Atheist at school?!?

Question

At school, we stand and a speaker thing, says the pledge of allegiance. The teacher says, we don't need to stand if it's against our religion, but I think i'm the only one that would stay seated. So should I just stand anyway because i'm not actually saying it, or just stay seated. But if I don't stand people will ask why I'm not standing, and will probably scare them, because so much people think atheists are bad people, which is really annoying. =/

Answer 1

Dont be afraid to show your beliefs. If people are scared of you for being an atheist, then are they even worth hanging out with in the first place?

Answer 2

I'm a Christian, and there is nothing that is supposed to be compulsory in Christianity. We are not to force anyone to do or say anything they are not willing to do regarding faith in Christ because then it is not faith or even belief. Christians are actually not even supposed to swear on the Bible because we are told that when we say we will do something, we are to do it...our yes is to be yes, and our no is to be no, meaning we are not to lie. We are not to swear by anything.

Pledging allegiance to country can be a nice thing to do, but it doesn't mean that person is going to honor the pledge, especially if it is compulsory or habitual. The honor given to one's country should be in our actions, just as with Christians, honoring God is in how we live according to His word. There is far too much weight given to the pledge than what is necessary.

I do not agree that religion should be taken out of public schools, because this nation was founded as a Christian nation where freedom was to be protected, and the morality that mandates this protection is biblical. The freedom from "compulsory" religion is an integral part of why this nation was founded. People were to be free to choose their faith or lack of. The primary textbook Americans had in the early United States was the Bible. It was and is wonderful for all people to study and learn about the Bible even if they do not truly believe it is God's word as I do. People Study Homer's Illiad and Odyssey, and the Bible is a far more important and compelling historical text when considering it's historical/archaeological significance alone. The Constitution was grounded upon biblical principles as was the Declaration of Independence. Honoring our country is honoring the founding fathers and the principles they did their best to live by.

So to wrap up, no, there is no need for you to say anything when you stand unless you mean it. Speaking anything just to speak it with no desire to actually carry out what you say is just a waste of breath and a lie. If you believe it, then say it with conviction.

Another idea...if you feel compelled to say a pledge to your country, you can always substitute the words you actually mean.

i.e. " I will do my best to be a good citizen, and to treat others with respect and love"...etc etc..

Take Care and God Bless dear

Answer 3

Do what you feel is right for you.

Sometimes it's better to "go with the flow" for a little while to allow others to think you fit in with them, even if you don't. It's mostly to keep the peace.

However, if you really don't like standing and feel prepared to handle whatever strange questions or comments might come your way, stay seated. Who knows, you might end up inspiring or informing someone else who would also prefer to stay seated.

Answer 4

Yes - I know the problem. Some Christians try to force everyone else to be in their nonsense party. Unfortunately they have the power and therefore, in the UK, students are more or less forced to attend brain washing sessions called morning assembly and other acts of religious worship.

When I was in the navy, we had to fill out 'next of kin' forms in case of death. I put atheist under religion. The form came back with 'are you a Catholic or CofE atheist?'

Their is always the pressure to keep the old superstitions going even thought some have seen the 'Emperors new clothes'

Answer 5

I work in a school where we have to say the pledge and have a moment of silence. No one will say much if you don't stand.

Answer 6

Just stand, say most of the pledge, and leave "under god" out of it. Like it was meant to be.

Answer 7

Isn't standing respect for the flag and country... I think it best we not try to promote the "atheists shouldn't be considered American citizens" thing...

Heck, I'll say the pledge no problem, I just don't speak at the god part.

Answer 8

"The teacher says, we don't need to stand if it's against our religion,"...........why the hell would your teacher say that????????????

The Pledge of Allegiance isn't religious in any way. If you don't want to say "under god" then don't say it........you're pledging allegiance to your country and that's all.

Answer 9

Stand up, and pledge! When you get to the , 'One nation, under God'? Stop speaking, and start up again with ' Indivisible' and so on and so on! You are pledging allegiance to your flag, and country! Not God!

Answer 10

I'm atheist and I was chosen to say the pledge over the announcements. I would just skip over the "under God" part. I got away with it because I had two other people say it with me.

Answer 11

The problem is that it's not publicly acceptable to be an atheist in America. It's just not.
So, you are fighting against a lot of bias, bigotry, and total lack of understanding.
Is it just the "under god" part that you have trouble with? If so, then I would just not say that part. Nobody ever needs to know, and you don't have to feel like your compromising your beliefs to avoid some sort of backlash.
Good luck.