I don't think that this Archbishop would say that Freedom of religion should not exist for adults, but he doesn't think that it should exist for "kids" as old as 16...
Allowing pupils to opt out of school prayer is wrong, says Archbishop of Wales
"A law allowing 16-year-olds to opt out of prayers in assembly devalues and marginalises religion in schools, Dr Barry Morgan, the Archbishop of Wales, has warned.
...
All schools are required to offer a daily act of worship."
16 year olds should not be allowed to opt out of prayers -- an amazing statement, isn't it? And, ALL schools are required to offer a daily act of worship.
What is the principle being invoked here? That, if we allow freedom of religion to people as old at 16, then they might actually use those rights and think how unpleasant that would make the job of someone like, an Archbishop, to pick a job at random?
That we might be able to convince the people about our claims about the supernatural if we can keep repeating the nonsense for just a few more obligatory years?
This is just a really creepy example of allowing religion and government to mix -- obligatory schooling until a certain age that requires indoctrination. And complaints come in when the obligatory nature is removed when the kids are 16? Really?
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"..devalues and marginalises religion in schools"
Sounds good to me. So what's the problem?
I don't know, hearing those fairy stories everyday made me an atheist….
I wish we could remove it from the state of Texas. Every day my students and I have to pledge allegiance to the US and the state of Texas “under god”, then have a moment of silence to think about it.
I agree. 16 year olds should be free to opt out of prayer; along with brushing their teeth (body is your temple), learning to drive (respect authority), treating others with courtesy (do unto others), etc. After all, once they’ve turned into barbarians there’s no holding them back.
Makes sense to me.
I'm not sure you've made an argument. Want to make an argument about how allowing students to opt out of prayer at age 16 is a bad idea?
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