Observations and inanities by a second-shift assistant supervisor in the Puppy-Grinding division of the Evil Atheist Conspiracy® (our motto: "Sure it's cruel, but think of the jobs!"), your host, Brent Rasmussen.
Atheist Banned From Committee On Religious Education
Us American Atheists are used to being a very small, poorly organized minority within our society. We take it as a matter of course that we do not have any political clout, or any real presence on school boards, city, state, and federal governments.
But in Great Britain, the British Humanist Association is huge, well connected, and respected. Recent polls have shown that 62% of English citizens prefer a humanist explanation over a religious one, and 65 per cent of young people, aged between 12 and 19, were atheist or agnostic.
So, when humanist Andrew Edmondson tried to get on the religious education committee in Sussex County, England, it was shocking that he was rejected.
[link] An atheist has spoken of his dismay after being sidelined from discussions on how religion is taught in schools.
Former teacher Andrew Edmondson attempted to win a place on the West Sussex County Council's advisory committee for religious education but was denied by a majority vote.
Mr Edmondson, a humanist, believes people can lead their lives without religion and use reason to explain the world and solve problems.
In England, "Religious Education" in public schools is like an elementary school version of our college-level "Comparative Religions" courses. In other words, they are designed to teach about a number of world religions, not preach any of them as "right" or "the truth".
Should humanists and atheists have a say in how a Comparative Religions course in a public school is taught? I happen to think we should, but I am interested in your thoughts.
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athiesm vs christianity
Any good strong atheist would make a good Fundie christian any way.
They are both blinded by their own beliefs.
They are both intolerant towards other religions.
They both think other religions are evil or bad.
Atheist religion
Atheism vs chrisianity
comparative religions = critical thinking
Atheists tend to apply their critical thinking skills more than those who eschew reason and logic in favor of non thought/faith. Therefore it should follow that they would be the best to be involved with a class on religions.
Simple Question of the Day
There's nothing wrong with teaching about religion. Any complete education covers it. In that context, atheism is just another belief system that has to be covered like anything else.
The problem is that the crazies often try to smuggle their doctrine into the schools under approaches that seem reasonable in the abstract. That is, there can be a difference between what a program is supposed to be and what it is in fact.
But if this is the question: "Should humanists and atheists have a say in how a Comparative Religions course in a public school is taught?"
The answer is obviously "yes." How could it even be otherwise?
If not an athiest than who?
Who better than someone who doesn't believe any of it to give everything equal billing? The way I see it the trick is to get someone who isn't going to favor one religion or going to teach with the attitude that anyone who believes this stuff is a total idiot.
The problem is.
Atheists are biased towards the anyone who believes anything different from their believes is stupid. Second atheists do have beliefs so they are biased like any one else.
Fire breathing dragons
If you knew someone who ardently believed that fire-breathing dragons were real, wouldn't you tease them a little? C'mon, be honest now...
Absolutely
An atheist should absolutely have a say in how religion is taught in his/her local schools. We are all paying taxes to support public schools, and we are all affected by what kind of job they are doing - we have to live with the result. Plus, an atheist would make a good watchdog to ensure that no religion gets special favor. It seems to me that religionists would be more likely to enter into quid pro quo arrangements with their rivals, letting religion A get special treatment in school X in return for religion B getting special treatment in school Y.
- No More Mr. Nice Guy!
atheists and religious education
As long as we are being accused of following the "religion" of atheism, you bet your ass we should be involved in the teaching of religion. The superstitious pinheads don't get to have it both ways.
atheist religion
If athiests are going to teach religion. I'm fine with it as long as they are willing to admit that their religion is based on faith like every one elses.