Sounds to me like yet another case of FAFO – Fuck Around and Find Out – and yet the Prague school system and this Ryan Walters character seem to be determined to waste both the city's time and money on what is becoming an inevitable lawsuit against them. Let us note here that the Freedom From Religion Foundation doesn't EVER dive into a local situation without local standing, which means that SOMEONE in that school system is not pleased with the current practice of public prayer in their school, and that they have the FFRF's support in opposing that practice.
Note, too, that the FFRF has tried numerous such cases, and their record is Very Damned Strong. Walters may not be "bullied" ... but he is very liable to find himself on the losing end of this argument.
"We have to take a stand for our students, freedom of religion, their freedom to express their religious beliefs, no matter what those religious beliefs may be."
There is no absolute right to expressing one's religious views, or anything else. Freedom of speech isn't the right to force your beliefs on others. Kids in a public school are a captive audience, and have no choice but to listen to prayers over the school's intercom system. Conservative Christians simply will not stop trying to force their religion into the public schools, paid for with everyone's tax dollars. I can cut the kids reading the prayers some slack, because they're kids. There is no possible excuse for the administrators who allow the practice. These Christians will, of course, claim they're poor persecuted victims if forced to stop by the lawsuit they're begging to be hit with.
The theme of the Christian Nationalists as being bullied is completely false and based in false persecution. Also demanding we all follow your religion is anything but freedom of religion. As an older former Evangelical their religion is not anything I would want for myself , my children or grandchildren.
They keep talking about religious freedom but it’s always in a “freedom for me” way. Those children are rushing to recite the prayers over the loudspeaker because they get their picture taken and lavished with praise, if they got that attention for reading a Dr. Seuss book, they’d be lined up for that. Which would be more effective way to engage the children. What about the freedom of the non-Christian children at the school? Or the ones that are part of Christian sects that forbid this type of behavior (JW for example)? Are they given an opportunity to recite prayers from their traditions? What do they miss if they find ways to avoid the prayers? Or are they forced to listen? The school is clearly not concerned with those children’s religious freedom.
Of course, we all know the Christian nationalist position on this. Religious freedom only applies to Christianity, you’re free to choose to practice any Christian faith you want (some exceptions may apply).
Also, …
“The complaint raised by FFRF was fully investigated by the school district with guidance from the Oklahoma State Department of Education website, the district's legal counsel and consultation with members of the local ministerial alliance.”
…why did the school involve a ministerial alliance in the investigation? They are not part of the school district, they have a clear conflict of interest and them being involved at all is part of the issue. Who makes up this alliance? Are there Rabbis, Imams, or other religion’s clergy, or just the local Protestant churches? Their advice is inappropriate even if it’s is diverse.
Every school should start every morning with a simple prayer. It doesn't take long and it will bless the school and the students in the eye of an all-powerful Lord.
Principle: Today, our prayer, which is not school sponsored and completely chosen by students will be lead by Sarah...
Sarah: Allaahu Akba....... (**sounds of scuffling**)
Principle: Give me that microphone. (**sounds of scuffling**)
Principle: I meant to say that we will never be praying again, because there is an out of state group that is trying to take God out of school. It is all their fault.
Ryan Walters isn't interested in the schools of Oklahoma. He's interested in pushing Christianity on children. The 'Great Commission' gives them the right, they think, to force themselves on anyone. And if anyone pushes back, "We're trying to save them from hell. It's an act of love"
Again, if only they had to pay out of their own pockets. Unfortunately Christians do all sorts of stuff without personal consequences. But like the rich really.
Incidentally, Robert Reich's substack has an excellent obituary of Henry Kissinger.
"Once you've been to Cambodia, you’ll never stop wanting to beat Henry Kissinger to death with your bare hands. You will never again be able to open a newspaper and read about that treacherous, prevaricating, murderous scumbag sitting down for a nice chat with Charlie Rose or attending some black-tie affair for a new glossy magazine without choking.
"Witness what Henry did in Cambodia ― the fruits of his genius for statesmanship ― and you will never understand why he’s not sitting in the dock at The Hague next to [Serbian President Slobodan] Milošević,” Anthony Bourdain
"a group that's funded by George Soros, that is atheist, that is from out of state, has come in and targeted children"
In one sentence, that filled my wingnut bingo card.
Sounds to me like yet another case of FAFO – Fuck Around and Find Out – and yet the Prague school system and this Ryan Walters character seem to be determined to waste both the city's time and money on what is becoming an inevitable lawsuit against them. Let us note here that the Freedom From Religion Foundation doesn't EVER dive into a local situation without local standing, which means that SOMEONE in that school system is not pleased with the current practice of public prayer in their school, and that they have the FFRF's support in opposing that practice.
Note, too, that the FFRF has tried numerous such cases, and their record is Very Damned Strong. Walters may not be "bullied" ... but he is very liable to find himself on the losing end of this argument.
"We have to take a stand for our students, freedom of religion, their freedom to express their religious beliefs, no matter what those religious beliefs may be."
There is no absolute right to expressing one's religious views, or anything else. Freedom of speech isn't the right to force your beliefs on others. Kids in a public school are a captive audience, and have no choice but to listen to prayers over the school's intercom system. Conservative Christians simply will not stop trying to force their religion into the public schools, paid for with everyone's tax dollars. I can cut the kids reading the prayers some slack, because they're kids. There is no possible excuse for the administrators who allow the practice. These Christians will, of course, claim they're poor persecuted victims if forced to stop by the lawsuit they're begging to be hit with.
Oklahoma is tied with Georgia for 8th most religious state in America. It's also 48th in Education.
I see a connection, don't you?
The theme of the Christian Nationalists as being bullied is completely false and based in false persecution. Also demanding we all follow your religion is anything but freedom of religion. As an older former Evangelical their religion is not anything I would want for myself , my children or grandchildren.
Ryan Walters is another Christian who disobeys his savior's words about keeping prayer private and in secret.
Does NO Christian own a copy of the bible with Matthew 6:5-6 included?
Why is his suit so tight and why is he not wearing a tie.
"Portions of this article were published earlier because Ryan Walters pulls this shit all the time."
Hemant, I love you when you get snarky.
They keep talking about religious freedom but it’s always in a “freedom for me” way. Those children are rushing to recite the prayers over the loudspeaker because they get their picture taken and lavished with praise, if they got that attention for reading a Dr. Seuss book, they’d be lined up for that. Which would be more effective way to engage the children. What about the freedom of the non-Christian children at the school? Or the ones that are part of Christian sects that forbid this type of behavior (JW for example)? Are they given an opportunity to recite prayers from their traditions? What do they miss if they find ways to avoid the prayers? Or are they forced to listen? The school is clearly not concerned with those children’s religious freedom.
Of course, we all know the Christian nationalist position on this. Religious freedom only applies to Christianity, you’re free to choose to practice any Christian faith you want (some exceptions may apply).
Also, …
“The complaint raised by FFRF was fully investigated by the school district with guidance from the Oklahoma State Department of Education website, the district's legal counsel and consultation with members of the local ministerial alliance.”
…why did the school involve a ministerial alliance in the investigation? They are not part of the school district, they have a clear conflict of interest and them being involved at all is part of the issue. Who makes up this alliance? Are there Rabbis, Imams, or other religion’s clergy, or just the local Protestant churches? Their advice is inappropriate even if it’s is diverse.
Every school should start every morning with a simple prayer. It doesn't take long and it will bless the school and the students in the eye of an all-powerful Lord.
Now, let's begin.
""Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Ctulhu R'lyeh wgah-ngal fhtaga!"
Looking forward to FFRF wiping those smug looks off their faces.
Principle: Today, our prayer, which is not school sponsored and completely chosen by students will be lead by Sarah...
Sarah: Allaahu Akba....... (**sounds of scuffling**)
Principle: Give me that microphone. (**sounds of scuffling**)
Principle: I meant to say that we will never be praying again, because there is an out of state group that is trying to take God out of school. It is all their fault.
Ryan Walters isn't interested in the schools of Oklahoma. He's interested in pushing Christianity on children. The 'Great Commission' gives them the right, they think, to force themselves on anyone. And if anyone pushes back, "We're trying to save them from hell. It's an act of love"
Again, if only they had to pay out of their own pockets. Unfortunately Christians do all sorts of stuff without personal consequences. But like the rich really.
Incidentally, Robert Reich's substack has an excellent obituary of Henry Kissinger.
"Once you've been to Cambodia, you’ll never stop wanting to beat Henry Kissinger to death with your bare hands. You will never again be able to open a newspaper and read about that treacherous, prevaricating, murderous scumbag sitting down for a nice chat with Charlie Rose or attending some black-tie affair for a new glossy magazine without choking.
"Witness what Henry did in Cambodia ― the fruits of his genius for statesmanship ― and you will never understand why he’s not sitting in the dock at The Hague next to [Serbian President Slobodan] Milošević,” Anthony Bourdain
"People of faith will never be bullied."
CHRISTIANS: "That's OUR job and has been for close to two thousand years. We don't like people muscling in on our territory."
If the christian god is omniscient why the need for prayer ?
I am waiting for the first idiot who will argue the school doesn't promote christianity since they use a Pagan symbol, Poseidon's trident.