Quote Originally Posted by Fengzi
The study of religions and the systematic brainwashing of a society are two different things. Children are taught about different countries and the beliefs and customs practiced there. That is education. The morning Pledge of Allegiance, however, is brainwashing (I'm not against the pledge btw, just making a point). The people who want religion back in the schools do not want education, they want children to be taught that Christianity is the "Truth" and everybody who disagrees will burn in hell. That, is brainwashing.

I'm actually not against teaching about religions in school. I think it is important on a socio-cultural level. I spent a semester studying Eastern Religions(Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, other) and then another semester studying Buddhism specifically. I'm glad I took them and found these classes to be extremely valuable to my understanding of East Asian culture (my minor). I do think, however, that religion shouldn't be taught until at least the high school level, if not left to college. Kids need to be at a point whwre they can understand it is just a belief, not the absolute truth. If parents want their kids brainwashed they can do it at home or send them to Sunday school.
I agree with ya on everything except for the Pledge. I think, in a way, this is the first real lesson to kids about loyalty. Some of these NARCS should have listened to the words and meaning instead of just memorize and talk.

The big hangup on the Pledge seems to be the phrase "One Nation Under God"....which God, other religions assume it's the Christians God and the Athiests just have a problem with it all together. I think the Athiests could skip a line without having a fit...don't you?