The atheist's daughter

nova0311 wrote:

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Wow, I can't believe you just said that you have no morals or ethics unless you subscribe to Judeo-Christian beliefs. "Not to burst your bubble," but the Shermans weren't the ones vandalizing their own driveway. You don't have to believe in a magical "someone out there" to know right from wrong. I am not a Christian, and I know that what you just typed is completely wrong.

Ahh, I didn't say they can't have morals, just not Western Civilization (Judeo-Christian) ones - which is what our systems are based on.

I'm astonished by the hatred and violence expressed by christians on this page to a 14-year-old girl who has done nothing to harm them. Also by how frantic they are to get their beliefs imposed on others by the power of the government. It seems to me that christians can't be very secure in their beliefs if they feels so threatened by a teenage girl who does not mindlessly march in lockstep with them.

Wow her father brainwashed her early!

I am curious how Ms. Sherman reconciles her statement that she does not attach any meaning to the words in religious songs based on the premise that she enjoys the music itself and yet she attaches meaning to the word "God" in the song "God Bless America." Either Ms. Sherman's neorological development is not fully realized and is therefore incapable of such a reconciliation at this time, or she simply dislikes the music for "God Bless America" and believes her school should play only music she finds palatable (in which case, dear students, enjoy the song during Homecoming next year as Ms. Sherman's taste in musical composition should not dictate your own such tastes), or her challenges to her peers and school are no different from any other teenager's complaints. Additionally, Ms. Sherman states that she is passionate about her rights. Since she made this statement with regard to a constitutionally driven lawsuit, Ms. Sherman and her attorney might consider reviewing the substantial body of constitutional precedent clearly stating that minors have no rights (e.g., locker searches). Having said the foregoing, I am not sure whether I am more irritated with myself for having spent valuable time reading about the rantings of a misinformed child, or that I used even more valuable time responding to the rantings of a misinformed child.

Joe C wrote:

<quoted text> Ok and what about the many relgious kids that go to school and have to learn about evolution??? I see nothing wrong with prayer and it couldnt hurt to have 5 minutes of prayer and reflection. Non-relgious people dont have to do this. they are not forced to pray.

Evolution is based on fact. Regardless of whether or not you think God gave us tailbones when he created us 5000 years ago just to try to confuse us, doesn't mean that our tailbones aren't there. Besides, my point was that children can pray outside of school. They even have a specific place to go do it (church). On the other hand, school is the only place where a kid is going to learn about science, especially if they have religious parents. By the way, you being Catholic and all, you are aware that the Catholic church has accepted evolution, aren't you? They also have decided that the Earth orbits the Sun and officially forgave Galileo a few years ago. Seriously, it was only a few years ago.

For the record I have nothing against atheists who do not push their beliefs on me.

That being said; If religous people attacked atheists in the same manner some atheists attack religion(believers), there would be hell to pay. More double standards perpetrated by these hypocrits(not all atheists).

No where in the constitution does it say religion cannot be practiced at government sponsored institutions. It states that the government cannot force a religion on people. Two entirely different things.

These people just want attention. Unfortunately it appears that the daughter is more mature than her father.

She didnt even say the law name right. It is silent and prayer. Not prayer and silent. She has a choice not to do either but she should get used to it.
There are momenents of silence all the time. When someone dies, at funerals, memorials. Reflect on your own life (or your dad's) if you have to. It is just a moment. Not a whole class period.

The girl is merely standing up for her rights, as established by the constitution and case law. She is not forcing anything on anyone, as stated by many religious commenters, but is refusing to have something forced upon her.

Christians were on Earth before there was anyone else, and we will be here after they're all gone. I can't wait.

I just wanna say this. I am a catholic, I believe in God and his teachings. I could care less if the person next to me believes the same. I am not God and have no right to judge. Thats what makes America beautiful is the diversity of different religions, cultures, and beliefs. We must all compromise and find a happy medium for us all to exist. If a public school is being funded by religious and non's tax dollars, then there should be an equal right to include religion without offending the other. If racism and hate is based on ignorance, shouldnt we educate our kids on the different relgions and cultures so we can break the cycle. If prayer is part of a persons life, why ban it. If prayer isnt, then why force it. We can learn alot if we can deal with others beliefs. Prayer and education go hand in hand with the over-all person, (if you are religious). NOt all public schools offer religion as an elective. Catholics dont believe in evolution, yet it is taught to us in science class. Even though it goes against GOd it is neccessary to learn EVERYTHING in order to form a complete person. To want to ban something shows the lack of tolerance of us AMERICANS. YOu wanna know why there is racism and hate. Just look at some of the one-side ignorant comments from both religous and non's alike.

Southside wrote:

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Your anger and frustration come through and cloud your judgement. I just hope next time you get upest with someone when they don't agree with your views while you are pushing them on someone, oh like maybe insisting that the people who are in favor of a moment of silence are stupid and religious zealots, you remember your own words about respecting others' opinions and walk away quietly and respectfully. I understand that your view is that this is a violation of the separations between church and state law however other people view it simply as a moment of silence and reflection and that no influence of religion or pray is involved. IN addtion a moment of reflection has been proven to be beneficial in psychological studies that have nothing to do with religion at all. Also, the point that you are missing in what others are saying, just as you spitefully pointed out about others on the other side of the fence, is that this has nothing to do with religion and all to do with their own right to take a moment of silence and reflect - what they choose to do during that moment again is their own right. By taking that away, they are being robbed of their own personal civil rights to take a moment of silence. Next time open your mind and stop getting caught up with something that angers you and lashing out. It is insulting to all no matter what side of this argument you sit on and does no good to either side.

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I think you are not understanding a big reality of this situation and it is this: the people who originated and support this law/mandate base it competely on their personal religious beliefs. Period. They then try to disguise this legally dubious fact by inserting the 'moment of silence' terminology into the legislation. If you can't see this you are either totally blind to reality or perhaps merely support practicing religion in public school and don't want to admit this fact.

Backing up....let's just assume for argument that the law has nothing to do with religion. Keep in mind that this is happening in a public school where students from all faiths and non-faiths attend. Everyone is affected by any law that is put in place in the class. Everyone. So what if a Muslim kid wants to interrupt class to quietly pray to Allah for a few minutes each day? Should the rest of the class be required to be silent to respect his beliefs? What if an atheist kid, because he bases his beliefs on science, wants to read his "Brief History of Time" book by Stephen Hawking and wants to do so at 3PM everyday? Should class be stopped to respect his beliefs?

This is all absurd.

Public school is for learning!!!!!!!!

It is time to learn math, science, history and english. The time at school is limited. Our kids are falling way behind the world in scholastic achievement. There is no rational reason to interrupt this learning for either "reflecting" or "prayer".

Don't think it would have been an issue if the act said, Silent Reflection "OR" Student Prayer Act instead of Silent Reflection "AND" Student Prayer Act. The use of the word AND inplies that both are connected. Since prayer is associated with belief in some type of God or organized religion then it would be unconstitional. Interesting item is when you look in the body of the Act it does use the "OR" but not in the title.

I was raised in a catholic family and went to catholics school, and I feel there is no god. We all evolved form monkees.

Sherry wrote:

ChicagoJoe...No I did not learn from my parents, but made up my own mind but let me use my husband as an example, he was raised in an atheist household with a father who would not let the children attend church. By the time he was almost 16 he knew there was a God and lives his life as such. If you are a parent you know how great of an influence you have on your children, but at some point they may or may not continue as you has raised them.

jjrg7 wrote:

Wow her father brainwashed her early!

Yeah, fortunately religious people only "pass on their values" and never "brainwash" their own kids to accept their religious views.

If you did want to brainwash someone, I suppose you could force them to sit through a moment in which everyone reflects on the beliefs that you want to instill...oh, wait a minute...

Amazing how the effort to create a tolerant school environment that respects all beliefs and lack of belief generates such a frenzy of bitter Christian comments.

While I completely and respectfully disagree with the Shermans' view of God and religion (but generally agree with them about the U.S. Constitution prohibiting the government from establishing an official religion), I am struck by the thoughtfulness and courage of young Ms. Sherman. She appears to be mature beyond her years. More of our sons and daughters need to be like her---at least in terms of intellect and spunk!

Hilarious. All these atheists cry and cry about their rights and how they shouldnt be pressured into hearing about God. Well why do we have to listen to them talk about how God isnt real and how they think anyone who believes in God is stupid? Sorry but it is God Bless America and always has been. Deal with it.

RajIndia wrote:

Christians were on Earth before there was anyone else, and we will be here after they're all gone. I can't wait.

Really? I want some of what you're smoking.....

Oh my gosh they are attacking christians again...what is this world coming to? You overzealous religious folks do not understand spirituality and grace, it has nothing to do with an affront on your particular beleifs ratherwhat is inside of you. I see these "Christian" or "religious" people saying a prayer for these atheists in a very condescending, I'm right your goona burn in hell attitude. Really folks when are you people going to actually read the bible or follow the words and actions of Jesus. I understand that the bible says he kept near him, what was is considered the very lowest of humans, thieves, prostitutes and the other dregs of society. and no where does this very "story" talk about getting angry or denouncing others beleifs just that each and every human should have compassion and grace for one another. No one forces anyone to do anything regarding religion. Why would these politicians beleive that incorporating a law that clearly says prayer in it would or should fly anywhere. Fire your legislator for not just calling it a moment of silence for clear thinking and a better education law, no one here would even care. Not even the Sherman's.

John wrote:

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Evolution is based on fact. Regardless of whether or not you think God gave us tailbones when he created us 5000 years ago just to try to confuse us, doesn't mean that our tailbones aren't there. Besides, my point was that children can pray outside of school. They even have a specific place to go do it (church). On the other hand, school is the only place where a kid is going to learn about science, especially if they have religious parents. By the way, you being Catholic and all, you are aware that the Catholic church has accepted evolution, aren't you? They also have decided that the Earth orbits the Sun and officially forgave Galileo a few years ago. Seriously, it was only a few years ago.

I never said I agree 100% with the Catholic church. However I dont believe in the big bang Theory. I just dont buy it. I beleive in some type of evolution cuz we all evolve, its a fact of life. I believe God created us, not some explosion in space. If you wanna believe them, then that is your right. Im not saying what is right. Im saying what is right for me. And since my taxes go to fund public school, I beleive religion as well as science, math, and english are keys to for educating my kids to the best. prayer is an important thing in a religous persons life. Its just as important about as Science. I dont use science in my job whatsoever, I do use prayer to help me get through the day. So your not willing to compromise??