Boxxy.  I have no problem with school officials having faith in a religion.  I have nothing against religion and I am, in fact, a christian.  I am curious if you've ever played football.  I've played football, basketball, soccer, and baseball.  I was also part of numerous other clubs while in school, and no where is there as much of a need to be "one of the guys" than in football.  There is a culture that goes with football that you HAVE to fit in.  You can't be weird or odd in any fashion.  While I played football, I got a "Jar of Clay" cd and tried to give it to a friend of mine for free.  I love my faith but don't have a desire to be preached to at every given second, music included.  So when I was giving it to a friend and teammate another teammate came from across the locker room and got in my face "YOU GOT SOMETHING AGAINST JESUS OUR LORD AND SAVIOR?!!!"  I simply explained that I don't want my music to be proslatizing me as so many people felt it necessary in Pensacola. (right in the bible belt.)  And it became a huge issue with my teammates.  That my supposed rejection of Jesus was an attack some how on their faith of Jesus.  Football is the ultimate team sport that at no point are you doing something on your own and you all have to feel you are together. 

So I can see many of the boys who were on that team possibly feeling they had some duty to go.  Plus, taking a child to church is a parent or guardian's duty not the football coach.  I understand your feelings that the coach was merely trying to save these children's soul, but what if the coach too the children to a mosque?  Would you be ok with that?  If not why do you have a problem with religion?  He was just trying to save their soul again.  A parent has the right to instill whatever morales they wish to in a child.  And if they are atheist or agnostic that is their right as parents to raise their children as atheists or as agnostics. 

When you are with your students you are always a teacher, no matter the location.  It is like a counselor or therapist or psychiatrist.  I could very easily lose my license if I saw one of my patients on the street and took them to my church.  It is not my job to instill my faith on a patient.  It is unethical.  And where ever I am, if I see one of my patients it is my duty to keep it both confidential and to keep it professional.  Also... these boys may be 16... and a 16 y/o is more of an adult than a 5 y/o but it still doesn't mean they aren't full of stupid and not ready to be adults.  They are still children and minors under the law.  How many times do we hear or remember from when we were 16, all the stupid decisions that 16 y/o's make?  They are still impressionable and we need to leave matters of faith to the parents and the family's spiritual guide. 

by Das Gimp on 09/11/2009 08:17:21 AM EST

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