Friday, October 26, 2012

Your Friendly Neighborhood Atheist: Coming to a School Near You

As readers may have guessed, I didn't receive a single response to the questions I asked of our Muhlenberg County school board candidates.  *(UPDATE: Since this posting, the letter I sent to Darrell Bowers has been returned marked "no such number, unable to forward," although the address on the envelope was the one listed on the Secretary of State's website.)*  This is disappointing, and I can't help but wonder aloud why all of the candidates were unwilling to respond.  My guess is that it seemed politically safer not to.  But how can one claim to be a voice for local citizens when he or she refuses to answer, even partially, some very earnest questions asked respectfully by a local citizen? 

Sigh.

In other news, I--your friendly neighborhood atheist--will soon be appearing at some of Muhlenberg County's public schools.  Specifically, I will be distributing literature from the Freedom from Religion Foundation at school-sponsored events.  This is the somewhat prolonged outcome of my accidental discovery this spring that the Gideons, booted from Muhlenberg County classrooms in 2011, were about to be allowed back into the schools (at afterschool events instead of during class time).  The complete history of my involvement is here, here, and here.

This is the email that I sent to school principals on October 15:
Dear [Principal]:
I am writing to request permission to distribute literature at [school name] during upcoming afterschool events.  I have been informed by Superintendent Dale Todd that any nonprofit organization may distribute literature at reading nights, open houses, and other official afterschool functions.  I am a local member of the Freedom from Religion Foundation, a national nonprofit group dedicated to the constitutional principle of the separation of church and state and to educating the public on matters relating to nontheism.
Please send me a list of the remaining events/dates during this school year that are available for this purpose.  I intend to distribute the Freedom from Religion Foundation publications Just Pretend: A Freethought Book for Children—a fun book that allows children of all ages to explore myths like Santa Claus and compare them with ideas like the existence of God—and Godless: How an Evangelical Preacher Became One of America’s Leading Atheists.  I will also be handing out bookmarks and "nontracts" promoting nontheism. The links that follow provide more information on these publications.
https://ffrf.org/shop/books/just-pretend-a-freethought-book-for-children https://ffrf.org/shop/books/godless-how-an-evangelical-preacher-became-one-of-america-s-leading-atheists
https://ffrf.org/shop/nontracts
Thanks in advance for your assistance.  I look forward to hearing from you.  
Sincerely,
Suzanne Lamb
The request was granted by all of the principals who received it, and depending on the school, I was either assigned an upcoming event or given a choice of events to attend.  (One middle school principal said I would have to wait until next fall's open house, as his school didn't have any other suitable events this year.)

A separate request to distribute literature, submitted by Western Kentucky University's Secular Student Alliance, was also granted.

I want to commend the school principals and the superintendent for making good on the school board's claim that when it voted to "approve plans for collaboration and efforts to support the Gideons [sic] organization" at the May 14 board meeting, it was actually creating a limited open forum that would allow any nonprofit group to distribute literature at afterschool functions. 

As anyone who regularly follows these types of stories can tell you, this is not how things usually turn out.  Many school districts maintain longstanding, privileged arrangements with the Gideons or other evangelical groups until someone complains; then officials say that, silly people, anyone can distribute literature, while crossing their fingers (or praying) that no groups representing viewpoints other than their own actually take them up on the offer.  As I noted in an earlier post, two North Carolina school boards decided to can literature distributions altogether after local residents tested so-called "open" policies by asking to distribute pagan literature.

If local residents are unhappy about my, or the Secular Student Alliance's, appearances at Muhlenberg County school functions, they can ask the board to craft a policy that prohibits all outside groups from distributing literature at school events.  School districts are in no way required by law to establish limited open forums.

While the Muhlenberg County school board has made much progress in complying with the law as it pertains to religion in the schools, it still has one practice to address.  The board's tradition of beginning school board meetings with prayer is in direct conflict with the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals' ruling in Coles Coles v. Cleveland Board of Education (1999), which found the practice to be a violation of the Establishment Clause.  As Kentucky is in the Sixth Circuit, that decision is considered binding.  Neither asking a student to lead the prayer, nor reminding those in attendance that the prayer is voluntary, makes the practice permissible.

I am so grateful for those friends and acquaintances--some of them Christians--who support my involvement with this issue.  And to my new atheist, agnostic, and freethinking friends in Muhlenberg and surrounding counties: your presence strengthens me. 

**UPDATE**

I am switching to moderated comments for this blog--at least for the time being.  This means that I will be reviewing comments before they are posted.  I am making this change because a few recent comments, which I have deleted, crossed a very obvious line of decency. 

178 comments:

  1. This is good news indeed. Although I personally would rather all public schools to adopt a policy that no outside groups can offer literature to our children, as it gives opportunity and access to so many children for any purpose, and makes the school complicit in any and all opinions of these groups.
    I am glad that if students are being given religious information that they will also be given opposing information. I think that whether the school chooses to maintain their policy or continue down this path is a win-win. We either go to a school neutral behavior towards religion, or kids are given an opposing viewings they may have never been privy to.
    Good on you for being good without god.

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  2. Is there anything you can hand out that educates specifically about the separation of church and state? That seems like it would be more appropriate and effective in this setting than publications that argue directly against religion itself and the existence of god.

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  3. Gary, thanks for your comment. First, let me emphasize that this is not my ideal outcome; I would prefer that the school board keep afterschool events closed to all outside groups. In fact, I urged the school board to take this approach in a letter I sent through the superintendent in July.

    However, the school board was determined not to end its relationship with the Gideons, and thus went the limited open forum route.

    I'm not trying to be a jerk, but I am trying to make a point. If the school board welcomes one viewpoint on religious matters, it must welcome others. The result of my actions may just be that the board reconsiders its policy. This is the best way I know to get the board to do that.

    The FFRF has a dual mission; much of its work is devoted to protecting the constitutional principle of separation of church and state, so some of the literature makes a case for that. For example, I have bookmarks with such quotations as, "I believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute" (John F. Kennedy) and "God & Government: A Dangerous Mix. Keep State & Church Separate!"

    Anyway, I understand where you are coming from on this.

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    1. You tell me why you should have the right to hand out stuff but yet you say others cant???? Your ignorance just shows more and more.All you want to do is try and get your name out there because you are the DEVIL but guess what lady, my kids will know GOD is real and there is nothing you can do to stop it. I feel so sorry for you that you stoop to such levels just to steal a CHILDS joy! This isnt about only you this is about CHILDREN in which you wish to destroy. The worst part is your kids dont even go to public school so why do you even care????? The devil is real and he lives right in you (shakes my head) you are going to be responsible for leading people to hell so shame on you!!!!! Just because your husband is a big shot lawyer you think you can do what you want and im sick of it!!!! This is why the bible talks about people like you!!! You put your money over everything else and its sad the false teachings you believe in. God have mercy on your soul when your judgment day comes.

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    2. and on another note you dont have a belief so STOP calling it that!!!! I just want to smack you but I know thats not the right thing to do. You make the ugly come out in lots of people over your nonsense and we have to fight the devil to not take our own action the way we want. SHAME on YOU and all your DRAMA

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    3. Really speaking of showing ignorance, you are doing a fine job. I can tell you have little or no knowledge of God what so ever. It is her right to serve or not serve what ever God she believes in. If she doesn't that's her business. Religion should never be taught at school, but it should be taught in the home and her agnostic views do not belong at school either instead or children need to be taught math and science as well as respect for themselves and others. As far as your religious views, you might need Christ more then she does. Your attitude does not demonstrate true christianity which is bared on love, acceptance, and forgiveness. Jesus never preached condemnation. The fact of her having the devil inside her shows more stupidity judge not lest ye be judged likewise. The same God that you and I both serve, loves her as much as you or me. Spend time in prayer that God may teach you to she the world through his eyes

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    4. She has made it other people's business by putting her views out there for all to see and hear! She chooses to home school her kids, has but is causing drama and

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    5. Continued- confusion in the public school system. That seems very attention seeking and imposing on others rights. America use to use the Bible as a textbook in schools. They still do in other countries. The good thing about this blog is everybody is talking about Jesus and the atheist are hearing the word of God!

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    6. "America use to use the Bible as a textbook in schools."

      Yes!!! Hallelujah! And America used to have slavery! (Condoned in your bible's new and old testaments).

      We "used to" do a whole lot of things. But our society is more moral than the bloodthirsty nonsense of the bible and the immorality of the bronze age god yahweh, "a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully.” (Credit to Richard Dawkins for the quote.)

      America is a SECULAR nation build firmly on the foundation of the separation of church and state.

      Deal with it.

      Chris

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    7. I thank God that He sent His son Jesus to die for us on the Cross and cover ALL our sins. Unfortunately America still has slavery. Slavery to sin. Today is the day of salvation, for tomorrow may be too late.

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  4. Thanks for your reply Suzanne. I admire what you're doing and wish you the best.

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  5. If you home school and don't use the public schools for the education of your children, then why should it matter so much to you what the schools do. We have a school board to make decisions for the school and if they are not good decisions let the parents of the students that attend do the complaining. Can't we all just live in peace and mind our own business no matter what our beliefs.

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    1. If you are interested in why this matters to me, please go back and read my previous posts on the subject; I've included the relevant links in this post. I think you will find that I've answered all of your questions.

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  6. Thats the problem we have now. One women took prayer out of school. If you do not have children there why is it your concern? I have 2 children in our public schools. It is my concern. I truly hope at any event that I am at you approach me or my children because we would love to tell you our personal experience with the power of prayer. Our GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD. I understand this is a choice. The Gideons or the bible are not forced onto anyone. If you don't like it here move.

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    1. Take your children to a Christian school. That would also solve your problem. How about that instead of being hateful?

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  7. Thats the problem we have now. One women took prayer out of school. If you do not have children there why is it your concern? I have 2 children in our public schools. It is my concern. I truly hope at any event that I am at you approach me or my children because we would love to tell you our personal experience with the power of prayer. Our GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD. I understand this is a choice. The Gideons or the bible are not forced onto anyone. If you don't like it here move.

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    1. I'm not going to explain over and over again why I care, or why I feel this is my concern. I will refer you to my previous posts on the subject, as I referred someone earlier this evening.

      Why should I move? This is my home, and my family's home. Just because I am taking a stand on an issue doesn't mean I don't like it here.

      When Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormons knock on my door and ask me to listen to their talk or take their literature, I have a choice. When Gideons come into public schools, those students don't have the same kind of choice. We have compulsory schooling laws; therefore, the Gideons have a captive audience. The Gideons understand all too well that when they are welcomed into classrooms, students are left with the impression that the schools endorse their message. This gives the Gideons much more authority than they could convey on their own.

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    2. "One woman" did not take prayer out of school. In fact, she has proven that the school board will let any religion in the school. That is certainly better than only letting Jude-Christian representatives hand out literature.

      Hypothetically, even if someone did take prayer out of school, that is hardly a problem. In fact, in a public school system that I pay for with my tax dollars, there should be no religious endorsement, whether I use those systems directly or not. The last thing I want is for the future leaders of this country to be indoctrinated in religious crap sponsored with my money.

      Lastly, if you're so proud of your god, then why did you make that post anonymously? I wouldn't feel too bad, though: if I believed in fairly tells I would be ashamed as well.

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    3. I have read all your posts but I still think if you home school leave the public schools alone I don't interfere with your home schooling. The Gideon's don't force the Bible on the children but have them there if they want one. You have a right to believe or not to believe in God, but if you look back when we had prayer in the schools our schools were much better. We did not have as much bullying or school shootings also less younger people were killing their selves.

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    4. I really hope i meet mrs lamb at one of the schools!

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    5. You have the right to send your children to a christian school or hand out the bible at home.

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  8. Let this woman whine... she believes that after death there is no existence. Good for her! So the literature she wants to present says as humans we answer ONLY to the law of the land? So why do individuals go to prison for murder? Oh... wait... because the BIBLE says thou shalt not kill!!! So therefore the law of the land is based on what? The BIBLE in which you do not believe! Sorry ma'am, you believe in the BIBLE more than you thought you did! May GOD bless you and heal you of your blindness!

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    1. I didn't say that the law of the land was the only kind of moral authority. Is it really so difficult to consider that people can be good without god or the Christian ten commandments? Are you suggesting that the only reason you do not kill is because the bible tells you not to? If I knew who you were, I would avoid you on days when your faith was wavering.

      Someone commenting on a previous post asked me, in all sincerity, how an atheist decides what is right and wrong. I told him that many atheists consider as wrong those acts that harm sentient beings, and acceptable those acts that do not cause any harm. I explained that this is why the atheist community tends to be supportive of gay rights: because we don't see how what consenting adults do in the bedroom hurts others in any way.

      By the way, do you believe that parents should stone disobedient children, as called for in Deuteronomy 21:18-21?

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    2. The idea that killing is bad far predates the ten commandments - for one obvious example of this and other moral laws, see the code of hamerabi. If the ten commandments are the basis for our laws, why isn't it illegal to work on the sabbath, dishonor your parents, lie, or worship other gods?

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    3. Being good will not get you into Heaven, only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will. I praise God to see you are reading the Bible, I pray it convicts your heart. Disobedient children should not be stoned, but well loved and trained in the ways of God so when they are old they will not depart from Him. These were laws of the Old Testament, when Jesus came He was the perfect sacrifice for our sins. His love covers it all. We are the children of God and He loves and forgives our sins if we ask with a humble heart. No need for the sacrifice of doves, goats, no multiple wives, no stoning, no old testament laws. I thank God, this is an awesome site to share the word of God!

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    4. To "anonymous" from 10:15 pm on Oct 30th:

      The laws of the Old Testament include the ten commandments. Jesus even says:

      "For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled."

      In other words, the Old Testament and all it's laws are still in effect.

      Chris

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    5. For: Anonymous October 26, 2012 10:55 PM

      I'm a little puzzled as to whether you actually believe what you're saying or whether you're putting us on.

      To say that our laws are based on the Bible is absolute foolishness. In fact the only commandments out of the 10 given to Moses that we follow are "Thou shalt not kill" (murder), thou shalt not steal, and now shall not bear false witness.

      You can't go to jail for having a belief in another God, you can't go to jail for making graven images, you can't go to jail for coveting someone else's belongings, you can't go to jail for committing adultery, and you certainly can't go to jail for using God's name in vain.

      Why is it that only those three commandments have actual laws based on them? It's obvious. They're the only ones that have any basis in reality. If you kill someone you are harming them, if you steal from someone you are harming them, and if you bear false witness against them you are harming them.

      If we truly got our morality "From the Bible" as you claim, there would be thousands of people dead or in jail for eating shellfish, saying "God damn it", wearing clothing with two different fibers, working on the Sabbath, being unruly children, etc. etc.

      Oh, and slavery would be legal too. Both the Old Testament and New Testament refer specifically to it.

      If your god was a moral god surely he would have condemned slavery? No?

      ...................................



      "So the literature she wants to present says as humans we answer ONLY to the law of the land? So why do individuals go to prison for murder? Oh... wait... because the BIBLE says thou shalt not kill!!! So therefore the law of the land is based on what? The BIBLE in which you do not believe! Sorry ma'am, you believe in the BIBLE more than you thought you did! May GOD bless you and heal you of your blindness!"



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    6. Jesus is all we need! He is an awesome mighty God that is worthy to be praised!

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    7. If there is a god and an afterlife and he expects people to have believed in him with no proof (the bible is not proof of god any more than a comic book is proof of Spiderman) he is certainly not worthy of worship.

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    8. There is God, the one and only God. The Bible is Gods Holy word inspired by Him and written down by men of His choosing. Christians do not have to see God to know that He is real that is called Faith. We believe His words and teachings in the King James Bible. We see Him in the moon, stars, ocean, summer, winter,fall, spring, a new born baby, on and on and on in all the wonderful blessings He gives us each day. We feel His prescence in our soul. He alone is worthy of worship and praise. I pray you know and feel Gods love soon.

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  9. That is God, by the way... with a capital G! Without God what is good? How do atheist differentiate between "good" and bad without the foundation of God? If you are a nonbeliever how can you call on scripture without the understanding of disobedient? Believe me, it eases my mind to know you would avoid me! I prefer to be surrounded by individuals who can sustain in a structured nation, in PUBLIC functions such as schools! Sheltering is an injustice to all mankind. I did not disagree with your wanting to share your atheism BS literature. The problem is, you do not have children in the PUBLIC school system, therefore it is of NO concern to you what is handed out to OUR children! So, do your little self glorification through your blog, and until you have a reason (child) in our PUBLIC system... stay the hell out of what has nothing to do with you. Quit trying to push your agenda. If you are so bored that you must blog about "small town living as an atheist", get a few jobs to occupy your time or move the hell out! I am sure New York could use a few more crooks and atheist!

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    1. Ignorance is not the virtue you seem to think it is.

      "God with a capital G?" Which god? There are dozens and dozens of "Christian" denominations in this country. (BTW, all of them believe the members of all others are going to hell.) Which one represents the "true" God?"

      Or is it the "God" of one of the other thousands of religions worldwide?

      There is as much proof for your god as there is for any other god.

      Zero.

      And as far as "how do you differentiate between good and bad without the foundation of God?".

      You're joking, right?

      Have you READ the bible? Cover to cover? Have a go. When you're finished you'll be either 1) an atheist or 2) comatose.

      Chris

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    2. You cannot read the Bible like any other book. It is the only book where the Author is present when you read it. You must read it with an open heart, ready to receive God's word. It requires study, meditation and prayer. The Bible is very interesting and life changing.

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  10. Suzanne, I'm PROUD of you for fighting the good fight.
    I see that some of your commenters are wanting to debate or belittle what you are doing.
    Keep strong, my friend! You are a beacon of light in a dark place.

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  11. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

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  12. I am a grandemother who has several grandchildren in the school system. These children pray before they eat their food and thank God for his gift to them. Do your children thank you before they eat becouse they surely can,t thank God because he doesn,t exist. What a sad way to live, whenyou feel the arms of Jesus around you it,s all joy. For every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.

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    1. Yes, before they eat, my children often thank me or my husband for preparing their food. They are very polite that way. And sometimes we talk about how thankful we are for the farmers who grow the food that ends up in our CSA (community supported agriculture) basket. Local organic farmers rock!

      What makes you think that I am sad? When I feel the arms of my loved ones around me (or sit down with a really huge bowl of Cherry Garcia ice cream), it's all joy.

      "Odin knew then that Balder must die, but the other gods believed that Frigga had made him safe. They played a game accordingly which gave them much pleasure. They would try to hit Balder, to throw a stone at him or hurl a dart or shoot an arrow or strike him with a sword, but always the weapons fell short of him or rolled harmlessly away. Nothing would hurt Balder. He seemed raised above them by this strange exemption and all honored him for it . . ." (excerpt from "The Norse Gods," from Edith Hamilton's _Mythology_: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes)

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    2. There is no comparison between the gods of mythology (fairy tales) and our wonderful, awesome God of the universe! The food we eat just did not magically appear by some farmer. The God who created all good things is who we thank for our food. We thank the farmer, that God gave him or her the knowledge to grow the food we enjoy every day! Thank you for this blog to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with you and teach you about the awesome love of Jesus! Jesus is coming back soon, it's time to get ready. Today is the day of Salvation! Merry Christmas, I celebrate Christmas all year long and you can too!

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    3. The power of... oh well. Something compels me to keep replying.

      "There is no comparison between the gods of mythology (fairy tales) and our wonderful, awesome God of the universe! The food we eat just did not magically appear by some farmer."

      All gods are "gods of mythology", or "Fairy Tales", as you put it, although incorrectly.

      No, the food did not appear "magically". (As it would have if your god had created it.)

      Dozens, indeed hundreds, of scientific advances have allowed modern agriculture to progress to where it is today. In the same fahsion modern medicine has progressed, as has mathematics and every other field imaginable.

      As for "Jesus coming back"... We've been hearing that for 2,000 years now. Put a sock in it.

      Chris

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    4. There is no excuse for rudeness, except ignorance. 2000 years is but a blink of time to God. He is coming back in His time. When we die and everyone does our soul will be absent from our body and immediately present with the Lord. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. My God is real and the only God ! Jesus loves you!

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  13. I grew up in Glasgow, KY, and live in Iowa. I found your blog via a link from Chris Liebig's "A Blog about School." Just wanted to drop a note of support. Great blog. I wish you had more readers who would actually take the time to think about your arguments and write reasoned responses rather than just lashing out.

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  14. Doris, thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate your support. I've never been to Glasgow, but I make it to Bowling Green a few times a year.

    Yeah, there's lots of lashing out going on here. I'm amazed that so few even get into the legal/judicial aspects of the situation. It's hard to have a reasoned discussion with people who see civil law as practically irrelevant.

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    1. For you and anyone else who doesn't beleave in God I will pray for you because that is what our God tells us to do. I will not judge you because that is my heavenly fathers job! But when you n longer feel that you can take what life pushes at you or when your so thankful with what life has gave you remember god will carry you through the hard times and he will bless his children with fruits of his love!!! God made each of us in his image and he loves us all. God has been her since the beginning. He says that if you deny him on earth he will deny you into heaven. I pray that you all realize to be saved all you have to do is beleave in God beleave in Jesus , beleave I. The Holy spirit, know that Jesus died on the cross for you arose three days later from the dead. He could have got off that cross. He healed the blind, feed the poor, turned water to wine, cured a little child who had been possessed, and may other miracles! He could have got off that cross. He didn't for you and me! So if we beleave ask forgiveness for our sins and ask God to come into our hearts then we can be saved. It's that easy. You may not agree and like I said I'll will remember you all in my prayers! But God will give you a chance to be saved from Hell. It's In your hands and yours only. I pray someday you hear the angels sing. And not feel the torment if Hells fire!! P.S. I'm Sandie Moore. And you should come to Greenriver chapel tomorrow at 6:00 in Central City Kentucky. Maybe you will understand salvation a little better! They put on a wonderful program. It's a wonderful program. I pray you all don't wake up some day in a place you don't beleave! May God Bless each and All of you! Your in my prayers

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  15. Suzanne, keep up the great work. I was born in Muhlenberg and went through all of my K-12 there. My niece and nephew still go to school there, and I'm glad that there is going to be someone other than the Gideons handing out literature at events.

    I'm sure you know this already, but there are definitely going to be people there arguing with you. I'd love for you to post about your first experience distributing the literature :).

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    1. Indeed. The law is the law. There should be other groups allowed to pass out lit. Say, for instance, devil worshipers. Maybe the KKK.

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    2. Do you agree that the Gideon's have a right to pass out literature?

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  16. As a teacher, I think it is irresponsible for any citizen not to care about what goes on in our public schools, whether or not they have students in attendance. Students in those schools are growing up to be the future leaders of the community. Additionally, their tax dollars are going to support the schools. Finally, if the public schools were welcoming to people of all beliefs, some families may not need to choose homeschooling or private schools.

    Good for you for holding your district to the law and for fighting to make schools inclusive for children of all beliefs.

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  17. I understand your concern with children being forced to listen to someone speak on their religion, but its the parents' job to tell children there is no Santa when they think the time is right.
    I feel that if children want to be apart of a prayer circle, they should have the right to. I have never seen anyone force a student to be apart of a prayer in schools. This past year i have seen students come together in prayer, lifting up students and their families as they went through hardships and debilitating injuries. I watched our county come together in a time of need, which is sadly unusual.
    This issue hits home for me and many others as we have lost dear friends.
    I pray for you peace and that instead of disagreeing on issues, our community can come to an agreement.

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  18. Suzanne,

    Im so glad you are taking a stand! I happy to also say that I WILL NOT be praying for you!!!!!! :)

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  19. I am amazed that you would even mention the Gideon's because they can not put the Bibles in the children's hands. You have a right to do as you see fit but Christians can and should refuse to take your literature. I will be doing my best to ensure that the Christian parents I know tell their children not to accept anything from you.

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  20. I will also let everyone I know about the up coming a vent and as Christians to pray for these poor lost souls and their families. They really need God in their lives. Also as a Christian person my children will not be attending school on this day because it is against our religion. I wouldn't send my children to Waco Texas to have drank cool aid with the cult down there because I knew it was wrong just like this is wrong. But I'll still remember them in prayer because that what God says is right :}

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    1. If you are so up in arms over this, do you not recognize the hypocrisy in what you are saying? You are so upset that someone would be passing out literature that goes against your own beliefs. How do you think non-Christians feel every time they are at school events that involve Christian prayer or Bible distribution? Why is it fine for your faith to be involved in the schools, but not others? So by your logic, non-Christians should boycott all public school days/events where religion is involved? How is that fair to non-Christians who pay tax dollars just like you? The point is not that anyone is trying to convert your children to atheism or anything else. The point is that religion does not belong in our PUBLIC schools, which should represent everyone and not just Christians.

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    2. I am not saying that at all. I am asking people of my faith to lift you all up to God in prayer!!!!! My children are not going to be a part of this because i have the right to control what my children hear and do until they are 18. If I choose to teach what I beleave to my children. I'm not asking anyone to do anything that they don't want to do outside of my family. All I'm doing is praying for you all and your lost souls! My point of views are being wrote because this was published publically! You all are heated. I am not, just full of sadness that you don't know the light and love of our heavenly father!

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    3. Hey Anonymous, just an FYI...We do not go to school on ANY nationally recognized holiday and there are not any school days/events where religion is involved. Name one. Ill give you an example, myself. Christmas?? Nope, they do plays about elves and Santa. And my child has been in the pubic school system for 9 years now and not ONCE have I ever witnessed any event (even 20 years ago when i was in school) that had events that included a "Christian prayer". Even the prayer groups hold their meetings BEFORE school and not on the school property. As far as the Bible distribution,to be distributed one must HAND the Bible to another (just so we are politically correct). If it is picked up by someone, that is free will!!

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    4. Had you read Suzanne's entry thoroughly, you would have noticed that one example is the opening of school board meetings with prayer. School board meetings, where school policies are discussed, are important for all citizens to attend regardless of their religious beliefs.

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  21. Hahaha.... I guess as a christian I should say thank you to my lord n savior I have never had to defend myself because HE has already taken care of that! But seems that's all u do a lot of waisted time on your part! You should take n place yourself over an open fire just for a taste of what your leading your innocent children too. I heard about your choice to not choose Jesus n I do pray for you but I plead for mercy on your innocent children. I do believe that in the future your children will choose salvation n they will be saved in the name of Jesus n be covered by HIS blood! The reason for this is called faith oh n also what I have read n believe from those gideon bibles!!!! So thankful for what's gonna take place in your children's lives as soon as they just get a taste of the lord Jesus! Watch out Satan Jesus has already taken the keys n defeated you n HE WILL CONTINUE TO REIGN!!!!!!

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  22. Anonymous

    I'm a christian and I'm not hear to judge you. I believe in God, Heaven and Hell. If you choose not to believe the way I do then that is your choice. God gives us all a choice and I choose God!! I do have a child that attends MCHS and I have already told him what you are doing. My children have been raised in church all their lives and they believe as I do. My child will not be accepting of your literature. All Christian familys tell your children not to accept this literature. God gives us a choice. IT's kind of like a drug dealer tell your children to say no and walk away.. As for you Mrs. Lamb I will be praying for you and your family. I can't imagine that when I'm in dispaire or down or a tragedy occurs in my life not having someone to pray to. I know that God answers prayers and I'm so thankful that he died for my sins and that someday I will be able to see my loved ones that have passed on. Thank you Jesus!!!

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  23. Oh geez. This sort of thing makes me so happy not to live there anymore. I don't know how you do it, really. I could not handle the fishbowl full of ignorance and hate. You are a good woman. A beacon of light in a dark place, indeed.

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    1. Believe me, if you feel that way about our community, we are just as glad to have you out of it as you are to be out of it.

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  24. Hi Suzanne! As a Christian, who dearly loves the Lord, I agree with your way of thinking about religion in schools. I understand that you are upset, as an atheist, that Gideon's are going into our schools and handing out literature. Personally, I do not want an outside force teaching my child about te Lord. I send them to school to learn reading, writing, math, history, so on and so forth, not to be taught about what to believe in. I believe that cultures and beliefs should be practiced and taught at home by the parents or in churches. So in that respect I agree with you. I do not agree with you, however, in the sense that you are "trying to make two wrongs a right" by taking your literature to our public schools just a proof a point that the Gideon's should not be there. As I have read, you have no children in a public school. To me it seems that you are not merely trying to prove a point, but start a fight and engage parents in a quarrel. You are a respected member in this county, as is your husband. Why start a debate and get parents upset by going into schools and trying to persuade their children that everything their parents taught them is wrong? This is not only with the God issue, but with Santa and other beliefs as well. I would never come to your children and over rule everything you have taught them. What you are doing WILL NOT prove a point to seperate church and state, but instead will divide our county and cause much upset, as it has already done. You stated that atheist believe that protecting people or things is their ultimate belief in right and wrong. You are playing with the minds and emotions of young, innocent children by telling them that what their parents taught them is wrong. To a child, news like God and Santa are only a fairy tale, would be devastating to them. I ask you, is your ploy to prove a point worth harming young children?!? If you want to prove a point and get religion out of school, go to the school board, contact parents, do not get our children involved by giving them literature! I would even sign your petition, as I am the one that wants to teach my children about the Lord and not leave it up to a school system or an outsider to do so. As for a few of the Christians who have posted on Ms. Lambs Blog, shame on you for lashing out and threatening her with Hell!!! God did not teach us to act this way! Using foul language in your post and telling someone they are going to burn in Hell in no way is Godly!! And as Christians we wonder why people are atheist?! We are to show Gods love at all times not to scare them to death with a mindful portrait of a God who is mad at them and going to cast them into hell. Thats why people do not come to church, they are afraid of God. If Ms. Lamb chooses not to believe in God, then it is your job as a Christian to show her God does exist by showing his love. Often times we quote John 3:16 but we leave out verse 17 which says "God sent not his Son into the world to CONDEMN the world, but that the world through Him might be saved!" so just because You do not believe in God Ms. Lamb, doesn't mean that he does not still love you :) not all of us have gotten the chance to experience an encounter of God and His love. How can you believe in something you have never experienced? So I do not hold that against you. God is a loving God, who loves you no matter what you do or how you believe. Ms. Lamb I hope you take into consideration what I have said, because it truly was heart felt. I believe there is an easier way to resolve this other than how you are going about it. My concern is for our children. Christians, please do not get on here and quarrel or be in argument with this blog. To show ones anger is to show ones ignorance!

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    1. I think she is just giving people (kids) another option. Sometimes kids are forced to live lives that aren't best for them, but best for their parents. I grew up in the church, and I wish my parents had given me an option. I was so conditioned to believe one practice that I used it out of context, why, because I was a kid and didn't understand an adult issue. I wish all Christians showed Gods love like you say you do, it would help the image. And to answer your question, why are people atheist, for many different reasons, one being science. Another reason, Christians believe just as strongly in their religion as do the 1.7 billion Islamic, 900 million Hindu, & 376 million Buddhist... no one knows which is correct, if any at all. You should watch the Bill Maher movie Religulous, that will help you understand our differences. I think you are misunderstanding why people are atheists, it has nothing to do with being afraid of God. I don't understand why you wrote the post as anonymous, if you believe in something you should be proud. I am proud that I raise a moral home and a good caring generous family. And that has nothing to do with religion or atheism, it's just about being a decent human being. :) Danica

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  25. Congrats to you for getting your foot in the door, I'm shocked! Keep up your work, there are a lot of people out there supporting you and your cause! :) Danica

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    1. Unfortunately the devil has many followers! He knows that his time is running out and he needs to take as many people with him to Hell as possible. He also knows every word of the Bible and knows in Revelations he loses and Jesus reigns forever! The devil walks the earth killing, stealing and destroying, seeking who he can devour. He is a liar and blinds people's eyes, be careful who you follow!

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    2. Not following or believing in Christianity does not automatically make you a devil worshipper. Maybe I'm an atheist, maybe I'm Hindu, maybe I'm Mormon, maybe I'm Wiccan... you're assuming things, and we all know what that does. :) Danica

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    3. If you do not believe in Jesus Christ, who do you believe in? Christians believe in Jesus Christ only and follow Him only. As Christians we believe and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ in the King James Bible. I do not know you or your heart, but Jesus knows you, loves you and wants you to go to Heaven.

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  26. We all have the right to believe in what we want! I am a Christian and believe in God! I also believe that Christians should not judge one another! It is Gods place to do so! I think if your children attended public schools then it would be different but they don't! You can teach your children as you wish and I will teach my children as I wish! And if you try to give anything to my children they will tell you no thank you!

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  27. "Friendly Atheist," please learn to spell. It's allowed not "aloud."

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  28. She did spell it right. And tell me how do you "wonder allowed"?

    al·low/əˈlou/
    Verb:
    Admit (an event or activity) as legal or acceptable.
    Give (someone) permission to do something.

    a·loud/əˈloud/
    Adverb:
    Audibly; not silently or in a whisper: "he read the letter aloud".
    Loudly.

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  29. I would first like to say, I DO believe in God, and I have 2 chidren in the Muhlenberg Co. School System. I see nothing wrong with her wanting to share her information at the schools. If everyone is so sure of their unwavering faith and their childrens, then nothing she hands out will affect them. If other religions can be expressed in schools, then so should hers. I always thought that Christians did not judge others, but there seems to be ALOT of judging going on.
    And I'v seen several comments on Facebook about this damaging her husbands career. Again, his career should be based on his ability in doing his job, not on his religious preference. But yet again with the judging others!

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    1. First of all you are in my prayers second maybe SHE should have thought about how SHE would be damaging her husbands career once SHE started trying to push her beliefs on children.

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    2. Sorry, I missed something. Which belief is she pushing? Atheism is a lack of belief in a god or gods.

      Saying atheism is a belief is like saying bald is a hair color.

      Chris

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  30. I am a mother who has children in the public schools and I see the stress my children endure daily just to be "kids" and the struggles of trying to find themselves and I let them choose who they want to be... YES!! my kids believe in god and so do I for that matter.. Nothing wrong with you or anyone else having their own beliefs...
    But ask yourself this, how would you feel if a "new law" was to arise and you were forced to put your children into public schools in which you DID NOT approve, and you could not home school them.?.OR vise versa?.?.. I realize you are trying to make a point, and to get a point across, but going into public schools may not be the right way.. The reason I say this is, my children do not attend after school functions (by their own choice).. Have you considered the impact it would have on children that ONLY attend school?.?. Not to mention the controversy over the bullying and putting kindergartners thru 12 on the same bus.. These kids go through more than we could imagine.. I am not judging you nor should anyone judge how others raise their children on what to believe... But I do have a few questions??.. Who created you?? Who created those loved ones you wrap your arms around?? Who created the person that made that bowl of ice cream you love to eat?? AND you want to hand out literature to kids that says Freedom From Religion, isn't that a little hypocritical?.. Meaning, it's ok to be atheism since that is your belief?.. I'm not sure what you think goes on in public schools but it sure isn't a prayer ceremony.. The pledge of our Americain flag has already been re-worded not to offend others.. But yet girls kissing girls and boys holding boys hands isn't suppose to offend??.. I don't have a problem with ANY gay couples, but it doesn't have to be broadcoasted...

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  31. If you feel so strongly that there is not a God then why is it so important to you for others to believe as you do . If there is no God why do you care if people choose to pray when they want to pray. No one is saying you have to pray along with them, or bow your head or anything else that you yourself are not comfortable doing. I as a Christian am sick and tired of atheist pushing their beliefs or should I say non-belief on others. We don't push our God on you. God gives you the choice to believe or not to believe. For those of us that believe we will pray for your soul daily. But for some reason it seems so important to you and other atheist to force your opinions on others. Freedom in this country is just what the word says...FREEDOM. That means freedom to believe in a higher being, which in my case and family is God, or freedom to not believe. It is a choice and I don't want it thrown in my face and in my children's face that there is not a God when we have the freedom to believe there IS A GOD and teach our children that there IS A GOD. You believe what you want and we will continue to pray for you and your family but don't throw your lack of belief in our faces trying to change the way we choose to live our lives and raise our children and believe in our God!

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    1. Do you really not see the hypocrisy in what you're saying? You are tired of atheists pushing their beliefs? You saying you'll "continue to pray for you and your family" is not only extremely rude and condescending, but it is shoving your belief down our throats!

      Worse still, there are legislators in congress who vote on issues based on their faith. This is the worse form of pushing belief onto others because we would be obligated to your beliefs. I do not believe that gay and lesbian couples do not have the right to get married, for example, but religious right-wing senators certainly do! How is that "freedom?"

      Seriously, this law maker is publicly stating that the big bang theory, evolution, and embryology are lies from the pit of hell. As sure as I breathe, I do not want this uneducated fool continuing to foster a culture of ignorance. (link: http://news.yahoo.com/congressman-calls-evolution-lie-pit-hell-175514039.html)

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  32. Dear Suzanne and other non-believers,
    You all are in my prayers tonight.

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    1. And you're in mine. I hope Thor doesn't ban you from Valhalla for believing in a false god.

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    2. Nelson~ I hope you are not attaching "athiest" to your name since you are connecting to a god in polytheistic Norse mythology.

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  33. Cudos to you! I've never seen anyone fight so hard against something they don't believe in!

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  34. We all have our own views on this matter.. There is only a few things I have to say about this. If you do go to my child's school It would not be a good Idea to speak to my minor child about this nonsense!! In OUR home we serve the LORD!! I will not allow the devils work to be pushed upon my child! Lady believe and raise your children however you want to each is their own is how I see it....You should not push your views on any child...Have something public is the community...take it up with the adults not the children!!!!!!

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    1. Ah irony, how sweet is the fruit of your vine!

      "You should not push your views on any child...Have something public is the community...take it up with the adults not the children!!!!!"

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  35. Mrs Lamb, I see through your very precise and well-chosen words. You play the "politcal" game quite well. BUT, your first and last mistake, no matter how far you may get with all your 'acceptance', is that your premise of "separation of church and State" is COMPLETELY false. First, that is not written and ratified in the Constitution anywhere. It is not a principle of the Constitution as you claim. It is a grossly manipulated claim made up by the communist party sometime in the 1950's I believe. So when the day finally comes that the populace finally catches up with the truth about this matter, you might well be left in the dark all alone with you non-existant Diety. So sorry for you and the dark hope you are raising your child(ren)in. I concur with what some others have been trying to communicate, that if you are so sure about your atheistic belief, then why are you so strongly compelled to propagate such a hopeless system that is devoid of love, hope, and an eternal future? The reason that most, if not all, faiths seek to share their faith is to share with others the hope of some eternal place of bliss when the body dies. Your belief system offers none of this. so why are you compelled to steal away from other children the blessing of the hope of eternal life. You truly are a misguided and lost individual who is obviously seeking for some meaning in your life. You don't really have any stated purpose for spreading your non-gospel...gospel literally means "good news" so obviously people want to share the gospel, i.e. good news.. what "good news" do you have to share?

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    1. Amen!!!!! Leave the kids alone!

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    2. How dare you with a straight face question the hope, love and meaning of the life of someone you don't know?

      If the "good news" of the bible is something you really want to share you might try reading the book for starters. It's truly a horror story the to rival the likes of any Hollywood murder movie.

      Separation of church and state made up by the communist party? Are you out of your mind? Most of the founding fathers were barely deists, much less Christians.

      Get some history books. Read them. Read the bible complete with it's horrors of eternal torture provided by your loving god.

      I dare say if you silly proselytizers kept your superstitious nonsense to yourselves rather than insisting on handing out your books of rubbish on school property there would never have been a "What to tell the Neighbors" blog.

      Chris

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    3. I suggest reading the first amendment to the Constitution. It's in there. It's called the "Establishment Clause."

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  36. unfortunately, I don't have the time to read through all of your blogs, our country was founded upon a belief in a Supreme Being and you can never deny that. Just because there are liberal justices in our Court systems, does not make them little gods.... when any finite being stands in the place of God, they cease to be an authority. As I recall, and I don't have the case number...(I don't have an agenda as you do) But when the supreme court decided that black people in America were of less value than others and hence it was legal to make them slaves... I suppose you would be quoting them as well to make that case since you have no standard of morality such as the Bible gives to those of faith... just something to think about as you seem to rely on court cases as your sole source of authority...

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    1. Her husband is a lawyer. What do you expect? She is just using her husband's education to fuel her own vendetta against the board of education and Christian families in the community.

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    2. What does the bible tell us about Slavery?

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    3. What? Really? And do we still have slavery? Do we? I'm guessing you know we don't but from your statements I don't want to assume too much.

      Why don't we have slavery? Because your god said it was bad in the bible? Uh uh. He says it's great! Slaves are cool! You can even beat them within an inch of their lives as long as they recover in a couple days.

      But yeah, that's the old testament. You know, the stuff Jesus says will stand until heaven and earth pass in Matthew.

      Of course the New Testament condemns slavery, right? Erm.. aw heck. Nope. It doesn't. But, but Jesus MUST have condemned the keeping of other human beings as PROPERTY!!!!

      Nope.

      Sorry.

      No dice.

      Your "Standard of Morality" is a hackneyed old wives' tale like an old dog without teeth.

      What standard of morality does the bible give you? Do you kill your disobedient children?

      Do you slaughter the men, women, and unborn children of those who oppose you?

      Do you notch the ear of your slaves? (Oh wait, you don't have slaves.)

      Do you put brides who are not virgins to death?

      I bet you don't do any of these things.

      Guess what? You're more moral than your god and you didn't even realize it.

      Chris

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  37. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  38. Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect."
    Romans 12:2

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  39. If anything, Mrs. Lamb, your blog and intentions have only made my child more aware of the things the bible teaches about in these last days; and has solidified his commitment to being saved and baptized. So, I just want to say thank you for giving us the reason to have a discussion tonight about the Lord and what my young son believes. I am giving God all the glory because in these dark times, He is still prevailing and being heard! People all over this county are talking about Jesus tonight and that is such a blessing. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for helping lead my son and convicting his little heart to be saved!! To GOD BE THE GLORY, AMEN!!

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  40. You lady, are just plain stupid...yes you can have your opinion on this, but let me make this clear, I have seen the power of prayer work miracles. My cousin is alive because of it. Who had a hand in that? God did. He wakes your sorry butt up every day for some reason. And last, yes please be at the schools to hand this stuff out..see how many boots you get up your butt and how many of those papers you end up eating...

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Wow, what caring words from a caring Christian... again great for the overall image. And from what I understand this is a physical threat. You're on this blog trying to prove your point, and that you're doing, but I don't think you can even see the folly of your ways. I find the backlash to be quite sad, it makes me question America's future. :) Danica

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  41. I do not condemn you for your beliefs because we all have free will to make our own choices in the comforts of our OWN homes. My 3 miracle babies that were healed by Jesus Christ will not be subject to such garbage as what you are proposing to handout. They have never received a Gideon's New Testament from school either. Understand that I teach my children our core values and beliefs and do not want ANY outside influence trying to interfere with my role!!! I will home-school all three of them before I allow them to EVER receive such materials. Please let the county know what events you will be attending with these materials so that I can mark my calendar to avoid such events! Very saddened by some of the views of this county and will be carefully voting in the election! That's my time to offer my voice and I will be taking full advantage of it!

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  42. I find it interesting that you want to control what takes place on public school campuses, but you do not send your children to publilc school.

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    1. She does however pay taxes so that others may go.

      Why should schools allow bibles to be handed out on school property? Should they allow Qurans to be handed out? The Bhagavad Gita? The Kalpa Sutra? The Al-Jilwah?

      All or none even if the FFR literature doesn't advocate a religon.

      If you want to live in a theocracy check out Iran. I heard the clothing is pretty hip.

      Chris

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    2. We do live in America, where in 1620 the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, they immediately gave thanks to God, not Budah or Mohammed for His blessings on them. They used their Bibles to teach their children to read and write. Maybe we need more history lessons on why our country was founded in the first place. Christians pay taxes also. It is highly doubtful that Iran would welcome Americans or Bibles in a friendly, welcoming manner. Thankful to God for my Bible and that I live in America!

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    3. Really, you're using Plymouth as an example... they slaughtered the American Indians! -Danica

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    4. History cannot be changed! You would still be living in England under the rule of a king if not for the Pilgrims making that journey.

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    5. Whether her kids attend the school or not is irrelevant. It's like saying that if a public bus makes all the blacks sit in the back, it's ok, because YOU don't ride that bus.

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    6. I would sit in the back of the bus and read my Gideon Bible, while witnessing to everyone around me including YOU about Jesus!

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  43. I did waste my time reading your blog and found it self centered nonsense. It seems to me that you have a very selfish view point. It is NOT about you and your opinion! Eternity is a long time to be wrong. The really sad thing is the misguided influence you will have on others including your own children. Where is your hope? If it is in yourself or this world the Bible says you are most miserable. Is this why you are so determined to cause drama, chaos and confusion in the schools where your children do not even attend? Do you think about what happens to you and your loved ones after you die? Madelyn Murray Ohare's son realized his mother was wrong and became a Christian. She on the other hand lived a sad, lonely,miserable life and met with a mysterious end. I am praying for your soul
    and pray that God changes your hardened heart before it is too late. I am also praying one of those
    Gideon Bibles falls in your hands soon and you read Romans chapter 6. Eternity is a long time to be
    wrong! Jesus loves you!

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  44. This a woman with children and a husband with a career, they're people just like you (Christian & Atheist alike). I can't believe how much you all are attacking her for standing up in something she believes, which you are all doing right now. :) Danica

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    1. Why does she need defense from others if her motivation and agenda is just her personal belief?

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    2. You all seem to be ganging up on her, so why is she not allowed to get support? Many people throughout the US believe in the separation of church and state. :) Danica

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  45. I see precisely what you're doing. Trying to incite the anger of all the Christian parents. Making such an issue that the hand of the school board is forced, and because of the controversy none are allowed. Because you're obviously aware that you sound exceedingly hypocritical to complain about the Gideons and propose to do exactly as they are.... At first I was angry and insulted in your comparison of my faith, to a child's belief in Santa. I thought about it, and prayed about it before I replied. Christians are still human and not perfect, after all. My faith is a very real and integral part of my life. However, I'm not going to attempt to share my testimony with you; Matthew 7:6 warns about the futility of such an action...
    It takes a village to raise a child, and I'd like to raise mine in a community that holds Christian values. I appreciate that the people making decisions ask for Gods input before hand.
    Someone mentioned the code of hammurabi, they say "an eye for an eye". They were written by men ... Jesus said, turn the other cheek. My God is a forgiving and loving God. I can't imagine how dark my existence would be without him. I will be praying for the county. And for you. That you'll experience God, and the joy only He can provide. (I haven't read all the comments, so I may be repeating a bit)

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  46. I've got to say, it's not always easy for me as a Christian to live in the bible belt. So much nasty tradition and ungodly actions from many who claim to be Christian but have rarely read the bible and could give a flip about showing love to others. In many of these communities, going to church is more of a cultural thing and not about living what Jesus mentions as the 2 commands that we need to heed - loving God first and then loving others as we love ourselves.
    I see that you have many resources that support your views and would love to suggest Lee Strobles 'The Case for Christ". He also was atheist, very intelligent (Ivy League school) and decided to support his ideas with his own personal dis-proving of Jesus and God. Maybe something you could read just to see some of his findings.
    I pray that you will one day experience God's love deeply and honestly.

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  47. Wow I will pray for your soul blasphemy is what you are doing and its unforgiveable sad your leading your kids to hell just to convince your self that you can live like you want to with no consequence

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    1. I strongly believe that your kids will be proud of you for teaching them to be critical thinkers and to stand up for what they believe in, even when it isn't easy. You have a lot of supporters out here!

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    2. I know that if they are atheists when they stand before God and He says depart from me I never knew you, they will remember with sadness and despair that their mother never taught them about Jesus! The Bible teaches about how to be a Godly woman and mother in Proverbs 31. The devil has lots of supporters on this earth, his is not the team to be on, be careful who you follow!

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  48. I've read most of the comments and find that most Christians on here are not open minded at all. Atheism IS a belief, but it's not a religion. Also it is a law that the government and state shall remain separate, this covers public schools.

    I just heard of this blog today and will be emailing you in a little while with a few questions as I reside in muhlenberg and also have the same beliefs as you. I'm currently taking a law class and the only problem I have is that while the law states that church and state are to remain separate and it is illegal for Gideons to hand out religious information within the school that they can outside of the school. I see nothing wrong with them giving those items out at after school events as long as other groups have an equal chance to do so. I only wish I was in a position to voice my opinion so boldly as you, unfortunately I fear I will not be able to get a job if I do.

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    1. The Bible says a wise man follows the instructions of the Bible and a foolish man profit not. You will reap exceeding benefits and not be fearful when you trust in the Lord to meet your needs instead of self or man. Be careful who you put your trust in, for they can lead you to the path of destruction. We need the laws of the land to have a functional society, however trying to separate God and His commandments will lead to disastrous results as we have already see. Always stand with God and He will stand with you!

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    2. "The Bible says a wise man follows the instructions of the Bible and a foolish man profit not."

      Translation: "My words are true because I said so."

      Do you see the circular logic in your statement?

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    3. I see that you are one of those foolish men the Bible talks about. Today is the day of Salvation. Read the Bible with an open heart, listen to Jesus teachings,and lean not unto your own understanding.

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  49. Would you consider yourself a good person?.....answer honestly...yes, you do. Let's take a little quiz and see how well you do!....have you ever stolen anything?....I'm sure you have, I'm talking ANYTHING! Candy, time from your job, anything?.....have you ever committed adultery....and by adultery i mean looked at man with lust?...This means looking at that man on the movie screen and think, "Man he looks hot!" Have you ever been jealous of someone?...A big yes on that one, we all have! Have you ever disobeyed your parents?...even as a teenager? Have you ever killed anyone?..I'm sure the answer to that is no. So, just by that standard and those questions, are you now a good person? I would say not so good now, huh? So, let's say there was a judge (and I'm sure you will be familiar with this scenario) and this judge was going to sentence you to a life sentence because of all the bad you had done, but this sentence is to take place only after you die. Your judgement is paradise (heaven) or a lake of fire (hell). And just when the judge is about to sentence you (and because he is a good judge and he can not lie) to the lake of fire, a man walks up and says, "WAIT!!! I'll pay her price, I'll take all the blame for her!" The look on your face is overwhelmed! "How can this man take all my bad and let me be forgiven off all my crimes?" How many people would you be willing to tell about THAT MAN!!! That man that saved your life from the lake of fire? That man, is Jesus Christ, the judge is GOD. God is a just God, if he wasn't he wouldn't be God! As Christians, we have nothing to loose, we tell others about Christ and win souls FOR HIM!!! Not so, I can be heard, but that HE might be glorified!

    Which brings me to my last set of questions. What if your wrong??? What if your wrong and the Christians are right? What if there really is a God and He is the alpha, omega, beginning, and end? And the only way though to the father is by the son, Jesus Christ?

    My prayer is that your blog and your stand will cause a revival in this county for Christians to stand up and tell others about Christ and what he has done for them! My God is REAL, and he will use this for his glory!

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    1. What? You kill hundreds of people and someone else says "Hey, I'll take the death penalty for you" and this is OK? If this happened in a courtroom there would be a mob with torches and pitchforks storming the doors.

      And "What if you're wrong?"? Really? Seriously? Pascal's Wager?

      If there is a god that would punish those who have never heard of him, never seen him or any proof of him, never had any reason to believe that he or any other of the tens of thousands of gods to have been created by and forgotten by man were anything more than the illusory conjugations of primitive people supplicating themselves on the throne of ignorance, he is certainly not worthy of worship.

      What if YOU are wrong and the REAL god is one of the 10,000 others?

      Not all religions can be true. All of them, however, can be false.

      Chris

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    2. Agreed, Chris. Pascal's wager is the worst defense...

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  50. I just shook my head at what most of the "Christians" were saying here. Its embarrassing to me and I don't even believe in a god. Oh well.Ignorance is bliss.

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  51. Wow. Christians aren't very understanding or tolerant. As a matter of fact, they can be pretty cruel. Better pray for understanding and guidance instead, for yourself!

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    1. We should never threaten others with harm in any way, but show them the love of God with words and actions. However it would be cruel and do them great, everlasting harm if we do not share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them. Prayer changes things in a mighty way! God can do anything, but we in ourself can do nothing.

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  52. How did your trip to the high school go?

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  53. Actually ignorance is just ignorance! It will be no excuse and no defense when you bow before God! The Bible says every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Depart for I never knew you would be terrible words to hear. Enter in my good and faithful servant are the words we want to hear. Today is the day of Salvation, tomorrow may be too late!

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    1. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that the Bible is true, though. You know, many atheists (including me) because so because of reading the Bible. All of it.

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    2. There is a difference between reading the Bible and understanding it with your heart. There is evidence all around if you will open your eyes to see. Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost but now I'm found was blind but now I see.

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    3. The bible is a book of contradictions.

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  54. Just throwing this out there... Hopkins County Board of Education leads a prayer at their meetings as well.

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    1. That is awesome and very encouraging! I am sure that school system is blessed by God. The Bible says to be in constant, continuous prayer to God! We serve an awesome, mighty God that will hear and answer our prayers. We should never be ashamed or intimidated by others to bow our heads in prayer to Him.

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    2. Yes, that's great! Prayer can... prayer's been proven to... through prayer we can insure... oh, never mind.

      Templeton Foundation "Prayer Study" results:

      After 2.4 million dollars invested by the Templeton Foundation and 2.3 million invested by the federal government, here are the results of a 2006 study:

      "More people (59%) in the control group suffered more complications than in the groups who did not know if they were being prayed for (51%)." Translation- Prayer is BAD.


      "18% of those in the uninformed prayer group suffered major complications (including heart attack) as compared to 13% in the group that did not receive prayers." Translation- Prayer is BAD.

      Keep on praying!!

      Chris

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    3. Praying God softens your heart and you begin thinking with your heart instead of your brain. Also praying God saves your soul soon, because your words are full of sarcasm and bitterness. Jesus loves you so much He died on the Cross for you to save you of all your sins. When you die you can live with Him in Heaven instead of a burning Hell with the Devil. Those are tough words to hear, but the truth.

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    4. Have you ever heard of the placebo effect? :) Danica

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  55. I hope I see u at an after school function I am prepared to lay hands on u and pray the demons out of u n Jesus name! And just so u know I'm Not n any shape form or fashion a religious person! Religion will send u straight to hell!!!! I'm praying for u and those sweet innocent children !!! I'm praying that the lord puts people n ur path everyday that is full of Jesus and everywhere u look u hear ans see the Name Jesus!!!! all it takes is the name of Jesus to send the devil running!!!! If I were u I'd be getting on my running shoes!!!!!

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    1. Yes, by all means pray the demons out of her.
      I do agree that religion won't get you to heaven. I believe it'll be your personal relationship with Christ if anything. I'm a questioning Christian because I am not ignorant. Intelligent people question everything. I am not demon possessed.

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  56. Tell your neighbors that Thomas Edison was an outspoken atheists and anti-theist. Have them read this article.
    http://sundaymagazine.org/2010/10/no-immortality-of-the-soul-says-thomas-a-edison/.
    Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Andrew Carnegie, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Mark Twain, and other major contributors to society were atheists and agnostics. Almost all good things we enjoy today arose from those challenging religious dogma.

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    1. I'd like to also add that, stasticially, there is an inverse correlation between education and religiousness. The more educated you are, the less likely you are to believe in dieties.

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    2. I would like to say that statistically there is a direct correlation between lack of Christian education and atheism. The more Christian educated you are the more likely you are to believe in God.

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    3. Well, duh. Childhood indoctrination goes a long way. What he is actually saying, though, is the more properly educated you are, the more likely you are to realize that the Christian god is no less a myth than Zeus, Anubis, Shiva, etc.

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  57. Good works on earth will not get you into Heaven after you die. When they passed in death from this life they bowed before God and were judged according to their own personal salvation. The Bible says to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Today is the day of salvation for tomorrow it my be too late. All good things we enjoy today are from God. We must tell our neighbors the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ that they too can be saved! Eternity is forever and a long time to think about how the words we said and the actions we did influenced friends,family. Children, strangers and ourself to spend eternity separated from God in Hell and lost forever!

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  58. For all the Christians who disagree with her, instead of giving the attention she wants and attacking her, you should just turn the other cheek. As a Christian, I can't stop her from what she is doing but I can ignore her. If she wants to hand out atheist literature, let her. We don't have to accept it and neither do our children. Ignoring her and praying for her is the best we can do.

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    1. Atheists don't want to be prayed for - trust me on this one. You're wasting your time.

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    2. Of course not, but we will pray anyway! Praying is never a waste of time!

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    3. Depends who you ask. I would say it's always a waste of time.

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    4. Thats because you don't want to pray, don't know who to pray to and don't know how to pray. So you need intercessory prayer by others who know all these things. The Lord hears and answers prayers. With God prayer is never a waste of time. I have actually physically felt the prayers of my friends and family before. Now that is what a powerful. Awesome God can do. Praise His Holy name forever and ever!

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    5. You keep praying. It'll keep you out of my way when I actually get up and do something.

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  59. You can rest assured prayer is not out of our schools. I pray daily over each student I have and every teacher. God is so good

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    1. Then I guess he was pretty good destroying homes and lives all over the east coast during that hurricane.

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    2. Really! Mockery towards God now? Yikes for you!

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  60. David Smalley put it well on his site : It is better to find your own answers and make an educated decision, than to intentionally remain uneducated and make a fearful one. http://www.dogmadebate.com/2009/01/top-10-reasons-im-atheist.html :) Danica

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  61. Suzanne,

    I just wanted to say that I fully support your goal. I once read a fantastic quote that I think is appropriate here (paraphrased): All atheists ask for is equal rights, whereas all Christians want is special rights.

    The arrogance, ignorance, and constant use of logical fallacies by the Christian commenters here is truly sad.

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    1. The arrogance, ignorance, and constant use of illogical fallacies by the non christian commenters here is truly sad. All Christians pray that atheists ask God for forgiveness and salvation.

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    2. How was this ignorant? Only ignorant people don't question God. I was raised Christian and believe in the teachings of Christ, but I find myself questioning EVERY DAY. When you have logic laid out in front of you it's pretty difficult to believe in something myth like.

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    3. You say you are a Christian, but I don't think you really know what that means. Just because you were raised in church doesn't mean you are a Christian. Have you asked Jesus to save your soul? Being a Christian means sharing the gospel with people who don't believe, not praising those who don't. And you saying this is myth-like, I don't understand. Do you have any faith at all? The Bible says, Matthew 17:20)
      If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
      Translation? If you have faith in Him, God will bless you beyond belief. I will pray for you, that you might learn the true meaning of being a Christian and use the fine privilege of salvation.

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  62. Suzanne,

    I applaud your effort to ask for equal rights in this matter. I also wish you all the best living in Muhlenberg as an open atheist. I lived there for the first 24 years of my life... going to Church, being apart of an active youth group for God, and praying for the "Godless" people I encountered. Just like a lot of the comments left here for you.
    The strange thing about all of this is, during my participation in Church and in the youth group... I always had questions. Some that could not be answered by the preachers or elders of the Church.... I always had a feeling deep down that all of it was nonsense. I even tried exploring other religions through formal education and personal research. Long story short - I was an atheist living as a baptist, because I was afraid of how I would be treated by my friends and family.
    In 2008, I finally moved away - and for the first time I met other people who felt the way I did. At this point I had never considered myself an atheist or agnostic - Church and religion was just something that other people did and I didn't. Over the past several years I have grown and have similar feelings as you, to not pressure young impressionable children into religious beliefs - especially in school. I honestly believe if people had never been exposed to religion as children, we would find religion as ridiculous as if someone told us that 'Jack in the Beanstalk' was a true story.
    Good luck with your endeavor.

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  63. Eternity is a long long time to be wrong! One day when you are old or near deaths door, you will question what is going to happen to me after I die? Is there nothingness? Is there Hell? Is there Heaven? Eternity is a long time to think about what you missed!

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    1. ......so your saying I should just double down and believe in Jesus? What do I have to lose right? I question death now... I don't have to be on "deaths door" - we are all on deaths door everyday, trust me - I see it every time I go to work.

      PS... I love this Anonymous option...

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  64. The way i see it, is to let her, but tell if you want it or not. If i approached her, not knowing who she was, i would take it and look at it but i am a christian i believe in God so i would say no i do not want this, but if she was to approach me and asked me i would still say no. Please do not force it in to students or parents, or citzens heads that he is real or not, i personaly believe in Jesus. Everyone has their opinions, let them choose theirs and not yours.

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  65. I've known this was coming for a long time. There is a reason for separation of church and state. People in this county had been complaining about religious material not being allowed to be handed out, and now that they have what they asked for they aren't suffering their consequences well. I think it's pretty funny to be honest. I attend a church and believe in the teachings of Christ, but I am not a religious bigot, and I'm rather enjoying watching this all play out.

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  66. Why do you feel the need to take away God from our school system? As a student, I have seen the Gideons come in and hand out bibles. You can truly see the happiness on the children's faces from receiving them. I don't think that you have the right to take that away. These bibles have saved lives. People who were about to take their own life have gotten a second chance from reading them. I, for one, know that if you come into my school, most students will refuse to listen to what you have to say. You are a reflection of the Devil himself. He has led you to do this to try to push God out of our lives, but let me tell you, that's going to be pretty tough. I know so many people who are sick at the fact that even in the small community of Muhlenberg county, the Devil is shoving his way in through you. I just want to let you know that I'll be praying for you and your family, so that you might come to know The Lord before it is too late.

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  67. Bravo and Kudos Mrs. Lamb!

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  68. Where you're wrong is when you say that the OP is trying to push God out of your life. No atheist has ever murdered someone in the name of atheism. What people don't seem to get is that atheism isn't a belief system. It's not a certain system of morals or values. Try and look at it with some empathy. Let's say for instance you were living in a community dominated by Islam and you were a Christian. Would you want to send your children to a school where they taught Islamic principals? Or would to send your kids to a place where they would be properly educated? I've personally never met an atheist who goes and protest people going into church or for praying at home. Where the OP makes rational arguments you make ad hominems. I certainly don't see anything Christian in that.

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  69. I promise not to think in your churches if you promise not to pray in our schools.

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  70. I feel sorry for you and will pray for you. In order to be an Atheist you have to believe in something in order to try to disprove it. Our God is a mighty God and a just God. I pity you on judgement day and know when you need Him, He will forgive you but today I plead with you to please quit trying to mislead our children as we try to direct them in our beliefs. Just as we do not accost your children, don't accost ours.

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    1. Yours is probably the last comment of this type that I am willing to publish. I welcome differing viewpoints and open, thoughtful discussion--but it must be reasonable.

      You say, "In order to be an Atheist you have to believe in something in order to try to disprove it." What??? Please consult a dictionary to clear up your understanding of the term "atheist." And please re-read the above post and the others on the topic--especially the most recent one, entitled "The Bigger Picture." I am not "accosting" your children. The Secular Student Alliance and I went to the high school and sat behind a table with literature that people could take if interested. If by "accost" you mean approach your children directly, you may have me confused with the Gideons. They had no problem going into classrooms and actively encouraging a captive audience of elementary-aged children to take their material. Or perhaps you have me confused with the church group that asked my kids if they wanted candy at last year's parade, then handed them a bag that included not only candy but a little coloring book about how they would burn in hell if they didn't accept Jesus as their savior and get to the right church.

      If you are uncomfortable with secular or other non-Christian groups setting up tables during parent nights, open houses, etc., please direct your complaints to the school board and/or superintendent. They don't have to allow groups to distribute literature at all, but they can't engage in what's known as viewpoint discrimination.

      This is not about my or the SSA's desire to de-convert you or your children. This is about making a point, about demonstrating what the open policy the board adopted actually looks like in practice, and about providing support to secular students who have been historically marginalized by the district's practices--some of which have been illegal.

      The expressions of pity and claims that I am doomed to hell make you look unkind and foolish. I may inwardly feel sorry for those who have never had the opportunity to study religions comparatively, to participate in a rigorous study of the sciences, or to examine the history behind the Bible. But I don't make a big show about how much I PITY everyone who hasn't had these opportunities.

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  71. Dear Mrs. Lamb, do you not know that athiestic literature and teachings are presented in every classroom across the U.S., even in our "churched" communities in Kentucky, not as theory but as FACT? I may be wrong about this, you can correct me :), but I believe it is even part of the core curriculum required to be taught. Even if it isn't part of the core curriculum, however, it is required and taught in public school classrooms. If teachers are required to teach an athietic viewpoint, shouldn't they be required to teach opposing viewpoints? (As of this date, all opposing viewpoints or even questions to the problems of this viewpoint are not allowed at all) Or, as you would prefer, shouldn't they not be allowed to teach THIS viewpoint? As you mentioned, our children have no recourse, they have no ability to refuse this teaching, and even MUST learn it to pass their classes. By your standards, is this right? Thank you.

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    1. I'd like to answer your questions, but it would help if you could give some examples of what you consider "atheistic" teachings.

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    2. I just found this blog and the first thing I read was your asinine comment.

      Besides all of your assumptions being WRONG, you raise a really idiotic question: "If teachers are required to teach an athietic viewpoint, shouldn't they be required to teach opposing viewpoints?"

      No. There is absolutely no reason to teach opposing points of view when the facts are already known (such as with evolution). Should we teach that the world is "maybe round" but "maybe flat"? Should we teach that water is "maybe liquid" but "maybe gas"? Should we teach that Charles Dickens wrote Tale of Two Cities... or maybe the author's name wasn't REALLY Charles Dickens, but Herbert Snodgrass?

      I was extremely lucky being raised in a time and a school system where evolution and other facts were taught as facts, and creationism and other hogwash would have been laughed out of the school.

      I voluntarily attended church (my parents were not religious, so I went with neighbors). And even there, luckily, I learned facts instead of mythology. The female neighbor whose kids I went with was a pharmaceutical chemist, and was also our Sunday school teacher. She used our classes to teach us about the wonders of fruit biology, how to grow bacteria in a petri dish, and made no mention of mythology, such as religion.

      (As an aside, her own kids grew up to be 1) a high school chemistry teacher, 2) a Ph.D. molecular biologist. And I grew up to be a pharmaceutical chemist.)

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  72. "No athiest has ever murdered somone in the name of atheism." Have you forgotten about Hitler, Stalin, among the other regimes that have murdered MILLIONS? Athiesm has its own stated premises, sets of beliefs, so it is itself a "belief system." It also has its own set of consequences.

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    1. I don't know about Stalin, but I've never heard where Hitler claimed to be an atheist. As I recall, he had one Jewish and one Christian parent, and was raised as a Christian.

      Anyway, good for you naming TWO possible atheists. Any historian can name thousands of Christians and Muslims over the centuries who have started genocidal wars.

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    2. Neither Hitler nor Stalin ever murdered anyone because they were fighting in the name of atheism. Neither did Pol Pot, the Rwandans, or any other genocidal maniacs. Ever. Your comment is a common one that confuses the genocidal act of someone who may or may not have been atheist himself with the acts of war actually done in the name of a system of belief.

      If you don't believe that Christianity has ever gone to war or committed genocide, then you are disregarding the Crusades entirely.

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  73. Nothing really to add that has not already been said. keep up the great work you are doing in KY.

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  74. I'm delighted that you are doing this! I'm going to give you a shout-out in the WWJTD blog next Thursday when I write the roundup of legal news in the secular movement. You can see the blog at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/wwjtd.

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  75. Thank you for doing this. These people don't have a clue on how torturous dogma can be to children's minds.

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  76. I am Jim Watt a Southern Baptist Minister for 50 years and it is sad that, number one, there are so many self righteous people in this world and in Muhlenberg County who think they have the right to be rude and even worse. If these folks are Christians, I must not be one. Secondly,they do not seem to understand that they are trying to tear down one of the greatest pillars of our democracy,the Separation of Church and State where the rights of the one are to be protected and every individual has a right to live and pursue happiness according to his or her choice and conscience without fear and discrimination. We are all only as free as the one. Let anyone be harassed and denied the freedom to, and from religion, and we all are in peril. Suzanne, you know that I support you and your stand on religion in public places such as our school system. I stand with you as you know, but I wanted all your friends and supporters to know it. The preacher and the atheist, what a team!!!

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    1. I admire you, and wish others would share some of your open-minded viewpoints. God bless,

      Courtney

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  77. Keep fighting the good fight. I cannot imagine living where you do. I am just above you in Ohio and while my city is pretty conservative, but they lay off handing out literature. Keep up the good work!

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