Can teachers do this? They shouldn't have the right to.?

Question

I am a ninth grader, and I go to a very diverse school. Most of the teachers are Christians, and they get annoyed if a kid uses Jesus's name in vain.
They will ask, sarcastically, "Are you praying?"
One teacher even made a student apologize to Jesus, although the student was an athiest.

Am I the only one who gets sick of this? I think teachers should just ignore it, and accept the fact that we don't all have the same beliefs.

The next time a teacher lectures me for using their lord's name in vain, I think I might just tell them I'm a Wiccan to shut them up.

What do you think of this all?

Answer 1

You're right, they're out of line.

If asked if you're praying, look at them like they're nuts and just say "of course not, I'm not Christian. It's a mild interjection that's part of the cultural vernacular."

That student who was told to apologize should have respectfully pointed out it's hard to apologize to something that doesn't exist.

You could also complain to the principal or the superintendent, that you are being asked in front of everyone to submit to the standards of a religion you don't follow. Explain you don't want to disrespect the teachers but they aren't leaving you much choice.

Answer 2

It might not be terribly wise to put yourself into that sort of focus. While it's quite right to be true to your self, you don't need to pick a fight.

I once received some advice: "Choose your battles carefully"

HAMLET: To be, or not to be--that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles
And by opposing end them. To die, to sleep--
No more--and by a sleep to say we end
The heartache, and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to.

...


For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause. There's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life.
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
Th' oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely
The pangs of despised love, the law's delay,
The insolence of office, and the spurns
That patient merit of th' unworthy takes,"


I think Shakespeare's message might here be interpreted
as something close to:

"don't sweat the small stuff."

and in your situation, unless you're supremely confident in your position, don't get yourself hurt over a matter of pride and indignation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJV44YV69z0

"step out of line, the man come, and take you away ..
think it's time we STOP children, what's that sound, everybody look what's going down.."

great song from ancient days .. check it out

Answer 3

I think it will get you in trouble and that you are at just about the age that most teenagers start challenging authority. You might channel your anger into something contructive. On the other hand, the teachers should not be constantly enforcing Christianity in a diverse school and a lawsuit might be creative. On the third hand, consider the number of Christians in society and ask why "Jesus" is a curse word and considered a profane (look up that for meaning) use. Find other words to express emotion or change it to "Jesus pray for me to have tolerance in times of stress" Yup, a prayer.

Answer 4

I always try to have good relationships with my teachers or at least neutral ones because that way I tend to get better grades. I would write a professional letter to the principal or just mess with the annoying teachers. By the way, saying something like, "Oh my God" isn't using what the Bible meant when it said don't use my name in vain. It meant don't do bad things in the name of God, not say funny fuzzy words next to his name.

Answer 5

I definitely think it's appropriate for teachers to stop you from using language that can be offensive to others. I'm pretty sure that your teachers aren't the only people in your school who are offended by using Jesus' name in vain. It'll be good for you to get out of the habit for later when you might end up offending your boss or something. Just because you don't believe in Jesus doesn't give you an excuse to offend others when you can easily avoid it. They also shouldn't let you use racist language, for example. However, I'm not sure if I agree with the technique of making you apologize to Christ if you don't believe in Him.

Is this a religious school? If so, they probably have stricter rules.

Answer 6

Do not tell the teacher to shut up, for that is a worse offense that using jesus' name in vain.

As to the apology, that is an infraction of the rule under "public humiliation" and no teacher is to do that.

Persoanlly, if they say, are you praying, i would retort. "I am asking for divine intervention.", but that could open a larger can of worms

Answer 7

If the school is a private school, I think you should be sensitive to the desires of the teachers.

If the school is a public school, I think religion should not be made an issue (separation of church and state). I would provide a written paper to the principal, VP, and counselor(s), explaining your point, and request a written response to your letters. You might then post these in the school newspaper.

Answer 8

well, if you are not praying then you probably have no right to use the name of the person you do not even believe in. however, i do not agree that the teacher should be able to force an audible apology to Jesus. especially since the person who so carelessly mentioned that name supposedly doesn't believe. the only time an athiest or pagan should call on the name of the Lord is when they have come to the realization that Jesus really hears them. i think that they can politely ask you not to curse in class. and it is considered a form of cursing.

Answer 9

Well I'm Christian and I think it's wrong. I do think you should be able to pray in school if you choose to, but I don't think they should be doing things like that. Just as I was raised Christian, others were raised Atheist. You can not simply tell someone to tell Jesus sorry. That would be like me telling Darwin sorry. They are making students feel uncomfortable. If they want to preach their faith then so be it, but don't preach it in school.

Answer 10

Whatever you reply the next time a teacher tries to bully you about Christianity (or any other subject) just remember that there are consequences for behaviors. They may not be immediate and they may not be obvious but be assured that there are consequences. You must judge how much something means to you, how much you are willing to suffer for your loyalty to a belief.