Rep. Steve King Wants Christianity Taught In Schools
By Nicole Belle Thursday Dec 13, 2007 12:41pm
I don't know about you, but I'm really getting tired of having elected officials who appear to have either no knowledge of or respect for the Constitution of this country.
On Alan Colmes' radio show yesterday, King decides it was time to fully embrace his inner theocrat for the world to hear and said in no uncertain terms that Christianity and its tenets should be taught in American schools
If you teach American history, you cannot teach it without teaching Christianity.
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the eyes, don't look into his eyes...
I'm an American. I'm not a Christian. Bite me, Steve.
And I want schools to teach kids that marijuana is not a Class A Narcotic.
Neither of us are going to get what we want, arsehole. Go get unelected.
as a western Iowa native, i just want to be the first to say I DID NOT VOTE FOR THIS DUMBASS! that being said, i look forward to contributing to whomever is running against this piece of shit.
By all means, let's hear about what religion used to be in this country. Be sure to start with the deists.
They didn't exactly kneel to Jesus. Just get the history right. The founding fathers wasn't a revivalist group. They were men of reason.
Fuck that bible thumpin hypocrit!!! That man needs to be REMOVED FROM OFFICE IMMEDIATELY!!!
I think the word he's looking for is "indoctrinate", not "teach". Last I checked religion is supposed to be a spiritual process one goes through in private.
PS: Leave them kids alone.
If they want to teach Bible as Fiction, that is fine by me.
It is very subjective as to how one can go about teaching "Christianity." But, what this King idiot has in mind would be to teach Christianity in absolute terms without the ability to contest its validity or that "Christianity" is anything but human invention.
By any chance did Alan Colmes remind Steve King that most of the founding fathers were not, I REPEAT NOT!! Christians??
Maybe his ass-holiness King can tell us what our chances are for fulfillment and pleasant demeanor when faced by too numerous to count missiles of mendacity and ill regard being flung at us, the voting public, as well as flying out in all directions as if a whole gaggle of crazed monkeys broke in to the local armory, peppering the night sky willy-nilly with lead projectiles for know apparent purpose save that one might connect with the already badly damaged heart and bearing of the country and it's institutions. Down in the land of inbred kissin' cousins they say it sounds like a job for ole’ Jay-zuzz, though I don’t think even the great Oz has anything in his bag o’ tricks that could help us in the interim. And believe it or not, some GOP pinheads are completely baffled as to the source of our discontent, which are understandably many and not apparent to the typical stoopid political nanker pushing the stone up the hill whilst stuffing his/her pockets. It's visions of Joanna as we try in vain to stuff socks in the mouths of the broken-record choir with their plaintive bleating, croaking “Cha-ching!!” as they toss the rotten vegetables of their own failed schemes on National T.V.. They sure got a lot of gall! These visions of Joanna keep us up past the dawn (Sorry Bob!), ringing truer as Kafka-esque nightmares. Somebody please tell me what salvation is like after a while. Jeez, I can’t find my knees.
And again I say...I'm gettin really tired of these Sunday xtians trying to force their beliefs on everyone!
Also...I think I misspelled hypocrite...I blame the religious right for my illiteracy!
The poor kids will sure get confused as they try to reconcile the "tenets of Christianity" with the actions taken by our government against Native Americans!
No. Fucking. Way.
It's no wonder these asshats don't believe in evolution -- they haven't evolved!
One more thing----Christians in America have nothing to be proud of with their annilihation of native Americans, subjugation of women, slavery, and the American apartheid system form of government from slavery to segregation not to mention the death penalty and other wars of attrition. The so-called "Christian heritage" of America is nothing to boast about.
The WASP age of America had more horror stories than one would like to remember. The protests.civil rights movements of the 1960s brought the hypocrisy of this so-called Christian America to the forefront, especially the second class citizen status of those who failed to subscribe to the white-male authoritarian social structure.
Will his highness allow OTHER religions to be taught, including
the religion of secular humanism (THEY call it a religion)
Janeism, Judaism, Isalm, Catholicism (rad prods fundies say this is a satan worship cult) Quakerism? pacifism, Mormanism, Hinduism, Satanism, and of course Giant Spaghetti Monsterism?
I DOUBT IT
Too bad so many fundies know so damn little about the founding documents of this country
NO WHERE IN ANY FOUNDING DOCUMENT is the name
GOD or especially JESUS mentioned......
Can't wait for NOVEMBER 08, a great housecleening will occur
TOM
What an ignorant America hating piece of dung this Rep. Steve King guy is! If they do teach anything about Christianity in schools related to US history then they'd have to make damn certain they taught that the US Constitution expressly forbids the church from the political hall! And there's a damn good reason the Framers of the Constitution did so!! Because they knew there'd be nut cases like King, they had plenty of freedom hating theocrats back then too.
I'm sure Busholini likes Steve King. After all, our dictator sent our xmas cards with a biblical verse on them this year!!!!!
I'd sure some strange stuff will turn up when they wheel him out.
People are getting real tired of this shit.... I'm over done!
How very fricking tollerant of others in this (lately sad) country, eh?
This guy is probably from the same school of thought as Ted "tushy-pusher" Haggard and Mark "How big is it?" Foley.
Typical closeted, authoritarian wackjob.
When the GOP refer to the "founding fathers" of America these days, its not the Enlightenment figures like Jefferson or Madison.
The present day Republican Theocrats are referring to the Puritans as the "founding fathers" of America with the likes of John Winthrop.
No, if you teach American history--or European history--you cannot teach it without teaching how the brutality of the Christian church has scarred Western Civilization. That is the reason our Constitution protected intellectual freedom and the freedom of religion. People who say that the Constitution "protects the freedom OF religion, not freedom FROM religion" (author Tom Clancey) are simply wrong.
I haven't noticed that posting the Ten Commandments in the Supreme Court Building, or any other neoCon office, has made those officials particularly moral. The Supreme Court sat right under the Ten Commandments and stole the 2000 election from Al Gore and killed our democracy.
TomDem55 @ 15:
What's wrong with teaching Giant Spaghetti Monsterism?
I'm all for it! Where do I sign?
'k, Steve. Make sure you teach the kids how Christians persecuted and killed "witches" in sham trials, how Christians used the Bible to justify slavery, and how the KKK is an explicitly Christian organization.
Mr. XXXX @ 8:
The Bible, were it made into a movie, would be rated XXX. No kid of mine is gonna see that incest and violence laden piece of filth until he's 18.
lumberjack @ 25:
That is a good one....No problem here....
Maybe there could be a few classes about Christianity and pedophiles and the influence of those two things on the GOP. It should be required, then children would learn to stay the hell away from these idiots.
Bit NOLA @ 5:
And don't forget to mention all the people the Puritans executed because they were Quakers or Anabaptists (and just forget about witches)!
There's a difference between teaching kids that Christianity EXISTS and teaching them that it's CORRECT.
If you want a vision of life under theocracy, read Ayaan Hirsi Ali's account of becoming an infidel.
I was especially taken with the bit where she comes to Holland, ostensibly to study the infidels so that she may better fight them. She was taken aback by how clean everything was. How free and happy people seemed. How no one was living in filth and groveling to their religious leaders.
This is what comes of theocracy. Look at the Muslim world. The Muslim world was once at or near the pinnacle of human achievement. Algorithm. Algebra. Azimuth. Zero.
But then they traded that in to listen 24/7 to the Mullahs and the Fatwahs.
And that's what the Christian right would do to us: push us back into the caves to tremble in fear and supplication rather than to reach to the stars.
Because when a secular social policy fails, we can refine it. Nothing is holy. If socialism leads to inefficiency and lack of innovation, we can modify it with free markets. If anarcho-capitalism leads to exploitation and a Sinclair Lewis dystopia, we can modify it with regulation.
But when a holy state fails because first century economics don't apply to the 21st century world, well then it can't POSSIBLY be because the policy is WRONG. It's a gift from God. No, it must be the great Satan! It must be Israel or the United States or the Saudi Royals. THEY are keeping US from being glorious.
Piffile.
And for us? It will be the Mexicans and the Chinese. Our Mullahs already have us ludicrously believing that THE problem in this country is from Mexican illegal immigration and once we round 'em all up and ship 'em south, everything will be fixed.
Beware of anyone who stands on a stack of bibles and points out enemies.
And when you're asking yourself a decade from now where it all went...the moon landing...cancer treatment...the Hubble telescope...the human genome project...HIV treatments...improved agricultural technologies...liberal education...sexual freedom...environmental responsibility...and on and on...when you're asking yourself this, remember: it starts with rendering unto God that which is Caesar's.
I am of Caesar's party. God can take care of himself.
When they make it a law that Evolution will be taught in Sunday School, maybe we'll talk.
What part of "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion" (ref. the Constitution of the United States, First Amendment) does this pathetic excuse for an American not understand?!?!
Dear Iowa voters,
stop electing rapture bunnyist cavemen. Southern Bapitst Sharia gets the bozack
Yeah, that's just the problem.
To quote the Rude One:
HR 847: Are You Goddamn Kidding?:
Good Idea
Does this IDIOT know enough about American history to realize that most of the founding Fathers were DEISTS (we don't believe in "revealed" religions like Christianity, instead we believe in God through REASON and nature). Besides W. & his neo-con "Christian" buddies are the least "Christ-Like" people I know!! I think they believe in "Jesus" (who is one among many god-men who have remarkably similar stories) about as much as I believe in Santa Claus.
I would invite Rep. King to visit New York City so I can stick my big Jewish foot right up his Iowan ass.
"I think they [our forefathers] came to America to worship Jesus Christ."
http://www.foxnews.com/radio/alancolmes/index.html
listen to the "Resurrecting Christmas" in the Audio Highlights.
Something needs to be left to the parent's responsibility. Teachers have their hands full now with teaching ill mannered, spoiled kids the NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND test so their school will receive FED money. And while teaching or not religous beliefs how about respect for authorities.
The kingdom of Heaven is within. Free your mind and your ass will follow.
Will his highness allow OTHER religions to be taught, including
the religion of secular humanism (THEY call it a religion)
Janeism, Judaism, Isalm, Catholicism (rad prods fundies say this is a satan worship cult) Quakerism? pacifism, Mormanism, Hinduism, Satanism, and of course Giant Spaghetti Monsterism?
**************************************
And while we're at it, let's not forget Buddhism, Ba'haism, Wiccans and other forms of neo-paganism, Discordianism, Santeria, shamanism and/or the various forms of Native American spirituality...
Of course, as far as King is concerned, those aren't real religions and anyone who practices them is going to be sent to Hell anyway for not believing in Jesus...so they don't count and shouldn't be taught.
miss_kitty @ 3:
The schools should teach our kids how to grow and harvest marijuana like the founding fathers did. If Thomas Jefferson, and other founding fathers grew marijuana, then shouldn't Steve King promote that too?
#38 - How about getting our math , Science and English scores up to other countries equal before worrying about who believes what. Again, personal beliefs are a family process not public schools.
Shouldn't they be taught Native American Religions too?
The problem with religious tolerance arises when the religious make themselves impossible to tolerate.
another fucking hypocrite who pushes his bullshit suck jesus religion on others. take it home you bastard where it belongs.
if you want to shove something down your throat, go see larry craig.
Universal education is the most corroding and disintegrating poison that liberalism has ever invented for its own destruction.
-Adolf Hitler
dadams @ 46:
HA! Take THAT! Churchies!
you want christianity? thats what parochial schools are for, better to teach logic, ethics, and philosophy in public school to get the society we truly need.
It worked for Des carte, aristotle and that guy name Nichomachean (grin)
Here's the verse on Busholini's xmas card:
You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. NEHEMIAH 9:6 (NIV)
Are we officially a Theocracy?
Not to be crude about it or anything but fuck religion.
The world would be a better place without any of it.
MargeAggedon @ 51:
Indeed, Marge. Indeed it would.
Weaseldog @ 42:
It may very well be a neccessity soon anyway for fuel, clothing and cordage.
How 'bout a Stephen King horror movie about Steve King?
I a way his is right. If by teaching Christianity he means the same as teaching about Greek Mythology when teaching the history of Greece or Nordic Mythology when teaching the history of Finland, Norway, or Sweden. I can see teaching the Christan Mythology in the same way.
So what?
Students already learn about Christianity in history class.
well, considering the shift to a fascist state and this impressive theocratic undercurrent, i wonder when they'll call for rounding up the jews. any day now ...
Terrible @ 53:
Very true. For one simple plant...it could help a great deal with many of the problems around the world today.
Didn't he take an oath to defend and uphold the constitution? He should be ousted from his seat, because his suggestion is clearly in violation of his oath.
I guess I'm approaching this a little differently than most of the other posters here. Since I date a history teacher, I'm familiar with the local curriculum. Religion is taught in school. It's rather difficult to discuss ancient Greece, Egypt, India, etc. without talking about the prominent religions and how they influenced culture and society. I feel students should learn about other people's beliefs not only for a better understanding of history, but because it's important to be exposed to other beliefs and ideas for cultural understanding. By all means, discussions of how religious fervor led to some pretty horrible events should be part of that. Please don't get me wrong; I would never want a teacher trying to convince students that one religion is wonderful or terrible and actively trying to sway the students' beliefs. When handled correctly, however, teaching about religions and their cultural and historical significance (as opposed to preaching in the school) is an important part of a well-rounded education.
As a brief example of why we need to include lessons on religion in school, my girlfriend was rather disturbed when she mentioned to a student that they would be studying Islam soon and he responded with something to the effect of, "oh, the terrorists." Hopefully by the end of the unit he'll be able to identify the religion with more than just its more negative aspects.
Weaseldog @ 42:
Minor correction, Marijuana as a crop is rather useless for making things like rope, fabric, paper, etc. What I think you were referring to was Hemp. It belongs to the same family, albeit being more resilient and easier to grow. The plants look rather similar, at least the shape of the leaf, however... you would need industrial amount of Hemp seed to produce the same narcotic effect than a single see of Marijuana.
Since law enforcement is usually made of dumbest individuals in a given society, the US government decided to outlaw anything that looked like marijuana and be done with it, just so the policemen who can't locate their own arse with their two hands wouldn't get confused.
Marijuana would interfere with the need to prescribe a lot of over the counter synthetic crap, Hemp would also attack the bottom line of plenty of petrochemical conglomerates... and both crops -- if they were to be legalized -- would affect significantly the industry and collection of leaches which spawned around the whole "war on drugs" that has been siphoning our tax payer dollars to a few private interest with little to no value added in return.
Eric Jaffa @ 56:
Christians already learn about Christianity where they should: At home and in church.
I'll add that I did learn about many religions in a high school class on world religions. The teach was kind of a pious Christian type, but the class was taught as a survey of many religious beliefs and with equal respect to all.
And with all this talking about stopping power and cults of the dead, the Dung Wars continue. Based on an 11th century text, the accolades of Saint Bulbous have given religious wrath a good name. Paring their toenails and girding their loins, the faithful are ready for battle. Chuncks of shite, flung with abandon. But the Plain of Noyes is being reaped. There betwixt narthex and nave, one is given respite from an uncommon toil. "Where be tho-st?" asked the faithful. "Twilling and begetting and begatting with mortal abandon," the horde doth answer.
"And you, my wandering knave, what ecclesiastical gifts bestow-est upon the host?"
Unbeknownst to most, a wandering Rhino, with horn akimbo like some somnambulant samurai given to oiled prose and greasy poetry, waxes digitally upon the nubile nooky.
So how go-est the battle for you, young varlet? Keen thy sword and hard thy lingam. Go forth and nard the carthax, slip the yoni to the fair maiden and call her Bernice.
so he wants to teach christianity in church...
and which brand of christianty will be tought? which version of the bible?
why do my senses tell me that this dangerous idea will be catapulted by the reichwing media to a national issue, as part of the so-called "culture" war? flag burning and gay marriage are so yesterday, let's divide the electorate even further by proposing this unconstitutional and fucking insulting idea. yay!!!
Don't forget this clown worked a recognition/statement/decree through Congress earlier this week that christianity is "good" - I suppose this is step 2 in his big plan.
I really used to try to be tolerant of Christianity, but when that asshat with the Jesus tattoo assaulted the Jewish kid on the subway down by Canal street and the only kid to come to his rescue was a Muslim, I officially lost it. I'm done with all forms of Christianity. I know it's just one incident, but how long in history has this been going on? And, I know judaism or islam aren't perfect but goddamn when it comes to the point when some moron puts a Jesus tattoo on him, any faith or respect I had for it is gone.
(ex-catholic living in a family of degenerating fundie nutjobs)
The White House card may be controversial this year due to over-egging the Christianity. But a strong White House Christmas message has gone out on Barneycam. Look out on the link for a haggard Tony Blair demeaning himself still further, if that were possible, in the service of Bush. Have a paper bag handy.
http://neoclassics.blogspot.com/
I don't see why the tenets of many religions shouldn't be taught in school, just like any other fiction is taught, such as Literature. As long as it's not taught as actual truth, and it's taught in the proper context, it is an important part of our society. Go all the way, teach many religions, and then the children will see how ridiculous they appear next to each other.
Terrible @ 53:
Yeah with an American Perestroika breathing down our necks, you're probably right.
I've decided to try tobacco in my backyard garden for 2008.
When I mentioned the idea to friends a few years back, they laughed. Now folks aren't laughing. This seems to be just one more little indicator as to how far things have come.
And I don't smoke the stuff. I tried and I guess I don't have the gene for it. Unlike some of my friends, I didn't get hooked on the first try, or the second, or the third. My wife is hooked on it though, and refuses to try to quit.
The great American irony is that our forbearers were followers of the French enlightenment and yet America has turned out to be the least enlightened nation on Earth. They fought people like this insane freak, so as to guard against any infringements to our civil liberties. It was a grand experiment but was doomed at the start because of the virus of religion that has rotted out the brains of those seeking power. What a pity, what a sad, sad pity that all they fought and died for has been wiped out in just a few short years of this infantile fake presidency. I hate these mother f*ckers for what they've wrought upon this planet. I'm so f*cking glad I'm an atheist.
Ugh! Worse than a broken record! AGAIN with the christianity in schools? Hey, King Fuckwit:
What if some other religious nutjob group held elected offices and wanted to put their religion, and not yours, into schools? Yeah, you'd be screaming your indignation from the highest rooftops.
I can't decide what is more monstrous:
These types of people's colossal hypocrisy or willful stupidity.
Thrillhouse @ 60:
I think most here understand that and would agree with you to a point. That point being Steve Kings wingnuttery that is approaching this from totally differently as in what you warn against preaching a particular sect of a particular religion. Because like you say the correct way to teach any and all religions is already being done by the competent teachers. If we could get the incompetent ones to do it right too that would be nice but I don't see any federal law being able to do that. Especially a law promoted by wingnut theocrat.
Article 11
I've posted this once before and am going to keep it handy to post in every "Christian America" thread. This one is a keeper against the argument that the USA was founded as a Christian state. Here is what the founding fathers actually thought, and voted on. It passed with no opposition. It was then published in full in some of the major papers of the day and no dissenting opinions were recorded.
http://www.stephenjaygould.org/ctrl/treaty_tripoli.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Tripoli
Treaty of Peace and Friendship between the United States of America and the Dey and Subjects of Tripoli of Barbary.
Ratified by the United States June 10, 1797. Signed by the President and read and ratified by both houses of Congress. Proclaimed June 10, 1797.
ARTICLE 11.
As the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion, as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Musselmen, (Muslims)-and as the said States never have entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mehomitan (Muslim) nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.
Thrillhouse @ 60:
Problem is, Christianity was not the *only* religion involved in the historical processes of what we call nowadays the US of A.
There is no denying the effect that Christianity has, and it should not be ignored. But there needs to be the proper context for the discussion of Christianity, after all what part of Christianity does he want to be taught/indoctrined? The Quakers, the puritans, the Salem which hunts, the persecution and marginalization of Catholics until recently, the mixture of Spanish Catholic with native traditions accross what now is the South West, the role of backwater protestantism in the KuKluxKlan, the religious mixture of Christian thought and African traditions among the slaves, etc, etc, etc.
Further more, if this jag off wants kids to learn about Christian traditions so be it, however... if its under the guise of "History" then we need to make it clear that there were plenty of other religions in this continent, before and while Christianity was being practised. So for every psalm kids have to memorize, I assume this jackass will have no problem with the kids learning a new rain dance.
Last time I checked, we already learn all about the benifits of Christianity in History class. The crusades, the witch hunts, the holocaust. 75% of those under the age of 25 don't believe in christianity or even a God, the future looks bright
First and formost...History.....the Pilgrims and the rest of the early settlers came to this country for freedom OF RELIGION and freedom FROM RELIGION..wonder what in the hell school they went to to learn about history. Sure didn't come from the American History books I studied.
danger @ 66:
I guess you missed that honor killing in Canada last week when a proud muslim father killed his own daughter because she dared dating a non-muslim. You know while emigrating to Canada the father would have had plenty of clues indicating that could be a significant possibility.
Alas, I am afraid that Christianity does not have the monopoly in suckage... all religions suck, IMHO.
So that means they're gonna teach kids about the Pagan roots of Christianity too?
Interesting.
Which version of Christianity? Protestant, Catholic, Baptist, General Baptist, Southern Baptist Jehovah's Witness, Methodist, Pentacost, Seventh Day Adventist, Apostolic,, Assembly of God, Charismatic, Disciples of Christ, Christian Science, Episcopal, Lutheran, Mennonite and so on and so on. Just exactly WHICH version of the bible should we all, as a country, with freedom of religion and all that, decide to teach in our schools? You tell us Mr. King!
I understand both sides of this, on one side, you have the Athiest Dan Dennett who says the same thing, Yes, Christianity should be taught in schools, because it is important to the motives of previous generations (Witch burnings, Holocaust, Christianity vs. Jews vs. Muslims for Israel, etc), however, this guy is looking for a back door. As soon as he gets christianity taught in schools, then he wants to teach that man can only marry woman, and any other cooky christian belief.
In theory, teaching ABOUT faiths is ok, but teaching to BELEIVE IN FAITHS is WRONG.
Rep. Steve King Wants Christianity Taught In Schools
That's nice. I want a G.I Joe, an 'lectic twain and horsie.
If you read the New Costitution, (still classified), you would know that our Military Education program will allow kids to conform naturally. All education will be suprevised by the General of Education, Alan Keys will design the morality class. No one will be able to vote until completion degree granted, renewable every five years. Report your neighbors. Suspicion Breeds Confidence.
I'm so glad our Congress has been so efficient with getting the necessary legislation done that they have the luxury of brining up these inane, non-urgent issues. I bet there are no urgent social, financial, or infastructural issues in Rep. King's district so that this is the most urgent thing he should be focusing on. Cause it would be kind of stupid of him to do this otherwise right?
What's sad is US schools are falling further and further behind in major subjects like science and math, yet these clueless, pandering politicians think the answer is less science and more Jesus in the classroom. Great, we'll have more priests/ministers, and less scientists and mathemeticians.
RayC @ 9:
Alan Colmes is one of those Demo-pussies, too afraid to rock the boat.
You have to understand the US Constitution to become a naturalized citizen of the United States and yet all you need is money to be elected to public office.
xxx@80,
NO religion should be taught in SCHOOLS, did ANY of us learn religion in school. NO we learned it from our parents our sought our own faiths (or none) in the appropriate place.
PLACES OF WORSHIP.
These freaks of nature are already opening "charter schools" where they IMPOSE religion and turn children against children and parents against parents. It's already happening hre in Colorado. What happens first is the children suffer horribly from zealot bullies until their parents remove them. don't even think about a charter school for your children~!
Fuck King and the horse he rode in on.
States are fighting back anyway and not letting them get away with it. For chrissake look at this jerk's eyes.
liberalNmoderation @ 58:
I've already begun... (and it is a necessity-- believe me.) ;)
I have no problem teaching the history and cultures of the different religions. Religion has played a huge role (for good and evil) in the development and culture of the majority of the people living on the earth. To understand the workings of re