Comments on: Should schools teach, perform religious songs?

By: dsteffy510

dsteffy510 — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 22:02:55 +0000

I’m an atheist who lives in Hayward. My personal opinion is that it really depends on the song. The lyrics of Silent Night are so innocuous, it’s not like the lyrics are forcing any particular beliefs on anyone. And of course, you can always just inform parents of the songs being taught, and let them opt out if they’re REALLY uptight about it. But I don’t think most parents, even atheist parents, would care or even give it a second thought.

By: monica ruiz

monica ruiz — Sat, 02 May 2009 02:03:15 +0000

I agree with teachermama.

By: teachermama

teachermama — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 05:13:07 +0000

In a situation like this, a little common sense goes a long way. There are plenty of ways and places to celebrate religious holidays outside of school. There is no compelling reason to sing songs like “Silent Night” in a public school setting (cwbyht, what is emotional trauma of NOT singing/hearing it?). I’m sure our talented music educators can put together a lovely “winter” or “holiday” program without songs that reference specific beliefs. No need to make a big deal about it, just teach to the music standards and keep the programs inclusive so ALL students can access the instruction. I know plenty of Jewish kids who have endured school Christmas concerts by just hanging their heads, mumbling, or plastering on a smile. It was no fun for me or my siblings, and for young kids of any religious minority it is a confusing experience at best, a marginalizing one at worst.

By: J. W. Kyle

J. W. Kyle — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:14:47 +0000

Let us also scratch from the list of school board’s inappropriate activity, the practice of closing schools at Christmas and Easter. Christanity was builtr upon the period observed as Passover… so now you have Christains and Jews upset!

Then too, if you do not permit study of religious music, you ought ban from the list of studies any of the famous authors of great operatic music any of those musical great author’s who wrote great music for use in the R.C. Church’s liturgical rites;
omething really bad might happen if any of that type music was even discussed in a classroom. There is a risk that some insensitive teacher might innocently mention by name, the works of one of those guys.

Let us also ban from Federally supervised radio and telecommunication airwaves or technology, such music as is heard even before Thanksgiving until Dec. 25th….public airwaves must not be used for adverse influences upon the sensitive who avoid any and all religious influence.

The same applies to History classes does it not?
God forbid classrooms teachers address religious influence found in recorded History.

Let us face it ! We can get carried away with objections to religious music which we all know has a BAD INFLUENCE on young minds. Except when used for businees aqttraction purposses at the Mall! Saint ‘Nick’ dressed up in that dumb red suit???
Forget it!

By: cwbyht

cwbyht — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:49:59 +0000

Can someone tell me, how you could be harmed by singing, or hearing this song? I’m not talking: sets a dangerous precedent for our rights, blah, blah, blah.

I mean real damage of the emotionally traumatized, scarred for life variety!

By: J. W. Kyle

J. W. Kyle — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 06:06:23 +0000

Poor Mrs.Katz-LaCabe, should she win that battle, then, as a good practicing atheist the lady will attack the use of “God” in our pledge of allegiamce as well as on our currency and coinage.WHAT A WASTE!

The use of the Bible when swearing in Presidents, Governors, etc will is also assumed objectionable to the Lady.

Perhaps she ought become a bit more tolerant or else, God forbid, Rush Limbough will bring her to the attention of some emotional folks of the ‘Bible Belt’

I SPENT A YEAR IN A CLASSROOM, taught by a Jesuit Priest who, not too soon after his ordination, was yanked into the U.S. Navy. He served in W.W, II continuosly for three years in the Pacific….. he once explained that he never met an atheist but was completely shook up by the battle wounded sailor who spent his last 30 minutes of life cursing God! AN EXPERIENCE WHICH NEVER SEEMED TO ESCAPE THE MIND OF THAT CHAPLAIN.

I THINK THE BASIC PROBLEM WITH ATHEISM IS THE IDEA THAT IF GOD EXISTED, THE WORLD WOULD BE BETTER OFF! HOWEVER, SINCE THE WORLD IS FAR FROM PERFECT, THEN GOD MUST NOT EXIST.

THE REVERSE SIDE OF THAT COIN 0R ARGUMENT IS THIS:

GOD HAS PROVIDED MANKIND WITH EVERYTHING NEEDED TO SOLVE OUR WORLDLY TROUBLES. HOWEVER WE REFUSE TO USE THOSE FACULTIES AND RESOURCES IN A PROPER FASHION.

I’LL BET HE IS p o’d