No choice but to listen in on God's lessons

**Don in the North** · February 02, 2011, 10:49 PM

http://www.news.com.au/national/made...-1225999404604
Made to listen in on God's lessons

By Jenny Dillon
From: The Daily Telegraph
February 03, 2011 11:47AM

THE NSW Education Department has ordered three schools to offer separate supervision to students who have opted out of scripture classes.

Parents at three schools on the NSW South Coast complained after their children were forced to listen in on religious lessons, despite having opted out of the classes, The Daily Telegraph reported.
The Department of Education and Training started investigating after the Ulladulla High School's final newsletter last year said that students in years 7 and 8 "will sit in a section of the classroom" where scripture was taught, "so minimal supervision can take place safely".
The newsletter also said students could opt out of actively taking part in the lessons only in the first few weeks of the new school year.
After objections from some parents, the department said it would contact the schools to ensure parents and students were aware of the policy.

A department spokeswoman said scripture lessons were not compulsory, students could opt out of the lessons at any time and those who did needed to be separately accommodated and supervised.
"The department is working with schools to ensure students who opt out are supervised in line with parents' wishes," she said.
The newsletter said the school made the changes after consultation with other schools. Nowra High School principal Wayne Pryce said yesterday students who opted out still sat in on the lessons because there wasn't "enough staff for supervision".

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/national/made...#ixzz1CrsMUOmi

al/made-to-listen-in-on-gods-lessons/story-e6frfkvr-1225999404604

a shame. a real damn shame that religion is nibbling its way into creating irrational fears in the hearts of our future generations in australia.
i for one grew up with a similar program, its setting back educational standards by 100 years... no

.

**Gordon Freynman** · February 02, 2011, 11:23 PM

"not enough staff for supervision"

Yeah right, I bet if they sued the schools over "mental anguish" then there would suddenly be plenty of staff for supervision. They can't find one qualified person to watch over them? They could at least send them to the library where they could get their hands on actual learning material. Schools in Australia do have libraries right?

**Adrian** · February 03, 2011, 06:21 PM

I was in a similar situation in primary school and couldn't opt out, buy after the fifth grade I never went anyway.

And no real damage was done since we had only an hour a week.

But yes it is sad that

like this happens still, as Comrade Wiggum above me said lets see when they get sued if they can afford the staff then.

**Squiggle** · February 03, 2011, 06:39 PM

"

like this still happens" What in the hell? Like its abuse or somehow immoral to teach people scriptures of a major religion? How downright evil! What will they do next, rape and devour our children for sustenance?!

**Adrian** · February 03, 2011, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by Squiggle

"

like this still happens" What in the hell? Like its abuse or somehow immoral to teach people scriptures of a major religion? How downright evil! What will they do next, rape and devour our children for sustenance?!

If I don't want to adopt your views and learn about your

ing religion and i'm still forced to then yes thats abuse.

What part of free society don't you understand?

**Denny Crane!** · February 03, 2011, 07:40 PM

Originally Posted by Squiggle

"

like this still happens" What in the hell? Like its abuse or somehow immoral to teach people scriptures of a major religion? How downright evil! What will they do next, rape and devour our children for sustenance?!

Depends whether or not they are catholics I guess.

**TransFax** · February 03, 2011, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by Squiggle

"

like this still happens" What in the hell? Like its abuse or somehow immoral to teach people scriptures of a major religion? How downright evil! What will they do next, rape and devour our children for sustenance?!

Your fantasies concerning children are somewhat disturbing - where do your sick fantasies come from?! Hey, leave the kids alone!! Anyhow... "major religion" can mean this or that, depending where one's geographical location is. Btw.. what is your opinion towards non-relgious people?

**Squiggle** · February 03, 2011, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by TransFax

Your fantasies concerning children are somewhat disturbing - where do your sick fantasies come from?!

lol? Sorry I dont know if your joking around or your seriously worried? Hard to detect this kind of thing online sometimes.

Originally Posted by TransFax

Anyhow... "major religion" can mean this or that, depending where one's geographical location is.

Ofc, personally I dont really agree with this legislation. They shouldnt be doing it in elementary, it should be an elective for highschool [or possibly a compulsory but a study of all global religions]. This is poor legislation, as evidenced by the lack of extra staff to teach those who opt out. Its clearly not oppressive, sadistic, or any kind of push against a "free" state as adrian wildly claimed though.

Originally Posted by TransFax

Btw.. what is your opinion towards non-relgious people?

I dont agree with them but w/e.

**TransFax** · February 03, 2011, 08:05 PM

Originally Posted by Squiggle

lol? Sorry I dont know if your joking around or your seriously worried? Hard to detect this kind of thing online sometimes.

I'm not seriously worried. I'm only joking/not that serious. Nice to see that you are how you are!

Originally Posted by Squiggle

Ofc, personally I dont really agree with this legislation. They shouldnt be doing it in elementary, it should be an elective for highschool [or possibly a compulsory but a study of all global religions]. This is was poor legislation, as evidenced by the lack of extra staff to teach those who opt out. Its clearly not oppressive, sadistic, or any kind of push against a "free" state as adrian wildly claimed. I dont agree with them but w/e.

Hmm?? What does this mean?! Could you elaborate that for the TW-mass?

**Squiggle** · February 03, 2011, 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by TransFax

I'm not seriously worried. I'm only joking/not that serious. Nice to see that you are how you are!

Originally Posted by TransFax

Hmm?? What does this mean?! Could you elaborate that for the TW-mass?

I dont think the legislation is oppressive or against the general notion of a secular state at all. I see no issue with having an islamic theology class or whatever, if the demand is there, in highschool as an opt in course. This isnt for highschool however, the system just isnt built for people to go into some classes and not others, hence the lack of staff and no where for the opt outs to be. So in that sense, the curriculum is poor. If there were a general religious studies program, that covered the philosophy/theology of all major religions, then I'd be in favour of that being compulsory. Religion plays such an instrumental role in society there is A) No reason to not allow specific study of [whatever] religions theology as an elective B) A need, I think, for people to not be ignorant of the moral/ethical foundations of a lot of people. Understanding in society is important for its function and as such I think religious studies should be required, if its a general course not a specific one.