We shall not discuss the absurdity of evolution then? Funny how science can contradict science but that's ok, but taking certain things by faith that deal with God are not?

I do not ask that religion be taught in schools. I don't want children taught Islamic Law, Buddhism or any of the rest. Teaching that Christianity had great influences on the course of western civilization and on the founding of our nation is history - teach that. Teach them how the great universities of our country began as Theological institutes and mission organizations. Just allow our children's and our exercise of religion to not be challenged at school and stop twisting history because school administrators don't like what the truth of history reveals.

50 years before that there was even more religion in school. IMHO it's not establishing a religion if they don't focus on one religion, but I'd rather they didn't get into religion at all.

I find it complicated to explain even to my kids because Christmas is a huge secular holiday. Santa Claus and exchanging gifts don't have a direct link to religion. We're atheists but we still celebrate Christmas, some gifts for the kids on the Solstice and some on Christmas Day. It really doesn't make much sense. I can't see avoiding Christmas, though, since 95% of the things people say about it have Pagan or secular roots.

I have thick skin. I wrote conservative political commentary for several years. There is absolutely no need to apologize. What surprises me is that although I believe in a God, a creator of all things, I do not press that opinion on everyone else. Being a speculative sci-fi writer I tend to keep my mind open to any number of possibilities. Science is great at reverse engineering what is but its very poor at actually creating anything from nothing at all. The blending of potential implications of both makes for some fascinating possibilities.

That teacher did the wrong thing. Wouldn't say the parents of the student who wrote the note did the right thing either though. Can I just call the whole thing is a sticky wicket?

Sooner or latter we were bound to agree. :)

The kid has written some notes about Christ being what Christmas was about, so she cut them off and threw them in the trash saying that there was no Christ allowed in school.

FWIW, I found him in a foxhole and discovered he'd been with me all the time.

It's always painful to have eye's forced open. Sorry friend. I hope you will find in me a person who tries to allow his faith to speak through his life. That does not mean I'll be a door mat, but I've always found that actions speak louder than words, especially hurtful words.

Perhaps I didn't read the article close enough. Did it say was the teacher threw away exactly? I don't think the teacher should have done that, BUT I would brace myself for some parental complaints..and the parents would have the right to do so. Can' we just get the gov out of schools and solve a pile of problems? A HUGE pile.

I would not argue about these who may know least about this subject not teaching it. However, to ban a child from passing a note him wrote to each of his friends seems to sway onto the path that leads to complete intolerance.

That teacher does not know the moral teaching of the parents and should not instill hers.

Islam is one of the acceptable forms of religion in school these days. I suppose because it's a religion of peace and harmony. :)

Christianity is another matter.

Our UU church sends the kids to various other religions' services and teaches them about them. The kids end up knowing more about other religions than the adults.

I don't get people wanting or opposing religions being referred to as peaceful. It seems like they are all evoked to support war and peace. I don't care if someone tells my kids the Judeo/Christian/Islamic tradition is about war or peace. I definitely want to respect other people, but to me this is an argument about who's imaginary friend is the nicest.

OH..I know!

I am not a religious guy Star. I have never attended Church on a regular basis. In 5th grade we learned about the 10 commandments. Each Year we sang Christmas Carols and I walked past manger scenes without being offended. I have never understood the attack on religion. I guess the Atheists are winning.

Here's the thing about religion in schools. They teach (at Christmas time) a little bit about a bunch of different practices around the world. I'd rather they teach nothing, it's not the schools place, it's the parent's place to teach or not to teach religion. My biggest fear is that one day soon Islam will be part of that lesson. There's NO way they'll tell the truth of it either. It'll be "the religion of peace".... blaaaaa

Thank you Rich. I too wonder at the vitriol that often is poured out toward Christians these days.

I've met a few Christians that, in my opinion, have been a bit over the top in their approach to non-Christians and I don't understand how they think that helps either. The one thing I'm totally certain about is my firm commitment to Christ and how I choose to live my life because of it AND how I will not apologize for being a Christian. That does NOT include my being rude because of it.

My Children were taught at home when and where it was possible and in the countries where homeschooling was not possible they were instructed that they had a obligation to listen to their teachers but to be willing to stand for what was correct without being rude. It seems to me that this school missed that life lesson.

If so, would the "problem" be the school setting itself up as a judge of what's correct and public censor OR your inability to answer the questions??

And the question is still out there, what gave the school the right to act as information censor?

Eh I don't know. I wouldn't want a kid passing out candy mixed with stories of muhammad at my kids school. He could come home asking a lot of questions I wouldn't be necessarily ready to answer.