Freedom to express ideas within a public space is seen as a fundamental measuring stick to the health of a society and true freedom. Not matter how one may feel or think about certain views , the freedom to express said ideas in a non-violent manner should not be censored or limited. If we are to develop true tolerance and understand that we don't have to agree or accept another persons belief or views then we could go a long way to at the very least allowing multiple ideas to compete within the public sphere. This includes religion . Yes religion .
Recently in a local city , in my home province , a student was told that their T-Shirt was not to be worn again . Then it was reversed and said that Jesus T-Shirts could be worn as long as they aren't negative and put down another person belief system . Now here is the problem . If one claims to be a Christian , then one is claiming not only the uniqueness but the superiority of Jesus over all other prophets ,sages ,seers and religious leaders. He is not just a prophet , a wise sage or teacher but the Son of God , the one and only way to God . Read through the gospels . Jesus claims for himself and his message is not an ambiguous message .
Now should one be allowed to wear a T-Shirt with any religious saying on it within a public school , even if it references a "negative" saying. First , who makes the decision as to what is negative. If one wears a shirt with a fish with Darwin written through it , many Christians might be offended . But I hold not one would complain . Nor would they if someone wore a shirt promoting gay marriage or a shirt that slandered Christ . I witnessed a few of these types of shirts during a brief time as a day custodian at a local high-school . To my knowledge nothing was ever said . But I know that if someone had worn a shirt that proclaimed a stand against abortion or homosexuality , even if it tried to be "sensitive" , there would have been something done , I'm certain .
As the west moves further away from its Christian roots and embraces a pluralistic society with multiple beliefs systems and secular humanism being hammered at kids within our school's , to stand or call any attention to Jesus is going to be met with push back . However here is what drives me nuts , public schools are just that , public. The whole system is paid for by tax dollars from the public. Teachers , Principals , those within the department of Education are all paid by the people. Therefore I argue that all ideas and expressions should be allowed as long as they are tolerant of others to co-exist in disagreement. I tolerate others around me who disagree with me , as they do of me . Within a publicly funded school system , all ideas that reflect the diversity of beliefs should not be censored.
Why are so many afraid of open debate and allowing religious beliefs a open form to be examined . I don't care if you are a atheist , Buddhist , Hindu, gay,Muslim , Pagan , Wiccan etc... I will defend your right to hold to your views within a public place . As I hope you would extend me the same freedom to proclaim Jesus Christ as well . I'm not afraid of dialogue are you ?
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