Yaay! Update time!
So, as most of you know, I'm in school. I'm actually taking an Intro to The New Testament class and boy, I really shouldn't have.
You see, this class is turning into a thinly veiled sermon from the pastor that is teaching it. The class is billed as a historical look at the culture and writings of The Biblical New Testament. But it's not. It's a Christian-centric dose of college level Sunday school about the divinity of Jesus and one mans interpretation of scripture.
Now, don't get me wrong. My teacher is a really nice guy. He's just really set in his ways. And, unfortunately for the neutrality of the classroom, his ways are those of an old Protestant pastor.
As my friends will be not-at-all-surprised to hear, I have a few problems with this class.
You see, I don't consider myself a Christian. I'm not an atheist, and I am a very spiritual person. My faith is personal and very important to me. I'm not going to go into detail on a blog, but if you ask me directly (through email or even comments) I'll tell you anything you want to know.
On top of my not being a Christian, I still have some issues with the way Christianity is followed today. Not the least of which is my previously mentioned stance on Homosexual Marriage which, as you will recall, is nearly VIOLENTLY at odds with the stance of most organized churches.
Also, you will be absolutely SHOCKED to hear, I can be an opinionated jackass sometimes. I know! Unthinkable, right?
It's been... Interesting, to say the least.
But today was particularly so. You see, I basically called my professor a liar to his face.
Ok, here's the story:
He was talking about the 10 commandments, and in passing he said this: "Now, there's something powerful about the 10 commandments, they can warp your mind! That's why they aren't allowed in schools or courthouses, because it might make people crazy, you see."
"That's not true!" I blurted out before I could stop myself. Brought the whole class to a halt. He just looked at me and I decided I might as well go all in on this one.
I talked about the separation of church and state, and the constitution, and about the large number of non Christians who might be offended by Christian doctrine/paraphernalia adorning a public building paid for by the taxpayers.
He responded by asking this: "Separation of church and state, huh? Well let me ask you something. Where in the constitution does it say that? It doesn't!"
Without missing a beat, I came back with "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
He had the nerve to tell the class that that had nothing to do with the separation of church and state, that was about not establishing a state-religion. He was (and still is) wrong.
That quote is from the constitution of the united states of america. The highest law in the most powerful country on the planet. And it says "...no law RESPECTING an establishment of religion..." (emphasis mine). That line forms the legal basis for the whole idea of the separation of church and state.
Congress is prohibited (and thus, the government as a whole is prohibited by implication) from passing laws that recognize any religion over any other. That's why Ten Commandments and Crucifixes aren't allowed in public buildings, allowing Christian iconography in the public spaces could be seen as favoritism of Christianity over other religions. And that is precicely what is prohibited by the wording of the constitution.
Anyway. I'm going to bed before this turns into an all night rant. Goodnight, lovelies!
