Non-Theist groups in Schools?

**AetheLove** · 03-01-11, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by Warprosper

"High school non-theist groups are getting dedicated support from a national organization but their schools are flipping out. What does this mean for the future of atheism?"

What could a group like this possibly accomplish?

I don't know. Why don't you ask them? Seems pretty likely that the devil is in the details.

Originally Posted by triggerhappy2005

How about we keep the topic of religion, whether for or against, out of school all together.

Originally Posted by triggerhappy2005

Separation of church and state.

Problem solved.

Then how about a school group dedicated to the idea of keeping religion out of schools? But, you know, only for the kids who really believed in that.

Cheers,

AetheLove

**triggerhappy2005** · 03-01-11, 11:49 AM

Keeping the promoting or practice of religion out of schools should not be the responsability of any one group, it should be a matter of government policy. At the same time, I personally wouldn't be opposed to a class on religion as long as it didn't promote one religion above another or try to convert students. Also, I think such a class should teach about the non-theist perspective.

Just my opinion.

**Warprosper** · 03-01-11, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by deathgodusmc

See but it has been argued that chilren do not share the same right as adults due to the special protection afforded to them by law. In many places in this country a child is actually considered and treated as a possesion until they turn of legal age to make and feel the full consequenses of their decisions. So did they really have THEIR rights violated? I would say no.

For the same reason that children cant drop out until they reach a certain age. Is a 14 year old who is wanting to drop out now having his/her rights violated too?

These are the reasons on why school board members are elected. There is supposed to be an established order in public schools that eliminate any sort of discrimination based on religion, race, etc etc.........

I think the issue here is that the school board members don't want to receive flak. Flak from the highly religious parents for allowing a group to be created. A group that stands for the exact opposite of their spiritual foundation..

**deathgodusmc** · 03-01-11, 11:59 AM

To me this is beyond a non issue. There are plenty of places to go join religious groups outside of school where religion is not suppose to be to begin with.

**Beige Lantern** · 03-01-11, 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by triggerhappy2005

...no one denies that these kids should be allowed to convene concerning religious matters. The issue is why the public school has to be involved. Could you please answer that question?

Certainly. As the Supreme Court has established, schools that allow after school clubs to meet must also allow religious clubs to meet. Where you and I disagree (respectably) is whether a school can provide the facilities provided to all other students and maintain its neutrality. I say not only can it but it must in order to maintain its neutrality. Otherwise you are telling the chess team that they have freedom of assembly within the walls of the school but the Atheist Club that they don't.

**Warprosper** · 03-01-11, 12:21 PM

but athiesm is not a religion..

**Beige Lantern** · 03-01-11, 12:30 PM

Then it falls under "secular organization" and it is subject to even less scrutiny and restriction.

**deathgodusmc** · 03-01-11, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by Warprosper

but athiesm is not a religion..

Funny but i disagree but i find it hard to say why. I know there is a whole other group of people that list themselves as nonreligious and its much bigger then the group listed as atheist. Athiest just dont believe in a god. They base life on a more scientific side verses gods will so to speak.