There's a frog in South America

Today in Social Studies we discussed the early Americans' settlement of the Northwest Territory; modern-day Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. There is a line in the Northwest Ordinance - the laws of said area - that says, "Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good governess and the happiness of mankind…"

Anywho, my teacher emphasized the knowledge point, and lauded America's founders for setting up public education. In my infinite impulsive wisdom and wit (*cough, look away*), I pointed out that some of them nevertheless publicly supported religion (at least, before the Constitution). I didn't expect her response: "Well, it's a Christian nation. Deal with it."

Now, I know she said this pessimistically (she's Jewish), so after class I said that we shouldn't have to deal with it. After all, government-supported religion is illegal. But she still maintained this pessimistic view that there is no hope.

And I found it depressing that an educator can be so bleak about this. I don't have much else to say except that this is why we have this blog - we're trying to spread optimism among America's youth.

That will be all.

Back on Track

It's high time this blog got back on track and stopped being merely atheist satire.

Jewgirl to the rescue!

I've alluded to this distinction a number of times through comments and now, it's time to actually adress it.

Religion and theism are different.

Correct me if I'm wrong Seth, but much of your dislike of Judaism has to do with:

1. a bad Hebrew school experience (I know it happens...)
2. parental pressure

I remember I asked once during Hebrew High why the clergy didn't tell the kids about different theologies before their confirmation year. His answer was along the lines of: "Kids aren't mature enough nor are they open-minded enough to truly consider all the different possibilities. Most kids would immediately jump to atheism without knowing the other options." For the most part, I would have to agree. Until you've gone through a bar mitzvah and have decided to further your Jewish education, considering other theologies might not be the best idea.

As I have mentioned a number of times, I am atheist and Jewish. Just because I am Jewish doesn't make me a theist or otherwise. Even if religion may "brainwash" kids to believe in God so they can discern right from wrong, this doesn't mean that all denominations expect you to believe in God. Sure, it's much more difficult to be an Orthodox athiest than a Reform athiest as I've heard from some of my Orthodox friends, but nonetheless could still be within the realm of possibility (quite a small possibility).

My main point is: religion is self-defined and always should be. It's fine to follow the teachings of another, but only after you have struggled with the ideas and concepts yourself and have questioned. I know that some of us on this blog have said that kids don't question religion & God enough, but this is an unfair accusation. Extremists (i.e. atheists & theists) tend to be more vocal in general about their opinions whereas the people in the middle don't seem to discuss their own opinions as frequently. Assuming that these middle people don't have opinions though is positively absurd, just as assuming all athiests believe the same things is absurd. Anyone who is not constantly changing their own opinions of theism is not open-minded enough to consider alternative options.

I think I may have digressed quite a bit, but in any case, try not to exclusively associate religion & theism. It's often not entirely valid.