Honestly

Submitted by V. Savage (United States), Sep 21, 2005 at 22:19

This teaching does not conflict with anything ... Following the practices of other religions is not the same as converting to them: a conversion of faith cannot be forced upon anyone. Ever. Period. What a person believes is his own business. As Thomas Jefferson tells us, "religion is between a man and his God." Besides, if any faith has been guilty of your "proselytizing" it has been Christianity. Think about missionaries. What do they do? Oh, yes, that's right, they go to "godless pagans" to try and help them "see the light of Christ." Are these people happy with their gods? Yes. Are they happy with following tradition? Yes. Are they happy with being told that they have been living in the dark and that every educated person ought to believe something with no basis in fact? Probably not. How would you feel if suddenly a religious minority decided that your faith wasn't good enough for you anymore?
But I digress. Getting back to this school activity, I must say that it encourages an understanding of diversity. Even the students who were ostracised for not participating were simply receiving their just deserts. Nonparticipation in a school activity should not be condoned. Those who did follow the instructions should be applauded for their willingness to "walk a mile in another man's shoes," as it were. Did anyone ask them about their experience with the program? I doubt it. I would be willing to bet that none of them felt compelled to change their beliefs on God at any point in the activity. By 7th grade, kids feel that they can make their own decisions, religiosity included.
What you put on the outside of a person cannot change what he or she is on the inside.

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