From the Mailbag.
A few weeks ago I posted the story of James Corbett, a CA teacher who is the target of a lawsuit for alleged “anti-Christian comments” made to students. A few comments have arrived about the piece and I’d like to share them now. First up, Yav said:
I heard some of the comments James Corbett said to his students on the news, and I was very curious to read the reactions of Americans on blogs. Knowing the very strong religious views of many Americans, I expected to see one-sided reactions, but I was surprised to come across your blog, and I think you summarized quite well the situation. I however wanted to add a little comment: as an atheist, it is difficult for me to see some people being so extremist in supporting their religion, and in particular, to see how some people are so eager to say that their own religion is the “right” one. While I condemn the way James Corbett tried to make his case, I tend to agree with him that religion is, and has always been, a divider between people. It suffices to look at the opinion Christians have of Muslims, and vice versa, or how Jewish people tend to contemn non-Jewish (By this, I refer, for example, to the fact that many Jewish families would fiercely want their children to marry other Jewish). I do not have the pretension to say that the world would be better without religions, but religion is not gonna save us, unless religious people finally start behaving in the good-manner that is being preached to them. I do not want to make it a generality, but throughout my young life, I haven’t met many religious people whose actions and thoughts were purely altruistic. How contradictory of their “faith”…
Just as a reminder, through what I just wrote, I do not, in any way, intend to be disrespectful of any religion in particular, on the contrary, I hope that all religions would finally realize that we all seek the same, and that small nuances should not be responsible for wars and hatred.
Thank you very much, Yav. I do find it interesting how one-sided things can be for some. Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion are paramount–so long as they apply to Christians and Christianity. When it comes to others suddenly we’re talking “Radical Activists” who are “trying to destroy” everything from the family to American society as a whole. They cannot be allowed to speak freely (let alone be allowed to enjoy other Constitutional rights) or all will be lost.
I was a Christian for about 20 years and the entire time I had the utmost respect for other religions and their followers, as well as for non-believers. As far as I was concerned my belief was what I felt was right for me, and others had the right to choose their own path. The notion of attempting to force my ways on anybody else via proselytization, law or any other means was repugnant to me. Sadly too many people disagree and that’s where we’ll have constant friction.
Your idea of people practicing what their religion preached would go a long way. Instead too many seem to be trying to get others to practice what they think the religion preaches (whether those others practice the same religion or not). Were it only that all believers would use religion to guide their own lives instead of as a weapon against others….
Next up is Steph, who said:
‘I just wanted to point this case out so maybe some believers might just understand where we’re coming from when we demand they stop pushing their anti-LGBT, anti-atheist, ant-Islam, anti-Jewish, etc. opinions on us. If we’re to be tolerant of you, you must offer the same courtesy to us.’
from a gay christian, amen to that.
Thank you. You know, I recall Jesus saying something about “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. Funny how so few people who call themselves Christians practice that. But then again they seem to be so much more about the Old Testament than the New, no matter what they say….
Moving along, John said:
You’re comments are biased. I am gay and think this teacher is out of line. Would you feel the same way if the teacher began saying words like “k*ke” and other anti semitic slurs? Why should one religion be respected and another trashed? Is that fair? It is actually unconstitutional for the State to favor one religion Judaism) and persecute another (Christianity). You give gays a bad name because of your hypocrisy. Ever hear the adage that two wrongs don’t make a right? You’re a typical brainwashed j*ckass…atheism good, Judaism and Buddhism good…Christianity bad? It makes absolutely no sense.
Hmmmm, John, did you actually read my comments? Specifically the part where I stated I support this lawsuit as I do the lawsuits of those who go to court over religious people preaching hatred in schools towards LGBT people or those of other religions. Perhaps you should go re-read the post again. Nowhere did I say “Christianity bad, everything else good”. What I said was that Christians need to disabuse themselves of the belief that they can/should be able to say whatever they want, whenever they want, yet turn around and cry “persecution” when others exercise their right to speak what they see as the truth. Christians can’t have it both ways. In other words, the very restrictions that “silence” them protect them too, and they need to recognize that.
Just so you’re aware, I take all forms of hatred seriously, have spoken out against Antisemitism, white supremacists and myriad violations of human rights. Unlike many others, I do care about people other than those some book or designated leader say I’m allowed to.
Thank you for your comments. I hope you don’t mind I corrected the spelling and edited the foul language. I guess that’s just the jack*ss in me.
