So, if my screen name didn't give you any clues, I'm a teen atheist who attends an all-girl's Catholic school. I love the atmosphere, I love the people and the teachers and I wouldn't trade the single-sex experience for anything. However, I'm facing a frustrating point as of now.
I'm not exactly "out" yet.
A few times I've mentioned my atheism in passing to close friends and strangers who would have no one to tell, but I'm not out there for the world to see about it.
Next year I'm taking a class called Catholic Moral Teachings and it's centered around how to "vote like a Catholic," entirely disregarding separation of church and state as churches so often tend to do. I hate that every year, issues which are important to me, in some cases the foundations of my political beliefs, are written off for no reason other than "God says so" and it works.
It works largely because any class presentation, club, or discussion must fit under the realm of the church. If I am too adamant about an opinion that goes against the church's beliefs, the teacher can cut me off and silence me simply by saying "the church would disagree. You can't say that here."
They make the students watch propaganda films about abortion and gay marriages. I just don't know what I'm going to do. As a competitive debater, I'm constantly angry at policy matters and I love good discussions about them. I most certainly don't like being silenced in this way. It's a feeling in my chest that I just can't shake- I don't know how to NOT speak my mind. What do you all think?
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Hi School Girl! Although not religious, I was sent to catholic schools as well from the first grade on. High school was all-girl, 128 students. My parents sent me to them because they thought I would get a better education. And I did in the humanities but certainly not in the sciences. That was many, many decades ago.
After so many years, my memory is pretty fuzzy of those days, but I do remember debating the nuns about theology as early as the second grade. This always resulted in failing grades in deportment (deportment - being a well-behaved little girl) tho!
By being true to yourself, you are showing fortitude and a solid ego-structure. The ones in control aren't going to like what you have to say. By saying it though, you are providing a far better education to your peers than the teachers probably are...at least in this arena.
Be prepared for repercussions if you choose to be out with your atheism.
Suggested reading: Coming Out Atheist by Greta Christina.
I admire you.
Providing a better education? I never thought of it that way, but I will now! That perspective really does make a difference- thanks for your advice :)
Im wondering if we need an investigation into religious schools by something like panorama.
Watching propaganda films and 'learning to vote catholic' have got to be wrong.
Hey an atheist recently joined that went to seminary they spread the same lies and hes pretty sure the teachers dont even know they are lies just saying what the church told them.
That means the ignorance is a conspiracy of the highest levels in the church.
Hello!
Let us keep things simple.
Money.
You pay them to give you an education.
They have no right to get your votes for free.
If they want your votes, they have to give you a full, free education.
Next time they ask for your vote, have them pay your living expenses- for life.
What insolence is this, taking your money, then taking your vote as if you owe them anything.
If your grades are good, you have time, are that keen on a girl's schooling, then there are plenty of prestigious schools around the world that could offer you a scholarship.
Try Britain! Or France. They've drawn out a secular charter for schools.
Here, Sydney, Australia, has a list:
http://www.sydneyprivateschools.com/Sydney/Secular/