May 30, 2005
Judge Tells Parents what Religion to Teach
Ok, now I may be in disagreement with everyone who reads this blog on this issue. But that's never stopped me from shooting off my mouth before.
A judge in Indianapolis has decreed that a set of divorced parents can't teach their kid their religion. Because that religion is Wicca.
I disagree with pretty much everything Wicca teaches. I think they are totally wrong, and deceived, concerning the nature of the supernatural world. I sometimes wish that Christians had as much of an appreciation for the spiritual forces that are out there, though -- we tend to separate things into "God did it" and "Not real at all" and reject the whole "Satan did it" category out of hand. But I don't believe that everything supernatural is essentially good, or should be harnessed.
BUT -- last time I checked, the Constitution prohibited government interference in religion, including the religious instruction of children by their parents. As far as I can tell, the parents are in agreement about the religious training that their kids should have -- it may be the only thing they agree on, I don't know. The judge has prohibited the teaching of "non-mainstream religious beliefs and rituals." No definition of what "mainstream religious beliefs and rituals" actually ARE.
THAT'S a problem area. Evangelicalism is often considered non-mainstream. So the parents can't teach their kids evangelical Christianity? Never says that specifically, but it could be interpreted that way.
I hate to use the phrase "slippery slope" here, but it seems to fit. A dangerous precident has been established if this decision holds up. The government, or at least a representative of the government, is dictating to parents what type of religious training and education that their child can have. That is simply wrong.
Posted by: Warren Kelly at
10:53 AM
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1
I agree with you, Warren. The parents are wrong, dead wrong, in my opinion, but the judge's ruling is unconstitutional. I would support those parents' legal battle in the same way as I support free speech for all points of view. No matter how wrong I think they are, when the government starts judging what you can and can't say (or teach your children) based on what THEY think is acceptable speech or religious beliefs, that's when Christians need to start worrying. Because it will only be a matter of time - and not long at all based on what I've seen - before OUR beliefs are judged to be intolerant and unacceptable.
Posted by: songstress7 at May 30, 2005 12:13 PM (ie93s)
2
I think that's what worries me the most about a lot of things that Cristians are trying to get passed into law -- there is a LOT of stuff that could come back to haunt us, in the not-too-distant future.
Posted by: Warren at May 30, 2005 02:15 PM (a64K1)
3
Wow. I can't believe the nerve of that judge!
I agree that Wicca is not a good religion to teach children, but that is their right as parents and no judge should ever be allowed to interfere in that decision. I hope that judge faces disciplinary action.
Who's to say that children can't be "rescued" from such religions anyway? I know people who've been saved from atheism, Catholicism, and Judaism. Why can't God save the child from Wiccanism?
You know, some people could make the same argument against Catholicism being harmful or Islam being harmful, if they really wanted to stretch the limits of truth.
This is so wrong. I sure hope this judge is not allowed to continue this way. I'm simply appalled.
Posted by: Kelly Miller at May 30, 2005 04:10 PM (weNac)
4
As a Pagan and a former Wiccan, I have to agree here. I don't like all of the things that Wicca teaches, but then I don't like a lot of the things that Satanism, many occult orders like the Golden Dawn, Buddhism, (to be perfectly honest) Christianity, Islam and even Hinduism teach, either. That's beside the point.
What's PERFECTLY on-topic is that *no one* in the government has the right to interfere with the teaching and dissemination of *any* religion. You can worship the Megalomaniacal Star Goat, whatever. The government should have nothing to do with it. While I may not believe that Jesus is the one true way, I will stand up and openly declare that it is your right - given by your God, my Gods and everyone else's too - to believe, teach and practice that, and to worship as you so choose.
End of rant.
~May you never thirst,
Anja
Posted by: Anja Flower at November 04, 2005 09:57 PM (jhSHN)
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