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I'm transferring to a public high school in the US and my new counselor just recommended I take their bible class (i.imgur.com)
submitted 6 months ago by Bacon_Hero
[–]lains-experiment 192 points193 points194 points 6 months ago
Bible class in a public school? never heard of that.
[–]mcbobpants 72 points73 points74 points 6 months ago
I took a bible course at Niceville High School. We watched terrible movies about the end of times based on revelation. We "studied" the bible much like one would in a religious bible study. I sat next to an atheist at the time, and remember laughing at him when he said he was taking it to disprove the bible. In retrospect we both needed to be laughed at. So many more useful courses we could have been taking.
It was clearly not audited. The school had a lot more issues religiously than just this one class though. I recall friends shaking from the "holy ghost" all day. The worst part: Bad religion tshirts being banned.
[–]Tox1cAv3ng3r 27 points28 points29 points 6 months ago
I'm wearing a Bad Religion tee as we speak... D:
Also, much older than a high school age student.
[–]kegman83 44 points45 points46 points 6 months ago
Punk isnt dead. It just goes to bed earlier.
[–]Tox1cAv3ng3r 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
okay.jpg
Super relevant. NoFX - Separation of the Church and Skate
[–][deleted] 2 points3 points4 points 6 months ago*
Clearly. You're aware of how old Greg Graffin must be?
[–]chodeface 4 points5 points6 points 6 months ago
I think you meant Greg Graffin, Ph.D.
[–][deleted] 5 points6 points7 points 6 months ago
You're aware of how old Greg Graffin, Ph.D. must be?
Cordially, throwawayz6969, Esquire, MSc
[–]chodeface 2 points3 points4 points 6 months ago
LMFAO right now.
[–]brownboy13 5 points6 points7 points 6 months ago
If you insist.
[–]chodeface 3 points4 points5 points 6 months ago
that was two hours ago. you're late.
[–]brownboy13 2 points3 points4 points 6 months ago
A thousand apologies.
Greg's in his mid/late 40's at this point I imagine. I actually just went and saw Bad Religion open for Rise Against (ass backwards IMO) about a year ago. Easily one of the best shows I've ever been to. Their new music is still pretty good, at least I think so.
Also, they were at the Reason Rally, and although I wasn't there, I saw some video of him speaking. Still a total badass.
[–]lains-experiment 6 points7 points8 points 6 months ago
Was it optional? was it called bible study or was it masked as some religious study.
[–]mcbobpants 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
It was optional and there were two semesters. Old testament and new. Exact title of class I can't recall.
[–]Archangelus 8 points9 points10 points 6 months ago
Oh, good. I was worried my tax dollars would be wasted saving lives.
[–]addboy 3 points4 points5 points 6 months ago
What's the "Holy Ghost"? Is that like Delirium Tremens?
[–]ok_you_win 5 points6 points7 points 6 months ago
"I dont know where Hollywood ends and the DTs begin" - WC Fields
[–]mcbobpants 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
I'm not joking. These people shake continuously and say it's the holy ghost working through the. Google it. Girls at my school did it. Google Brownsville revival, I was in high school when that took off and took over my school.
[–][deleted] 6 months ago
[deleted]
[–]Sevsquad 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
I think your gym teacher was schizophrenic yo.
[–]ProjectD13X 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
Niceville in Florida?
[–]Delmain 10 points11 points12 points 6 months ago
Niceville, FL is a shithole along with the rest of the panhandle.
[–]Doombringer223 2 points3 points4 points 6 months ago
You got that right. Can't wait to get the hell out of this state.
[–]whimmy_millionaire 9 points10 points11 points 6 months ago
South Florida is pretty rockin though.
[–]Doombringer223 4 points5 points6 points 6 months ago
Northwest Florida is full of rednecks though.
[–]GentleCanadianFury 11 points12 points13 points 6 months ago
Grew up in Destin, currently live in Pensacola. I can confirm this. Kirk Cameron was actually just here, gave a talk at what I can only describe as a local pseudo Mega Church.
Or as my girlfriend likes to call it, "Six Flags over Jesus".
[–]MyNewAlias86 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
Jacksonville isn't bad though. I only had issues with the religious in high school. None as an adult and I do have religious friends.
[–]gmick 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
Yeah, because outside the panhandle, Florida is just great.
[–]Delmain 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
The parts of Florida that aren't Georgia and Alabama Jr. at least have a chance.
[–]stilldash 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
Did they star Kirk Cameron?
[–]cockyjeremy 13 points14 points15 points 6 months ago
He's too busy jerking off Rick Santorum in a truckstop bathroom while they tell each other how bad the gays are.
[–]faceofsharks 6 points7 points8 points 6 months ago
... go on
[–]amgov 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
My health class had a video starring Kirk Cameron. F*cking Christian schools.
[–]robomims 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
Niceville, FL?
[–]Wargall 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Niceville? Hey, I live near there!
...neat. I feel connected now.
[–]Dracovitch 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Niceville... Florida?
[–]Teuthex 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
I recall friends shaking from the "holy ghost" all day.
...What?
[–]graffiti81 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
In all fairness, I have a BR shirt that says "Fuck Armageddon this is hell" on it as well as one that says "Like a fucking atom bomb" on the back and a bomb with the BR anti-cross symbol on the front. Certainly not acceptable for high school.
[–]Simerty 12 points13 points14 points 6 months ago
You're allowed to study religion in school. Just not force them onto people
[–]ingleback 4 points5 points6 points 6 months ago
I live in Texas and we have none of those ಠ_ಠ
Thought I imagine you could find one in one of the more rural parts haha.
[–]Nevermind04 6 points7 points8 points 6 months ago
I live in Texas, and not only were Bible study courses in our school, they were required for graduation until someone finally sued in 2009-2010. They were marketed as "Reconnecting Youth", and it was basically a participation grade for sitting through a sermon and asking questions about scripture. I have been an atheist all of my life, so I'd sometimes ask sardonic questions, but I knew I was outnumbered so I did my best to blend in.
[–]w2g 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
thats around 2 years ago.... oh america..
[–]ingleback 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Would you mind me asking what part of Texas you live in? I think that has a lot to do with stuff like that here. Around the big cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, you find a lot more religious tolerance and less crazy schooling things. I've never really spent time in the small towns though, so I'm not sure what it's like there.
[–]ThreeAeroplanes 4 points5 points6 points 6 months ago
This is weird, but I went to high school in Carrollton, TX (middle income, conservative suburb of Dallas). And I remember Freshman year for an english-social studies combination class, we actually studied the Bible strictly as ancient literature. There wasn't any controversy about that approach at all which surprises me now that I think about it
[–]bouchard 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
It's OK for public schools to teach about the bible in this context. My senior year literature class included parts of Genesis along with Beowulf and Macbeth (and other works that I don't remember).
[–]cdb03b 2 points3 points4 points 6 months ago
Also from Texas. We had no religious affiliated electives. We had a very religious town but school was not really a place for study. We did have a bible study group that was student lead that met at lunch once a week and had FCA that met once a month but for the most part Religious study was for Church and Home not the school. We were as rural 3A school.
[–]whiteknight521 2 points3 points4 points 6 months ago
I would say that a document that has shaped much of western civilization is worthy of study. If anything, being critically aware of the bible will allow a person to avoid falling into the trap of blind faith. Of course, if the class is taught as a bible study it is completely illegal.
Isn't it the opinion of a lot of people on here that reading the bible will allow you to see just how bullshit it all is? I mean, that's what happened to me.
[–]Sweetrolls 7 points8 points9 points 6 months ago
My school has a Bible Club.. It's not a class, isn't required and is after school. I really don't have a problem with it.
[–]wonkydonky 5 points6 points7 points 6 months ago
There's a difference between student organized events and classes taught.
[–]timidnoshing 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
Her shirt is great.
[–]airpower47 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
"The Bible as Literature" it's where you read the bible for the stories and the ability to recognize allusions to it it speech. I took this course and the topic of whether or not it was true never came up.
[–]PhallogicalScholar 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
There are two bible study clubs at my local junior high. Both take place during school hours and are endorsed by staff. They're held every day and are always mentioned in the morning announcements.
Northeast Texas
[–]cdb03b 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
A club is not the same as an elective course. Clubs are student lead, though many schools require a teacher sponsor to make sure the kids behave.
[–]enhancin 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Here in Utah we have "Released Time" where you go to a seminary class essentially for the hour in a special building. If you don't want it to interfere with your studies they also offer an early morning seminary.
[–]kk123433 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
http://i.imgur.com/gnCYL.gif
[–]Calsun 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
its probably a no-credit release type thing with the church right next door.
[–]whats_an_internet 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Every Wednesday morning there was prayer meeting at my PUBLIC high school...
[–]mgds1 82 points83 points84 points 6 months ago
the most fun i had in high school was my bible as literature class. our teacher taught it as mythology, there was no doctrine taught. we just looked at the historical background and the influence it's had on western thought/civilization. plus it introduced me to this
[–]bowlss 17 points18 points19 points 6 months ago
We studied the bible in 11th grade AP English as mythology as well.
[–]aspeenat 4 points5 points6 points 6 months ago
My son's highschool would have protest if the teacher tried to do that.
[–]under_psychoanalyzer 2 points3 points4 points 6 months ago
That raises a question I've been meaning to look into. Are there any private schools that don't promote a religious doctrine in America? Seems like all them do in either an obvious or very loosely related policy are promoting it over secularism.
[–]hairetikos 4 points5 points6 points 6 months ago
Absolutely, I have friends who went to one of these.
Expensive, but it seems like a pretty good program.
[–]under_psychoanalyzer 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
Good to know. I'm in the deep south and most of the private schools are just religious oriented. However the more expensive the school, the more likely it is to be full of parents who are doctors or other advanced degrees. But one of the most entertaining scenarios was insert hometown name Christian Academy which was pretty much half full of kids that had gotten expelled from public school, and sent there instead of going to an "alternative school" (actually just a classroom on the far end of every school) like the poor kids. So basically it took all the upper-middle class deviants from all over the county and put them in one place, making the name of school completely ironic.
In America the private high schools, and colleges, tend to either be religiously affiliated or for the super rich.
[–]aspeenat 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
My son's school is a Public school in the boonies of GA. Private around here is just a mask for religious indoctrination like those free Islamic schools in the Middle East.
[–][deleted] 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
Wait what? There are tons, as a matter of fact I am typing this from a classroom of one of them.
[–]Dreissig 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
Yeah. There's a private school by where I live that their thing is teaching everything in french. Everyone there is fluent. I kind wish I went there honestly. They only study the bible in literature classes along with other ancient myths.
[–]kegman83 2 points3 points4 points 6 months ago
Did the same thing here in CA. Of course we are a godless hippy liberal state.
[–]the_emergent 3 points4 points5 points 6 months ago
Similary story here. We studied along side the Odyssey, Murder in the Cathedral, and Joseph Campbell's hero's Journey. Religion never really entered the conversation. It was mostly about themes, symbolism, and the story-arc. And yeah, it's interesting how much history and fiction the Bible has influenced.
[–]Hanging_out 2 points3 points4 points 6 months ago
We had the same thing at my public high school. It was part of our general literature class. We studied Greek myths and then the stories of religions.
[–]sco360 17 points18 points19 points 6 months ago
Even though i'm an atheist, i would actually take this if my school offered it.
Mostly to piss off the fundies by pointing out all the bullshit but also because the bible is a very influential piece of literature to mankind much like greek mythology.
[–]thrilloilogy 2 points3 points4 points 6 months ago
I only wish it was studied as such.
[–]DamnManImGovernor 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
I feel religion is an amazing tool that can be used to teach children morals. Ya, that's about it tho.
[–]borgros 4 points5 points6 points 6 months ago
It might be a bible lit class or something
[–]thatpaulbloke 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Funny how none of these schools seem to offer a Qur'an lit class, or an Illiad lit class, isn't it?
[–]FireEnt 4 points5 points6 points 6 months ago
Dude, bible lit was one of my favorite classes in HS. The best part is if you get any religious nuttos you essentially have a free pass for them to STFU due to the teacher not giving a fuck about the spiritual or religious aspects...assuming you have a real teacher and not some reject minister.
[–]epsilonius 5 points6 points7 points 6 months ago
I'm in the UK, in high school we had to take "Religious Education" class, it was only 1 hour a week I think, I don't remember ever actually doing any work in there, the teacher would roll out the TV and VCR and stick The Mummy on or something for an hour.
[–]me-tan 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
I did RE at a catholic school. We did do stuff in ours. It was the only thing I bothered to study for, and the only GCSE I failed (got an E)...
[–]Innotek 4 points5 points6 points 6 months ago
Bible as Lit. Best high school class ever. Mostly we just did a thorough study of who knew whom, and so on, and so forth.
[–]martong93 39 points40 points41 points 6 months ago
I think you are just karma whoring for the quick and uninformed european upvote. There, I said it. We have humanities classes that include reading parts of the bible (because how the fuck is one supposed to understand a lot of Shakespeare, indeed most of western culture, without understanding the bible), and there are certain states that have some law with the teaching of creationism, but thats rare. Never have I heard of bible classes in a public American high school. American schools aren't that shitty.
[–]x5m 15 points16 points17 points 6 months ago
I thought this exactly...I am in a small hard core christian Texas town and no religion classes here.
[–]fishnugget 26 points27 points28 points 6 months ago
Kentucky - We have them in several public high schools. Also, religion classes which are more like thinly veiled Christianity classes.
[–]jimbean66 7 points8 points9 points 6 months ago
TN too
[–]Gaveltime 3 points4 points5 points 6 months ago
Nashville checking in here. Maybe in some smalltown shithole in East / West TN, but certainly not around here.
[–]jon_titor 3 points4 points5 points 6 months ago
Smalltown shithole East of Nashville checking in here.
Nope, we didn't have it either. My AP English teacher did manage to squeeze some comparative religion stuff in though, but that was awesome.
[–]jimbean66 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Indeed, haha. Smalltown shithole like 30m north of Chattanooga. It was called "Bible History."
[–]one4u2nv 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Live in the Nashville area now, but am from a small town in West TN. We never had any.
[–]jacarlin 2 points3 points4 points 6 months ago
Interesting. My "world lit" class in high school in nj was a thinly veiled religion class, except the old hippie teacher we had ended up pushing Buddhism on us for the second half of the year.
[–]DightCeaux 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
What area are you from? Kentucky checking in here, never heard of it.
[–]Dr_Tater 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
My Ky high school wasn't completely different. I used to live in an eastern county right on the bible belt, so I think it was assumed that everyone was Christian. There was a ton of racism though, which our school did nothing about. Anyway, what part of Ky are y'all from?
[–]daBandersnatch 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
North Carolina.
Advanced Bio class, and the teacher spent 2 days on evolution. A whole week on "intelligent design."
Somehow with complaints to the principal and superintendent, she didn't have shit done to her for it.
[–]jschild 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
This, my advanced biology teacher didn't teach evolution but we did get a creationist spouting bullshit for an entire period. That and our superintendent glued every page in the HS science books talking about the big bang together. Just because it's off the radar in your area, don't think that shit isn't going on all the time.
[–]saucisse 3 points4 points5 points 6 months ago*
My high school had a Bible-as-literature class, and I grew up in a very progressive town in the Northeast. The class was taught by a VERY out gay man, for whatever that's worth.
[–]DigitalPsych 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Some public Texas schools offer a Bible study class. It is completely optional and only counts for an elective. While it might have religious overtones, it's treated like a class on Shakespeare would be - with literay analysis and all that good ol' high school stuff. They just believe all of it (I would assume) >.>
[–][deleted] 19 points20 points21 points 6 months ago*
I took a world religions course my senior year of public highschool and we spent quite a bit of time studying the important texts of the Abrahamic faiths. It was really quite interesting.
What are you whining about, exactly? Religion is something you should study if you want to understand the world.
[–]checksumfail 10 points11 points12 points 6 months ago
Religion is something you should study if you want to understand the world.
Good point, it affect politics on a large scale and it affects interactions between people on a smaller scale and even as an atheist, knowing about other peoples religious beliefs can be useful.
However, this is not 'religious study' this is bible study, one religion from an internal point of view. Religious study should be from a unbiased perspective and it should cover several religions. This isn't a friendly 'hey we don't care what you believe but this is what different people around the world believe/have believed' it's 'WE'RE RIGHT, WHY AREN'T YOU RIGHT YET? ARE YOU STUPID?'.
[–]Bacon_Hero[S] 6 points7 points8 points 6 months ago
It was just more of a shock to me than anything. When she first mentioned it my face was very similar to the gif I posted. ( it was over phone so I didn't hurt anyone's feelings)
I'm starting to warm up to the idea and understand that it's not really that big of a deal. I can't say that it doesn't seem weird as hell though.
[–][deleted] 6 months ago*
[–]midnitewarrior 2 points3 points4 points 6 months ago
FCA stood for "Fellowship of Christian Athletes"
Not a "real" athlete, but one that "exercises Christianity". Dumb name. Anyway, the FCA kept chasing me down in college, and I just kept responding "but I don't play sports", and they would try to explain the concept, then I would be like "really, I'm not an athlete, I was never very good in gym class" and eventually they would go away frustrated.
It was a blast.
I'm guessing that may be why somebody is calling it "Fellowship of Christian Students". Hopefully I played a small role in that change :D
[–]Cptn_Sisko 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
I went to it a couple times, but only because they had doughnuts.
Are you me? I use to go to a praying circle at my university because they had doughnuts and coffee. 5 minute prayer for doughnuts? EASY
[–]factoid_ 2 points3 points4 points 6 months ago
I have no idea what this school's deal is, but I have heard of public schools using the Bible in literary classes. It's a shame that public schools generally do not offer comparative religion classes. They're very interesting. I went to a catholic high school and I took an Ecumenism class where we learned a lot about the difference between various christian religions.
Then at my jesuit university we were required to take a comparative religion class in which we learned about a variety of faiths, both eastern and western. Interesting and valuable stuff, even for (especially for?) an atheist.
when I see other atheists talking about how religions try to hide truth, keep people from questioning their faith I like to bring up those experiences as a counterpoint.
[–]rogue4 2 points3 points4 points 6 months ago
I'd take it. Probably will be an easy A.
[–]redemit 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
What is on her t-shirt?
[–]OVERLY_CYNICAL 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
HA HA HA YOU'RE SO FUNNY RELIGION AND A REACTION FACE
[–]Khoops66 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
Take the class. If it's secular, like it should be, you'll learn a lot. If it's confessional, complain as that is illegal.
[–]foston22 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
I think there are exceptions to the hard and fast divide between religion and state that are considered acceptable (ie legal). One of those is understanding the literature of the Bible. It is after all a collection of very significant historical texts, and as a historical resource, it has some significant value, particularly in Judges and Kings I think.
The Bible is not fiction dear readers of Atheists of Reddit (IMHO), it is simply read that way by the denzions of Hell, AKA fundamentalist Christians, who continue to use it as a tool of domination and torture. Their willful ignorance is a cheap excuse for their poor Theology. And to that folks, I offer you cheers for holding them accountable to that point.
But for many faithful, the story is far more complicated and not easy to fit on a meme.
please keep it in mind. I still read your sub.
[–]Coco92144 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
South Dakota recently passed a measure that allows public schools to teach about the bible. I disagree with the measure because it was very vague about using the bible as "academic instruction". I can see the bible as having a strong impact on history. I can't deny that. I'm just concerned about the stories in the bible being used AS history.
[–]thelakesouth 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
That kind of class can be great when the Bible is approached like an ancient historic text that holds cultural significance to this day. It's like taking a class on Gilgamesh or the Koran. Yeah, it might be a little specific (ancient religion might be a better focus for the course), but you could learn a lot if the class wasn't biased.
[–]Feinberg 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
I would absolutely take that class, but I would also request a Koran class first. I would also put a video camera in my lunchbox and keep it running through the whole class, then blur the faces, post the results to Youtube, monetize, and profit.
[–]virtyy 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
Is that the "Can I have your Number" guy?
[–]Thatevilvoice 2 points3 points4 points 6 months ago
Not being from the US I'm not sure but did he/she give you a reason?
[–]stoten 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
Downvoted for an honest question? Have an upvote!
[–]cpumatt 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
I like when people do that to me. I like the look of there face when I say I'm an atheist.
[–]Bacon_Hero[S] 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
I guess I'm new to this, but is that even legal?
[–]IamSparticles 14 points15 points16 points 6 months ago
Legally, the bible can be taught as literature (much like Greek mythology), or referenced as part of a comparative religions course (where you would also be studying things like Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, etc). And those sort of course have to be offered as an elective. They can't be required for graduation. If it's a religious bible-study course aimed at making you a Christian, then yes, that would be a problem.
For my part, I'd say that having at least a passing knowledge of some of the important bible stories can be a huge help in understanding its influence on Western culture in general.
[–]vendaval 6 points7 points8 points 6 months ago
This article, excerpted from Dawkins' The God Delusion, does a pretty good job showing how important knowing the Bible is to literature alone.
[–]IamSparticles 5 points6 points7 points 6 months ago
Yep. Add to that the influences on art, music, architecture, etc... While I'll never agree that the US was founded as a Christian nation, it's undeniable that Christianity has played a significant role in the development of our culture.
[–]R88SHUN 7 points8 points9 points 6 months ago
is what legal? providing an optional class or recommending it to you?
[–]Bacon_Hero[S] 4 points5 points6 points 6 months ago
Dedicating a whole course to the bible in a public school. Is this a normal thing? Sorry if I'm overreacting, I guess it was just quite a culture shock.
[–]R88SHUN 6 points7 points8 points 6 months ago
well if he recommended the class its obviously not a mandatory part of the curriculum.
[–]Bacon_Hero[S] 2 points3 points4 points 6 months ago
So they could technically make a course about any holy book as long as it's optional? That seems better, although I can't say I like what their choice says about this area.
[–]kkjdroid 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
So they could technically make a course about any holy book as long as it's optional?
They could. They probably won't, but they could. You might want to try the class just to bring a Bible app and quote offensive things to the teacher :)
[–]VincetheMadMan 5 points6 points7 points 6 months ago
Unless its a mythology class legally no they cant
[–]Hanging_out 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
Yeah, the Bible is an important piece of literature. The teacher just can't espouse it. Knowing the Bible is important to general cultural literacy, even if you don't believe in it.
It's generally taught as a literary study, much like Greek mythology. It's probably not what you think. Probably.
[–]The_Illuminated_One 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
TWO Bible classes (electives) were offered at my public school. One for old testament, one for new testament. Also, they offered a comparative religions class; we studied everything from Jainism to Christianity to Satanism (my personal contribution). I went to a high school that was known as being exceptional for the classes offered and the quality of education. I took it for granted at the time but upon meeting people from other parts of the U.S., I think my high school offered more than many community colleges. We even had four years of Mandarin available.
[–]apalms 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
The Bible is the single most influential piece of literature in our culture. Studying from a non-religious aspect is completely legal and should be highly recommended
[–][deleted] 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
I would like to know where this is. I am from a small town in Minnesota that has 8 churches for 3000 people. Our high school didn't have one course even slightly related to religion. Is it more common with big schools?
[–]SenorFreebie 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Did you say no?
[–]Cypress85 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Welcome to the jungle.
[–]Atheris 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Brilliant!
[–]XxcontaminatexX 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
From where are your transferring?
[–]TheDreadGazeebo 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
are there.... dried leaves in her hair?
Yes, because "free thinkers" and being open minded are two very different things. I'm not being sarcastic.
[–]TheDoktorIsIn 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
We had "The Bible as a Work of Fiction" in school. Apparently it was pretty interesting.
[–]conitation 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
yeah a real wtf thing...
I have a "Christian Club" at my school ಠ_ಠ
[–]Hk37 1 point2 points3 points 6 months ago
So Christian students aren't allowed to start a club for their own interests and meet with similar students?
[–]spurgetrangus 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Bizzarro. We had world religions. Nuts to that.
[–]Jabroseph 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Bible classes aren't all bad. The first semester of my senior honors English course was one, and it was a strictly academic study of the Bible as a historical text. It was a really engaging class, and I'm glad I took it for the knowledge it gave me (both about the Bible itself and the impact it has had on our culture).
Really, it all depends on where you are and who your teacher was (I got lucky with mine. While very religious, he also firmly believed in removing his faith from the educational process).
tl;dr: It's not inherently bad, and you just might learn something useful.
[–]Simerty 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Viewing a topic from a different point of view?
No your right, ignoring it is probably best
[–]Kb192 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
The bible can actually be quite interesting to study as a work of literature (read: fiction) , but it's sad we offer these religion classes in place of anything worthwhile.
[–]skelet0r23 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
I live in Kansas and I'm taking a Philosophy of Religion class at my community college and my professor is a minister and i'm the only Atheist in the class.......yep, that's America for you (at least the bible belt is)
[–]injekted 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
It's a trap.
[–]Dragonfire138 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Relevant response.
[–]JurisDoctor 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Come to Massachusetts where we don't put up with that shit.
[–]bds0688 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
So you couldn't internalize this feeling and simply decline? We all really care how you felt about a suggestion your adviser made, we really do.
No background on your areas of interest and study, just a blatant "lol, dumbass Bible". Fuck off.
[–]Kumquats_indeed 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
I went to a catholic school for 9 years. I was so glad when I switched to a public school, considering my old school srewed me over, especially in math. On a side note, up your's Coach Mac!
[–]naureyev_fantoc 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
In a public school? really?
[–]synunlimited 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
At my high school we have I believe 4 bible classes Intro New/Old Testament and Advanced New/Old Testament. Everything is funded by outside sources but counts as a history credit.
Public School District in NC
[–]sharperscorpion 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
We have a 'Comparative Religions' course at my high school. I haven't taken it but from what I hear you basically study 'all' the religions of the world...but being in Georgia I imagine some bias is present.
[–]Zakk_Scar 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Yes, take the bible class....and PUSH it somewhere ELSE!
[–]Imcooleronreddit 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Did you tell the counselor that you're a little old for fairy-tales?
[–]rcn123 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
What year did this happen? I don't think this is legal anymore.
[–]orchardrivington 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
I'm an atheist, but taking a class that studies the Bible as a work of literature is one of the most academically useful things I've ever done. Chances are near 100% that this is the way the class was conducted. And we say Christians are close-minded...
[–]Alienpsyops 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Contact the Freedom From Religion Foundation. One of their staff attorneys may write a nice letter to the school explaining the Establishment Clause of the Constitution which usually does the trick.
[–]joepanda111 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
That sounds like a prayer. A prayer in a public school. GOD has no place within these walls!
[–]TierOne 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Aww that's cute..
[–]1000cakes4u 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
A lot of people have been driven to atheism by the bible, it'll probably just strengthen your lack of faith. Plus you can learn to play the acoustic guitar while smiling through an entire song. It's harder than you think.
[–]kelso408 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Honestly, one of the most useful and informative classes I've ever taken was a bible study class my freshman year of high school when my parents sent me to a private Catholic school for a year. Although I was and remain an atheist, I feel like it is important to understand the foundation of Christianity, especially living in the modern world where Christianity is by far the most widely practiced religion. Regardless of your own beliefs, remaining ignorant of such an important and influential set of ideas (especially in the US) hurts no one but yourself. Not saying it should be a required class or that the government should allocate funds for bible studies classes, just putting in my two cents about putting aside personal opinions and opting to educating yourself on an important topic. Plus it makes your refutation of or arguments against separation of church and state, evolution etc. far more valid and respectable.
I switched from public to Catholic highschool. We had 2 tiers of difficulty ,advanced and general, in Ontario. I was an advanced student but had 0 interest in having to actually work hard to pass religion class. Unfortunately the general religion class was full. This is when I learned that there was a third tier, basic. I was intrigued. Since religion was mandatory but not useful for university, I went for it. On my first day I realized its basically a warehouse for special needs students. Fortunately there was one other guy in the class doing the exact same thing. We had some fun, but thats for another post.
[–]Kosmos4 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
My school has a bible (and other religious texts) class that is taught by an agnostic teacher. It is actually really interesting.
[–]knucklesangwhich 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
it's a trap
[–]AnticScarab3 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Let me just guess how this plays out...
"Oh, it's just educational! We give a fair and balanced view of biblical study!"
Teaches the Bible as fact.
[–]cericsage 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
ITS A TRAP!
[–]SteveBoch 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
"So you won't hire me because I'm black?"
[–]MrWhite_is_TheJoker 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
I would have gone about it a little something like this:
hahahaha good one!
haha bible class? hahaha
haha
the bible.
ha
drawn out sigh, stares at counselor with a wide grin on face
ha.
[–]electricblues42 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
I couldn't think of a better way for a school counselor to say "Welcome to America!" /facepalm
I grew up in what I thought was one of the most redneck areas of the country, and even we didn't have a bible study class during school hours. Thanks for making me feel alot better about my shitty ass home town.
[–]AceDecade 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Is that an upside down picture of Robin Williams?
[–]retrobuddha 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Public school? Bible class?
[–]wallsbecametheworld 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Is that Kima from before she was Kima?
[–]YellowStick 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
WTF? What state is this in? This would never happen in California (at least not near the coast)
[–]sndzag1 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
"No thanks."
[–]actualPsychopath 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
do it. for the lulz, and the children. do it.
[–]StawzMoso 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
church and state are fucking each other in the ass....
[–]cdb03b 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
I live in Texas and I have never heard of that being a class at a public high school. I have heard of it in private Christian affiliated schools but never in a public school. In fact most public schools that I have had experience with tend to avoid religion like it was the plague due to all the separation of church and state and such. It is technically allowed if it is an elective but I would think they would have to have other religions courses available as well.
Just one question. Are you transferring from the UK? A Public School in the UK is what we call a Private School, and what they call a state school we call a Public School.
TLDR: It is not normal for a public school, in fact this is the first time I have heard of it.
Would end up telling them I've gotten better things to waste time on than studying that book every again.
[–]SnykeMyder 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Go north.
[–]Meayow 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Welcome to America.
I had the same reaction when my councilor told me I couldn't take consecutive periods as break even though the mormons did it for their seminary....
Then I laughed and said "Make it happen or you'll have an issue on your hands for discrimination"
I got my 2 hours break
[–]windolener 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
2 girls 1 cup reaction?
[–]johnsphi 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
I took a class on Judaism and Christianity in undergrad and it was hands down one of the most interesting classes I've ever taken.
Public high school may be different, though. . .
[–]clri 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
upside down mork on a t-shirt is awesome
[–]OchiBanana 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
RUN, BITCH, RUUUNNNN!!!
[–]Ceigee 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
It might not be 'bible class' but 'bible as literature'
Big difference. Bible as lit is more like a book club. You look at the bible just as you would any other book. As an atheist, I find the class very informative. Highly recommended.
[–]DaltonSezHi 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Back when I believed in this crap, I went to a summer bible school. The activities we did were cool, but some stuff was just boring. The most memorable thing there was Bibleman.
I'm not even fucking joking right now. Look it up.
[–]PossibilityOfFake 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
100%
[–]slitrobo 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
I had to take a bible study class in college that was taught by a little old retired nun and pretend like I cared about the class. It was required to take 3 religion classes but there were only 2 that the school offered that were interesting enough to want to take them so I had to settle for the bible study one in my last year.
"And have they told you how to think, cleansed your mind of sepsis and autonomy?"
[–]Glovebait 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
My reaction
[–]googolplexbyte 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Well, you'd ace it being an atheist and all.
[–]Grizzant 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
Simply say no, or no thank you, and move right along. They can't make you take it; if they try, sue and sue hard
[–]cpstarkiller 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
just come to west cost and you will be safe from most the crazys.
[–]kissmyleaf420 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
I was in public schools here in the US my whole life. I lived in a country area, but was never forced to do anything religious in class or in school, even in elementary, unless you count Christmas pageants. Which I don't. You got to wear Rudolph noses and shit.
[–]darksun24 0 points1 point2 points 6 months ago
In my public high school the required sophomore english class taught the bible as literature in the context of the hero cycle and shit like that. It was taught in a very inoffensive way, and if anything probably caused kids who had only been exposed to the bible through the lens of proselytization to think about it more critically.
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