BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Pagan Separation of Church and State Violation?

I've been expecting this to happen in my state here in the Bible belt and have been surprised that it hasn't so far. A judge has ordered that these parents can not teach their beliefs to their child:

Indystar.com

That's a pretty fair violation as far as I am concerned. I'd like to see some judge try that on a set of Christian parents, as I'm sure the backlash would be fierce.

Sadly, the freedom to practice one's religion in this day and age is slowly but surely being bent in the direction of a few "approved" religions to the exclusion of the others.

The judge said the beliefs at home contradicted what he learned at school, which is why he wasn't allowed to be taught his religion at home. That should frighten any parent of any religion. After all, in public school, you have to teach evolution, and can't teach creationism. Using his logic, no child could be taught religion at home because it contradicts the secular basis of schools. The judge can't get away with this, because of separation of church and state, but if he did...it would be a strong step towards outlawing the teaching of religion to children...and then we might as well toss out our Bill of Rights altogether.

Clearly the judgment will be overturned in higher court unless perhaps the case isn't pursued, though I can't imagine that the parents aren't beating off lawyers eager for publicity in a no-lose case based on the founding principles of this country.

A bumbling fool could turn himself (or herself) into an F. Lee Bailey with this case, for about 2 hours or so at the very least.

What I also find hard to believe is that the appeals court has already upheld the ruling

Rae,

I questions your assertion that slowly but surely our religious freedoms are being eroded. Looking back at the history of our country, I think we're living in a pretty enlightened time. No witch trials, no being turned down for a job, house, etc. based on religious persuassion.

Yes, there are some people who react badly to beliefs they aren't familiar with , or don't themselves follow, but religious persecution is not blatant (and fatal!) the way it was in earlier periods of this country's history.

What really helps is the average educational level of the general populace. When you know your rights, it's harder for people to take them away!