Christians!?

Question

This is for those of you who posted that you would prefer a christian teacher for your children...and for those of you who think that somehow an atheist or homosexual couldn't be as good or better than a christian one.

Do you really believe that? I'm an atheist and a teacher-and a darn good one if I may say (or at least the parents and children say). If you found out that I was an atheist and your child was in my class, would that be a problem?

I am an intelligent, tolerant, and kind person who believes that no views on religion or politics should be talked about or implied by ANY teacher at any time. That is not my job and I would personally be horrified if any teacher of my own child shared their views on faith or politics within their classroom.

Your thoughts?

I'm an art teacher, so I definitely need to discuss religions as they are part of Art History. It can assuredly be done without professing or emphasizing any faith.

I do not do ANY holidays or "crafts" in my class. We learn art history, production, techniques, and aesthetics.

How in the world do I not teach morals? Because I'm an atheist stealing is ok? They should be mean to each other? You really believe that?

Answer 1

I personally wouldn't care WHAT religion a teacher was, as long as they taught thier subject matter well. I wouldn't even mind having them discuss thier faith in class if it was something that would enhance the lesson in some way...to illustrate a point, just like they would from litature or Mythology or television, or music. Just another resource for they to use to help my children to learn.

I would, however, have a problem with anyone telling my child that what they believe is wrong simply becuase of differing beliefs. Or using thier position to put undue influence on my child. We are LDS living in the buckle of the bible belt...and I would have a teachers scalp if s/he were to take it upon themselves to "witness" or be "demeaning" to my child about faith. I just fell that a PUBLIC school teachers place is to teach the subject matter...not preach religion or the lack of religion to my children.

If I send my child to a private school...well...I've pretty much signed away my rights to get upset over such things...IYKWIM

Answer 2

I could care less who teaches my child, as long as they've done their college time and have no criminal convictions. It's not their job to teach my child religion, and I sincerely doubt that a religious discussion would erupt in kindergarten. Even being a Christian, I realize the difference each sect has on their beliefs and that it doesn't automatically make one a "good person".
If I was adamant on a Christian teacher, then I would send my child to a private school.
However, since school is all about a learning experience, I firmly believe that children should be able to experience some of the real world and it's diversity in people so as to create an opinion on their own, with time, on what is best for themselves.
You keep on teaching - maybe your tolerance and kindness will rub off on some of the kids that don't have the opportunity to learn those qualities at home.

Answer 3

I prefer a teacher who allows the children to share their faith , because that is what is in a Christian child's heart and you cannot turn it off and on, wherever you go. I am not saying that teachers should talk to children about God or so, but when the children start sharing, then you should put your non-beliefs aside and think about the child's feelings and well being.

Answer 4

I agree with you and what you state. But I think I would have reservations about a homosexual teacher in that (depending on his demeanor) it would be harder to keep an even keel at all times. I know this is a generalized assessment and would not hold true for all, but this is just the way I feel about it. So it is not an issue of doing a better job per say, but rather having a certain "atmosphere" perpetually in front of the student.

Answer 5

they at the instant are not Jews because of the fact Jew's have not got self belief the messiah has come yet. they have not got self belief Jesus so believing in Jesus and asserting your Jewish for sure contradicts one yet another.... that is unhappy that there are those Evangelist Christians that decision themselves "Jews". supply up this custom now, your disgracing the two Judaism and Christianity.

Answer 6

Well, an art teacher should remain neutral, but should validate the mystical and transcendent in students if and when it appears, even if such aesthetics seem superstitious, illogical, fairy-tale-land, hyper-religious, threatening...whatever. Let them keep their enchantment as long as they can.

Answer 7

Tell me something then would you approve celebrating Halloween in your class? would you agree to give your students witch craft books like Harry Potter to read as an assignment? You might be that which you say but then you are teaching spiritual damaging concepts if you said yes to either of these questions. You oppose teaching morals in the class room like "do not steal"..."do not covet" "love your neighbor as yourself" I just don't get it how can this be a bad thing? I also must ask how does one teach on world events without talking about our political figures and politics in general?

Answer 8

There is nothing that shows atheists are any less moral than Christians. In my personal experience, I've seen more moral atheists than moral Christians.

I don't believe homosexuality to be immoral either. Even it is, how (other than this) are they any more immoral than anyone else?

Everything boils down to the individual, not to the group. Saying atheists are immoral is no more different than many of the racial prejudices laid against blacks, Indians, or anyone else.

Answer 9

Regardless of my religious /spiritual beliefs. There Is no way to separate what you are/believe from who you are In ALL aspects of life that would mean you would be compromising what you believe In your heart. There Is no way you can separate yourself without compromise. I am a Christian to the core,with every fiber of my being.
Would you be pleased knowing that you're child was being taught by a Christian ? There Is no way to escape your beliefs,It's who you are. Of course being a REAL Chirstian means living It 24/7 without compromise. If anyone no matter what they believe can't live their faith/beliefs reguardless of what It Is, then they aren't being true to Whom they're serving.
As for me,I serve Jesus Christ. I will not compromise.

Answer 10

Our son's teacher last year was a non-believer and I was ecstatic... of course, I am, too.

The year before, when discussing how light refracts to make rainbows, the teacher asked if anyone could tell her how and one kid stood up and said, "ONLY God can make rainbows." The teacher said, "Yes, but how?" I wanted to scream.

She also had "Jehovah" on the chart for a word beginning with J.

I would PREFER a non-believer, someone who wouldn't infuse their teaching with religion but would remain secular and religion free. If people want a religious teacher, they should go to a parochial school or private school.