"What is popular is not always right, and what is right is not always popular."
In this particular school, christianity is obviously the popular thing. That doesn't make it right. Nor does it make it wrong. What is wrong is to use tax dollars to promote any ONE religious belief, whether at their ballgame, or in their school. Regardless of it's popularity.
If the "inspirational" messages had been merely inspirational, and not of a religious nature, they would have been tolerated and probably welcomed by anyone, anywhere. However, if a Hindu, a Muslim, a Jew or anyone of any other belief, or non-belief, were there, these messages exclude them and, intentionally or unintentionally, these messages promote exclusivity, and possibly ostracization, due to religious beliefs. Surely christians who hold their beliefs so near and dear to their hearts can understand how someone with differing beliefs may feel just as emotional about their own.
Instead of asking, "Why can't we display bible verses?", why not instead, create messages that include people from all walks of life, all belief or non-belief systems and create a positive atmosphere where children can learn to appreciate the differences among human beings? These children may very well be good children -- however, should they leave the small enclave of the area they live in, they will soon discover that what was popular within their town or school is not necessarily what is popular elsewhere. By teaching the children how to appreciate the differences between people and their belief systems NOW, they are far more capable of functioning well in the world when they venture forth into it.
The Constitution was written with inclusivity in mind, not exclusivity. ALL of us are created equal. The separation of church and state keeps one belief system from being state-sanctioned with tax dollars. There is good reason for this, if one looks back through history, or even at countries with state-sanctioned religious beliefs in the Mid-East today.
LFO Bible verse ‘complainant’ denies call for ban
"What is popular is not always right, and what is right is not always popular."
In this particular school, christianity is obviously the popular thing. That doesn't make it right. Nor does it make it wrong. What is wrong is to use tax dollars to promote any ONE religious belief, whether at their ballgame, or in their school. Regardless of it's popularity.
If the "inspirational" messages had been merely inspirational, and not of a religious nature, they would have been tolerated and probably welcomed by anyone, anywhere. However, if a Hindu, a Muslim, a Jew or anyone of any other belief, or non-belief, were there, these messages exclude them and, intentionally or unintentionally, these messages promote exclusivity, and possibly ostracization, due to religious beliefs. Surely christians who hold their beliefs so near and dear to their hearts can understand how someone with differing beliefs may feel just as emotional about their own.
Instead of asking, "Why can't we display bible verses?", why not instead, create messages that include people from all walks of life, all belief or non-belief systems and create a positive atmosphere where children can learn to appreciate the differences among human beings? These children may very well be good children -- however, should they leave the small enclave of the area they live in, they will soon discover that what was popular within their town or school is not necessarily what is popular elsewhere. By teaching the children how to appreciate the differences between people and their belief systems NOW, they are far more capable of functioning well in the world when they venture forth into it.
The Constitution was written with inclusivity in mind, not exclusivity. ALL of us are created equal. The separation of church and state keeps one belief system from being state-sanctioned with tax dollars. There is good reason for this, if one looks back through history, or even at countries with state-sanctioned religious beliefs in the Mid-East today.