A federal judge has ruled a Missouri school district's policy permitting Bible distribution unconstitutional, but an attorney representing the district has vowed to appeal.
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School Policy Allowing Bible Distribution Ruled Unconstitutional
By
Lawrence Jones
Christian Post Reporter
Fri, Jan. 11 2008 12:44 PM EST
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Comments
if jesus were in the classroom, it might cause a lot bad feelings.
people can talk to jesus wen the'r at home
by the way, i heard jesus was pregnant.
If Jesus was allowed in schools we would not have the amount of kids on drugs,teen susides,murders and pregancies we have .PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Why can't people support GOD like all the bad habits of the world,there not going to get us to heaven!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Slacker,
the ACLU would appreciate Christianity more if we were just a little more fanatic. Jihad, anyone?
Agentorange, the Indus Valley civilization first arose about 2000 BC. Around 1500 BC tribes called Aryans entered India from the northwest mountain area and overwhelmed the native populations. With them they brought a new language, Sanskrit, new gods and a new social structure to India. The religious and social customs that were brought laid the foundation for India's 2 distinctive cultural features: the first Hinduism and the second the caste system. So you see Hinduism didn't exist before 1500 BC. Thanks class for your attention during this history lesson. (P.S. Abraham was born in Ur, in Chaldea in 1996 BC)
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establisment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."
Did you take high school history?
Slacker
In the Bill of Rights, in the first amendment! Have you ever read the Constitution?
Where in the constitution does it say anything about a wall of seperation between church and state. That is something the ACLU created to remove God from everything. It is very unconstitutional, because if removes the expression clause from individual freedom...
"Agentorange, neither Hinduism nor buddhism predates Judaism, '
Laughable. Hinduism dates back to the birth of Krishna, which is right around 3000 BCE, at the very least a good 1000 years older than the birth of Abraham and Judaism. Your're rigth on Buddhism, it is younger than Judaism, but still older than Christianity.
maranatha7593:: " am all for science which gives credit to God for His creation and His sustenance of the universe. Many of our most prominent scientists who made the groundbreaking discoveries which transformed our world were and are, too."'
OK, if God exists, we will give God the credit.
Bob,
Yeah and we only have to look at Russia and China to see what basing your society on atheism does.
Agentorange, neither Hinduism nor buddhism predates Judaism, from whence Christianity came. Judaism most likely came before other mesopatamian myths as well, because of all of them it has the least extreme exageration, there is evidence that they had one common source though, this does not mean they are all necessarily wrong, it only means that they would all seem similar, and differences came later.
citsonga, I am all for science which gives credit to God for His creation and His sustenance of the universe. Many of our most prominent scientists who made the groundbreaking discoveries which transformed our world were and are, too.
agentorange, I never said Christianity is the only religion, and you know that. I did say that nothing can predate "In the beginning God created..." When there was no earth, no one was here, period.
Congress of the United States of America May 1854, passed a resolution in the House which declared:
The great vital and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrines and divine truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
* America's God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations
Congress of the United States of America April 13 1816, during the administration of President James Madison, passed The Enabling Act for Indiana, which required the government being formed in that territory to be such as:
…not repugnant to the [Northwest Ordinance].
The Northwest Ordinance stated:
Article III Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.
* America's God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations
We only have to look at the never ending violence in the Middle East to understand how lucky we are to have a wall of separation between church and state.
I noticed it was Christians who were complaining about the distribution of Bibles to young children in a public school. That's good that at least some Christians understand the importance of respecting our wall of separation.
"Ughhh, the OT genesis account is taken from the Jewish Talmud, and the oldest scholars date the OT is some 1200 BC, tops."
Sorry, not the Talmud. the Jewish Torah is what I meant.
maranatha7593,
"Since Christianity actually began with the creation of the world (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1), nothing predates Christianity."
Ughhh, the OT genesis account is taken from the Jewish Talmud, and the oldest scholars date the OT is some 1200 BC, tops.
So why oh why do we find many other instances of religions with their statues and doctrines that predated modern Christinary and Judaism? Ancient Buddhism and Hinduism (I think) both predate Christianty and Judaism. Why do we find ancient religions that are refered to in your very own OT text and its followers that believe in some other god? (Baal) Duh! Ever heard of the 'Elohim or Elohym' or Sons of EL? yes, Yaweh was one of those sons of EL.
Why do we find the Egyptians gods like Ra and others from that era that certainly predate both Judaism and Christionaity? Zoroastrian worhship is also 500 years before christ.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ra
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion
All of the Hellecenic Religions gods certaintly predate Christianity (as these were many of the first followers of christianity) and some predate Judaism.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_gods
Let's no forget all he Eastern religions and there gods.
Taoism and Confusionism both predate Christionantiy by 1/2 a millenia.
Almost forgot, all those faiths in the Americas which predate Christinanity too. well you get the idea. anyone who declares Christianity as the first, or only religion ever is mighty ignorant of the other 3000+ known recorded gods, many if not most predating Christianity.
maranatha7593
It looks like you are all about religion, hey good for you.
I am all about science, good for me, I really enjoy it and thats how I make my living.
"Forms of science predate Christianity."
Since Christianity actually began with the creation of the world (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1), nothing predates Christianity. Yes, it was some time before Jesus was revealed from Heaven, but Christians believe in eternal God who had no beginning and has no end.
The Constitution of The United States of America
We the people of the United States, in the order to form a more perfect union…do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Article I, Section 7, Paragraph 2: If any bill shall not be returned by the President within ten days (Sundays excepted)…
Done in Convention, by the unanimous consent of the States present, the seventeenth day of September, in the year of our LORD one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven.
The Holy Bible was found to have directly contributed to 34 percent of all quotes by the Founding Fathers. This was discovered after reviewing 15,000 items from the Founding Fathers, (including newspaper articles, pamphlets, books, monographs, etc.) The other main sources that the Founders quoted include: Montesquieu, Blackstone, Locke, Pufendorf, etc., who themselves took 60 percent of their quotes directly from the Bible. Direct and indirect quotes combined reveal that 94 percent of all of the quotes of the Founding Fathers are derived from the Bible.
* America's God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations
xizwyck-
"What? Who is questioning that? But gravitation can be observed... or have you floated off the earth?"
Ugghhh. you have no idea what a 'scientific theory' is do you? it's not just 'a guess' I'll tell you that much. Evolution like other theories can be both directly and indirectly observed, make predictions on and test accordingly.
"Because of Christianity, science was created "
what nonsense. what we call western science was discovered via the early Hellecenic era of Classic Greece. you know, math, medicine, astronomy etc.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_science
"Because of Christianity, American democracy was born"
More nonsense. USA was founded as a the first country that didn't have a defacto theocracy b/c they split the powers of church and state that had stained the ground of Europe red for a millenia. There is no mention of christ, jesus or any religious doctrine at all in any constituional documents. They refer to god in many terms only used by Deists, mostly b/c many of the founders were Deists as they were through relgious pioty.
"Government, businesses, schools, courts, etc and etc NEED Christianity"
More nonsense. Look at all the countries globally that do better than the USA in developed world stats like infant mortality rates, education, healthcare, crime index's etc. those non-christian countries are beating us pal.
Religous zealots do not understand that cramming religion into govt run institutions is illegal according to our constitution. why do you think Irad is such a mess? b/c their stupid leaders all want a theocracy. if you want a theoracy so bad go help em build one. we live in a secular nation, that has a christian majority, deal with it.
I think it was Thomas Jefferson and John Adams who mandated the government to print Bibles for the public's use.
Fisher Ames (1758-1808), was a Congressman from Massachusetts in the First Session of the Congress of the United States, during the time the Bill of Rights were being formulated. It was Fisher Ames who had suggested the wording of the First Amendment, which was adopted by the House:
“Congress shall make no law establishing religion, or to prevent the free exercise thereof, or to infringe the rights of conscience.”
Fisher Ames shares his beliefs concerning education:
“Should not the Bible regain the place it once held as a schoolbook? Its morals are pure, its examples are captivating and noble…In no Book is there so good English, so pure and so elegant, and by teaching all the same they will speak alike, and the Bible will justly remain the standard of language as well as faith.”
* America's God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations
Alabama Courts 1983, in the case of Jaffree v. Board of School Commissioners of Mobile County, 544 F. Supp. 1104 (S. D. Ala. 1983), Judge Brevard Hand quoted from the nineteenth century United States Supreme Court Justice, Joseph Story, who succinctly clarified the original meaning of the First Amendment:
“The real object of the First Amendment was not to countenance, much less to advance Mohammedanism, or Judaism, or infidelity, by prostrating Christianity, but to exclude all rivalry among Christian sects [denominations] and to prevent any national ecclesiastical patronage of the national government.”
* America's God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations
"Christian education, from the very beginning of the New England colonies, engaged the attention of the Puritans, and ample provisions were made for the instruction of all the children and youth in every branch of human and divine knowledge. This, indeed, was one object they had in coming to the New World."
Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States by Benjamin F. Morris - 1864
xizwyck "Because of Christianity, science was created (to understand God's creation)."
Forms of science predate Christianity. Mankind was curious about the world and the universe way before christianity. There are scientist that are christian, jewish, muslim, agnostic, atheists. To suggest that science is due to Christianity is a bit absurd. But consider this, Muslim scientists placed far greater emphasis on experimentation than any previous civilization, they introduced quantitative and precise observation, controlled experimentation and careful records as a result. Their new approach to scientific inquiry led to the development of the scientific method. As an example, the empirical observations and quantitative experiments of a guy named Ibn al- Haytham led to a book he wrote on Optics in 1021, it is seen as the beginning of the modern scientific method, which he first introduced to the science of optics.
your post "I must correct myself, evolution is not a theory. It is an unsubstantiated hypothesis or conjuncture"
no, you got it right the first time.
Evolution is indeed a theory as is gravitation, both theories may change overtime as new observations are made. Even the accepted theory of gravitation (Ensteins General Theory of Gravitation) may need modification in the future, just as Newtons theory of gravitation was replaced by General Relativity. The Theory of Evolution contunues to evolve (no pun intended) as new discoveries are made. It is, like any scientifice theory, based on the scientific method.
My guess is your knowledge science is very limited.
I must correct myself, evolution is not a theory. It is an unsubstantiated hypothesis or conjuncture.
citsonga,
"Sorry to burst your bubble but gravitation is a theory too" - What? Who is questioning that? But gravitation can be observed... or have you floated off the earth?
"Leave it at home or at church" - Impossible.
Because of Christianity, American democracy was born. Because of Christianity, hospitals were created (originally - research it yourself if you don't believe me). Because of Christianity, science was created (to understand God's creation). And if you ponder the ramifications... where would we be? Government, businesses, schools, courts, etc and etc NEED Christianity, and of course at the heart of it, Christ. Also, because of Christianity, we have advanced math (Pascal, for one).
United States Supreme Court 1985, in the case of Wallace v. Jafree, 472 U.S., 38, 99, Associate Justice William Rehnquist rendered the court’s decision:
It is impossible to build sound constitutional doctrine upon a mistaken understanding of Constitutional history…The establishment clause had been expressly freighted with Jefferson’s misleading metaphor for nearly forty years…
There is simply no historical foundation for the proposition that the framers intended to build a wall of separation [between church and state]…The recent court decisions are in no way based on either the language or intent of the framers.
* America's God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations
United States Supreme Court 1980, in the case of Stone v. Graham, 449 U.S. 39, 42, 46 (1980), stated:
Religion has been closely identified with our history and government, Abington School District, 1963, and that the history of man is inseparable from the history of religion. Engle v. Vitale, 1962.
The Bible may constitutionally be used in an appropriate study of history, civilization, ethics, comparative religion, or the like.
* America's God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations
Year of the Bible 1983, was declared on October 4, 1982, by a Joint Resolution of both the Senate and House of Representatives in the 97th Congress of the United States of America:
Public Law 97-280. Whereas that renewing our knowledge of and faith in God through Holy Scripture can strengthen us as a nation and a people…The Bible, the Word of God, has made a unique contribution in shaping the United States as a distinctive and blessed nation…Deeply held religious convictions springing from the Holy Scriptures led to the early settlement of our Nation…Biblical teaching inspired concepts of civil government that are contained in our Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.
* America's God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations
rocky2
If schools distribute the Bible, then how would you feel about distributing the Koran too? How about the Book of Mormon, or the teachings of Sceintology. What about Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Taoism or Spiritism? Would that be OK with you?
Students are freely given information, actual birth control pills, other instruments of birth control, and abortions in public schools today without parental notice. Why is being given a copy of the New Testament such a crime? I was a public school educator until the day I found two middle school students having intercourse in a corner of the building and the administration told me frankly "Well, that's their right to express themselves here. We cannot violate their freedom." That same administration would suspend students for throwing snowballs! Something is wrong with America's educational system today. I got out and never looked back. God cannot be pleased with parents who continue to send their children to such a Satanic system controlled by the socialist human enginneers of today.
As a member of the ACLU, I fight everyday to protect our public institutions from the encroachment of religion. Religion is a very personal thing. Leave it at home or at church, no good can come from allowing religion in our schools or courts or government.
xizwyck, Sorry to burst your bubble but gravitation is a theory too.
jesusgirl_2005, Here is why creationism is not taught in schools:
It is a belief, NOT a theory.
Evolution is taught in schools because it is a scientific theory based on the scientific method.
You need to learn the difference between a belief you learn about at Sunday school, and what a scientific theory is.
mcfbc
Of course we shouldn't give up on anyone nor hide in a bunker, but protecting children is NOT HIDING.
HampsteadPete
Sorry to burst your bubble but evolution is a theory. It cannot be reproduced even once, let alone many times to be considered fact.
All people and their kids have the right to choose to learn what they will in school and out in the everyday world. As for the teaching evolution in schools, it isn't right to just teach one theory in school because that gives the idea that evolution is the only accepted theory and that isn't the case. Creation is also widely accepted by millions of people. Why shouldn't it be taught in schools, considering it has been proven historically accurate?
People are going to choose what they want to believe whether or not it is right. We don't have the right to limit the spread of Christianity. I get upset every time I hear on the news or online about another lawsuit having to do with Christianity. Whoever says this is in protection of Americans' rights is wrong. They may be helping a portion of this country who don't believe in the Bible, but what about the Americans who are Christians. They are limiting our rights. Don't we have the right to believe in the Bible? As for those who don't believe there is any evidence confirming any theory but evolution, the Bible just so happens to be proven historically accurate. I am not saying this to offend anyone. I am just stating a fact.
I just want people to know that it is wrong to limit the spread of Christianity even in schools. Kids should be given a chance to learn about Creation as well as in evolution. I personally don't buy into evolution but all people have the to choose what to learn and what to believe.
First, you mean to tell me you would trust the school district that you have that much contempt for to teach the Bible, or even use it to teach reading? I would not ever allow that. That is my responsibility. The church I attend also helps in this area, but I know their doctrine. Who knows what biases a school teacher would bring.
Second, I don't agree. The opportunities are far greater to minister to the kids in my neighborhood because of the connection my child has through the school. You talk about
exposing children to evolution, sexual immorality, violence, harassment, unethical behavior, vulgarity, false religions, etc...
Well, what about these other kids that are being exposed to this who do not have a Christian family to go home to. Should we just give up on them? Should we just hide in our bunker's to protect our children? Even if you hide in the bunker there is no promise that your children will turn out okay. I have known many children who were home-schooled who didn't. And many teens who are in public school now who are strong in their faith.
I can't stick my head in the sand.
If the public schools systems returned to what they were in the past, where education was based on the Bible (check out the first reading primers on Google), then I would probably enroll my sons, God permitting.
Also, forgot to add "inefficient" to the list... my boys are farther along than most and their school work is much less. Their friends get home around 4PM (factoring in school starts around 7:30-8AM) while our boys are done by 2-3PM (usually 10-2 or 3PM) depending.
mcfbc
It is possible to build relationships without exposing children to evolution, sexual immorality, violence, harassment, unethical behavior, vulgarity, false religions, etc... nor are children (generally speaking) able to exhort others to not engage in these things or even consistently resist participating in them.
How can we expect children to do this when most adults cannot?
If you really want to send a message that the school system understands, hit them in the pocket by withdrawing the child out of the school as the school would not receive the funds for that particular child.
We need to protect our children and give them the best chance to become faithful followers of Christ.
Question: Do you think that Lot was a positive influence on Sodom? Surely the people in that city needed to be admonished of their sin and exhorted to repent but that could have been done without Lot living so close.
Another good reason to send your children to public school. Our child has been in public school and it has provided wonderful opportunities for us to build relationships with kids in our neighborhood. These opportunities would not happen if our little girls wasn't making these friends at her school. We need to quit hiding from these fights and stand our ground so we can be an influence on the next generation.
Another good reason to home school your kids. My wife and I sacrifice to home school our boys but it is well worth it. Our boys are much better off and we receive compliments from friends and strangers on how well they behave and how well balanced they are. But it took a hard sacrifice, and it meant living on one income, however; God has blessed us in every way imaginable.