Gilroy Teacher: “Lutheranism Is A Fake Religion”
Personally, I’m an agnostic. However, my daughter has chosen to attend services at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gilroy. Her mother is a pagan/Wiccan. I’ve never mentioned these issues before because they aren’t really relevant. However, I believe it becomes relevant when an instructor at South Valley Middle School (in this case, the choir teacher Ms. Carol McDonald) starts informing her students that their religions are “fake”. Is this really what you want done with your tax dollars?
Here’s the scenario…
Ms. McDonald was discussing the upcoming election and, specifically, California’s Proposition 8, which is an initiative Constitutional amendment that “Eliminates the right of same-sex couples to marry“. Personally, I have no problem with teachers discussing politics in the classroom, or even their own political views. Apparently, Ms. McDonald will be voting for this Constitutional amendment. All well and good. When asked why, she informed the choir that homosexual marriage was disallowed in the bible. First, this statement is is simply incorrect – the bible does not address the issue of gay marriage. The Old Testament does speak against gay sex, but I don’t believe gay marriage itself is prohibited. If I’m wrong, feel free to comment with the verse(s) that prohibit the practice. Still, I’m not concerned with Ms. McDonald sharing her personal religious views with her students, though I know many parents would be. No, my problem is just about to rear its ugly head. Back to the conversation…
When Zaira informed Ms. McDonald that her church, the Lutheran Church, allows gay marriage, Ms. McDonald replied that Lutheranism is a “fake religion.” Excuse me? Who, exactly is a choir teacher to declare, to a student, that the student’s personal religious beliefs are fake? Just because Ms. McDonald apparently feels there should be a state mandated religion does not mean that we are operating under one at the moment.
I’m curious what other South Valley Middle School parents (or just the general populous at large) thinks about their children being indoctrinated with religion at public schools and with taxpayer expense. Ms. McDonald has previously informed the choir that paganism is also a “fake” religion and one can only assume that Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and any other number of accepted religions would also be branded as fake should Ms. McDonald have the chance. I’m not calling for action at this point, but I am curious what others think. I’m also curious what the Gilroy Unified School District’s Board of Education thinks of this. Comments would be greatly appreciated.
Tags: Board of Education, choir, Gilroy, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Ms. Carol McDonald, public school, religion, South Valley Middle School
I would be contacting the school and asking WTH? This teacher crossed so many lines.
I’m with you on not being opposed to teachers sharing their points of view but I do have a problem with them telling students that their beliefs are fake. I am a Lutheran and do not believe that my religion is fake and would be truly offended by a teacher telling me this. I would also be heading to the principal’s office for a conference.
Really good read, nice to read a good blog at last!
I am a Roman Catholic and I do think they have no right to judge someone else’s beliefs. I have a broad outlook towards religion. I do think that as long as we have faith in our maker – regardless of what we call him; Alah, Christ, Jehovah, etc., our souls will be saved and be with Him in the second life.
Thanks for the interesting post. This teacher doesn’t sound all right in the head. I look forward to reading more from you in the future.
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This teacher should face disciplinary action. The job of teachers is to instruct within their subject areas and follow state standards. I do not see “sexual orientation” listed under any standard.