOWEVER, I expect others to extend the same respect to me! People of different beliefs constantly mock christianity, and yet they're the ones who follow the teachings of some overweight lunatic who thought he could make the world a better place sitting in the dirt under a tree, or they believe the world will submit to their will if they cast spells with lizard feces and a dried leaf. Enlightenment my Butt!

hear, hear (i.e. I agree) :p

As you said, people "mock" Chrisitanity, and then go on rambling how great, free, moralistic, enlightened, respectful and tolerative their "religions" are

Theres major irony here

Ok if you say I am pissed of then you know more then I do. It's just funny to hear the dominate Religion in this land claiming oppression.

Damange awards are warrented if the Christians are being singled out on certain matters.

However, don't laugh too much, the christians themselves can be hit with those as well. If your teacher thing happens, then I can see churches getting sued for harassing people by sending paritionors out to visit the neighborhoods.....

As to the gay man analogy? Murder and assault are against the law. And he can't get an "enhanced" sentence if you were taughting the guy.

I am not too worried. Christianophobia isn't going to happen. Christians will still bitch about oppression

Haha, no.

Public nuisance laws won't keep those pesky xtains away. They are unconstitutional. The Supreme court has said so.

(Would that it weren't, I for one am sick of democrats and environmentalists peddling their rubbish and begging for money at my front door).

On the other hand, under the wide and invasive nature of many human rights laws, I can easily see a xtain group getting a damage award from a school district in the near future.

Also, in NYC, if a gay man assualts/kills a straight man in NYC, because of prior homophobic statements (not made in the heat of the moment of course), then almost certainly it is a "hate" crime, thus there will be sentence enhancement.

That is absolute Crap! I'm in school right now (bored in typing class), and I must agree with you there. I go to a DOD school in Yokosuka Japan, so I am very sensative of different cultures and beliefs; HOWEVER, I expect others to extend the same respect to me!

Well for one thing, expecting everybody else to have your attitudes is silly. Also, respect is earned not given.


People of different beliefs constantly mock christianity, and yet they're the ones who follow the teachings of some overweight lunatic who thought he could make the world a better place sitting in the dirt under a tree, or they believe the world will submit to their will if they cast spells with lizard feces and a dried leaf. Enlightenment my Butt!

Well if you really think the above is true, your attitudes are showing up more then you think.

Haha, no.

Public nuisance laws won't keep those pesky xtains away. They are unconstitutional. The Supreme court has said so.

(Would that it weren't, I for one am sick of democrats and environmentalists peddling their rubbish and begging for money at my front door).

On the other hand, under the wide and invasive nature of many human rights laws, I can easily see a xtain group getting a damage award from a school district in the near future.

Also, in NYC, if a gay man assualts/kills a straight man in NYC, because of prior homophobic statements (not made in the heat of the moment of course), then almost certainly it is a "hate" crime, thus there will be sentence enhancement.

Ahhh ok. You keep telling yourself that.

Actually, it most definitely is the largest religion in the world... ever.

Not necessarily a good thing.

Yea christianity is the biggest, for sum reson a third of the world's population seem 2 believe in it :confused:
Though lots of people say they are christian yet never go to church or pray, so that figure isn't really all that accurate...
"Many Muslims (and some non-Muslim) observers claim that there are more practicing Muslims than practicing Christians in the world. Adherents.com has no reason to dispute this. It seems likely"

Source (http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html)

ps. isn't this going abit off topic??

Actually, it most definitely is the largest religion in the world... ever.

Not necessarily a good thing.
meh its rough


and yes whoever asked im going to change it, but im temtped to leave it because you care.

and yeah i saw that statistic, i'm thinking they are counting in Mormon as well which is definately not Christian. and thats probably a good 15 million

Ahhh ok. You keep telling yourself that.

Read Village of Schaumburg.

For the hate crimes, there is a good law review article I read a while back, if I remember the cite I'll post it. It covers exactly how every hate crimes statute has been used against the minorities they are meant to protect. (For example many more african americans are charged with hate crimes for violence against whites than the other way around). But I'm not about to do legal research.

We atheist don't call all god believing people morons. If your agnostic, we think your ok. If your a catholic who says, "The bible is a book of morals," your ok. If your like, "IT STARTED WITH CREATION! BIBLE IS HISTORY! GOD IS ALL GOOD! YOU MUST BE CHRISTIAN TO GO TO HEAVEN!"

They do in my school.
All societies have some extremists, and they all congregrate around one sect.
Go figure...
In the South, its Christians.
By me, in the North Shore of Chicago, its the atheists(though they generally are not as bad as those groups in the South)

"Molestation may be horrible, but more horrible is denying it to those that want it."
I disagree...because you can always "do it" if you desire. Molestation is the deliberate taking of choice and use of force by a non-government institution.



HOWEVER, I expect others to extend the same respect to me!
Me, too.
Ach, that's a pipe dream. People do not want to be right. People want to be opinionated.

So, here I am today in my study hall, pop open my school's newspaper (Which is usually pretty damn good if I do say so myself), and I flip to the center-spread story, which is usually the best story in the paper. What do I find, a two page story on this kid who is a buddhist, what buddhism teaches, etc. This kid trashes my religion (Christianity) By saying that in Buddhism, "you control your own life, not some God you can't even talk to" among other things.

Now, I'd have no problem with the school newspaper doing a story on Buddhism. However, just a few weeks ago, My teacher and my assistant principal told me that I couldn't turn in an essay to my teacher because I talked of my relationship with God. And now, they run a story on Buddhism? Bullshit. Complete bullshit. I'm not sure what to do.

What say you, people of NS?

I'm no fan of Christianity, but that's blatant bias.

Read Village of Schaumburg.

For the hate crimes, there is a good law review article I read a while back, if I remember the cite I'll post it. It covers exactly how every hate crimes statute has been used against the minorities they are meant to protect. (For example many more african americans are charged with hate crimes for violence against whites than the other way around). But I'm not about to do legal research.

Village of Schaumburg? Ok. I will do a google for it.

Thanks!

Read Village of Schaumburg.

For the hate crimes, there is a good law review article I read a while back, if I remember the cite I'll post it. It covers exactly how every hate crimes statute has been used against the minorities they are meant to protect. (For example many more african americans are charged with hate crimes for violence against whites than the other way around). But I'm not about to do legal research.

Was that VILLARREAL vs THE VILLAGE OF SCHAUMBURG ?

Findlaw has the brief on their site......

Adding another point: the whole school reads the school's newspaper (most of it, anyway). With the essay, it'd be only myself and the teacher reading it.

Adding another point: the whole school reads the school's newspaper (most of it, anyway). With the essay, it'd be only myself and the teacher reading it.
That's rhetorical, completely missing the point. The question isn't one of scale, but of ethics.
It was unethical of the school to publish an article on religion from such a personal standpoint.
It would be just as wrong for you to assume that a teacher should accept a paper on "Why Jesus is My Best Friend Ever", and expect her to grade such a thesis without judgement or bias.

Public schools are not an appropriate platform to be used for religious opinion of any kind.

maybe you should go down to the nearest ACLU office and have a chat with a lawyer. your essay should have been allowed and the admin at your school needs a little lesson in what is and is not against the law in school

as to the newspaper essay, i'd let that go. its not really appropriate for him to bash someone else's religion but its better of you to not make an issue of it than to start a huge fight over it. especially since you are only mad about it because of the crap they gave you over your essay.

First ammendment grants freedom of speech. The person is allowed to say whatever the hell he wants.

First ammendment grants freedom of speech. The person is allowed to say whatever the hell he wants.
Oversimplified bullshit.
You can't (and shouldn't be allowed to) wear a shirt that says "Jesus Sucks Cock" or "Aids Kills Fags Dead" in an educational environment full of minors.

Nor should you be able to yell "FIRE!" just to get out of Algebra class. :rolleyes:

Buddhist kids aren't touting their moral superiority in their peers faces.
Actually a couple of the buddhists I know do this. They reference buddhism over everything they do when in class. It's friggin annoying.

That's rhetorical, completely missing the point. The question isn't one of scale, but of ethics.
It was unethical of the school to publish an article on religion from such a personal standpoint.
It would be just as wrong for you to assume that a teacher should accept a paper on "Why Jesus is My Best Friend Ever", and expect her to grade such a thesis without judgement or bias.

Public schools are not an appropriate platform to be used for religious opinion of any kind.
If the article were part of a series, a human interest story, or simply an attempt to increase awareness and knowledge of other [minority] religions, then I support the school - however misguided the application, their intentions were good.
My school scheduled a church service once every term for Catholics and Protestants (separate, of course). For the others, we had to attend seminars on other religions: Hindi, Buddhist, etc. I was waiting for the day when they ran one on Satanism, but unfortunately I finished year 12 too early. :( These seminars were a genuine attempt to increase awareness and understanding of other religions, and as such I support them wholeheartedly.
However, I would be sceptical of teachers agreeing to mark any assignment expressing religious or political sentiments that differed from their own personal interpretation, as they may not give the piece the mark it deserves.

Actually a couple of the buddhists I know do this. They reference buddhism over everything they do when in class. It's friggin annoying.
Then these kids are assholes, sharing the title with the other religious whackjobs in class.

I'm skeptical of their grasp of the whole point, since Buddhism is probably the most libertarian "live, and let live" religion of the major ones.
Weird.

Buddhism is probably the most libertarian "live, and let live"

Probably true, but as I'm sure you know, with religions almost anything can be perverted into something it's not, particularly with youngsters or anyone who happens to be ill informed, or simply has some agenda.

That's rhetorical, completely missing the point. The question isn't one of scale, but of ethics.
It was unethical of the school to publish an article on religion from such a personal standpoint.

Actually there is a point in here. Since the newspaper is read by far more impressionable kids, the standards in the newspaper should be even more rigorously enforced that in the case of a paper that is simply read by a teacher. Ideally there would be no double standard, but if there were (as Halo seems to suggest) then the tougher standard should be on the newspaper.

Well for one thing, expecting everybody else to have your attitudes is silly. Also, respect is earned not given.

The point is that one cannot rightfully expect to receive what one does not give. You may receive it even if you don't particularly deserve it, but you can't rightfully expect it. If an atheist unjustly disrepects a Christian, this atheist cannot expect tolerance in return, and vice versa.

It's just funny to hear the dominate Religion in this land claiming oppression.

The Shiites were (are) the majority faith in Iraq. Does this mean that they couldn't have been oppressed? The blacks in South Africa were the dominate demographic under apartheid. Are you claiming that their majority status implied that thet could not have been oppressed? Interesting.

Buddhists arn't complaining about their "morals" being rejected by the mainstream because they're out-of-date.

Buddhists arn't advocating the harm of Gays.

Buddhists don't tell people they'll go to "hell" if they don't convert.

Most Christians don't do these things either. For every Bible thumper I know there are 5+ that are not.

Buddhism is a teaching, Christianity is a religion. Because of the seperation of Church and State, religious topics cannot legally be printed in a school newspaper while the teachings of Buddhism can be printed because they are just that; teachings. Fair has nothing to do with it, thats simply how the laws are written.

Wrong. Buddism has 1) assumed existence of supernatural beings 2) praying to said supernatural beings and 3) metaphysical speculation. All signs point to Buddhism being a religion. I'm not a religious expert but I have read enough and talked to real Buddhists and the religious element in the "teaching" is undeniable. Having established that, any govn't action or policy to arbitrarily favor one religion over the other is unconstitutional.

Read Village of Schaumburg.

For the hate crimes, there is a good law review article I read a while back, if I remember the cite I'll post it. It covers exactly how every hate crimes statute has been used against the minorities they are meant to protect. (For example many more african americans are charged with hate crimes for violence against whites than the other way around). But I'm not about to do legal research.

Ok. The only thing I could find was a case between a cop and the city so I don't think that is what you were talking about.

Got a link?

ACLU.

Anti Christian Liberties Union. :sniper:

ACLU.

Anti Christian Liberties Union. :sniper:

God bless em!

Haloman, it all depends on the essay. If you were proselytizing, it's understandable. Also, one teacher's standards for an assignment have nothing to do with what the school newspaper will or will not accept. I do think your teacher should have accepted your essay. In order to appropriately judge, maybe you could post the essay or provide a link?

There's nothing wrong with straight pride week. Absolutely nothing. If they want to express their sexuality, they should be allowed to do it.
Yes there is. Gay pride is about not being ashamed when other people seem to think you should be. Straight pride is about the marginalization of gay pride, arrogance, and "look at me I'm so clever I found a political correctness loophole".

Ok. The only thing I could find was a case between a cop and the city so I don't think that is what you were talking about.

Got a link?

My bad, showing my age, apparently the cite is now just Schaumburg v. C.B.E.

Here it is cliky (http://www.freespeechcoalition.org/schaum.htm)

Anyway, it's a good case for the history. It's pretty clear you can't stop people knocking on your door through legislation &ct,