"Thank-you Rob for defending the teaching of Christian values in schools. Every Australian child must understand the teachings of Christianity, which underpin our history, culture, and democratic freedoms." Tempe Harvey
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Except Tempe that it is not JUST Christian Values and History that is being taught in schools. It is the religion and religious beliefs of a very narrow brand of religion that is being taught to students.

Every child should understand christianity, they should also understand and have a working knowledge of Islam Judaism Hindu Buddhist and atheism.

Or do you think they should ONLY be taught the religion you happen to believe in and all other beliefs should be ignored ?

R0bert:"I didn't choose the lunch time programs run by christains at the school which were offering lollies and other treats to entice primary age kid's into their club. Nor was I informed that they were operating until my son had already been taking part - nothing like a few treats to get a kid's attention."

I swear I replied to this already. Weird... must have posted it somewhere. Is this religous stuff in schools compulsory here?

Dug,
What cultural heritage.
It is about time stone age books and mythical creatures were removed from the school yard. If you wish, the bible could be used in the study of literature along with Shakespeare's As you Like it or Harry Potter.
Do not pray in our schools and do not think in your churches is very true.

"Is this religous stuff in schools compulsory here?"

Not compulsary but life can be made awkward for kid's who's parents opt them out of the formal RE components.

The part of my post you quoted was a lunchtime club being run in the school by christains that used gifts and prizes to entice kid's to take part.

The activities appear to have been a mix of games and christain propaganda (do the best at remembering the bible verse and you get a lolly type of stuff).

R0bert

SRI opponents are not denying kids their cultural heritage, they are simply saying it should not be within the confines of a liberal and secular school system.

That is the simplest way to explain the position of the SRI opponents in combatting some of these extremist comments from SRI proponents.

I find it weird the sudden objections to SRI.

Now, the Christians have had a cosy little free advertising possy in schools for how many years? Now all of a sudden they are very unwelcome. It has to be more than people suddenly realising they want a totally secular education.

What was the tipping point? How did this become an issue. Hitchens must be in there somewhere. Maybe it's the more multicultural landscape but when did these guests in our schools start to smell?

I find many issues that come about are actually trend driven. People really don't care as much as you might think. Like soccer in Australia before a world cup.

Suddenly, Humanism and such has become trendy, and the trend followers are picking on the Christians. It HAS some malice in it! There's no denying it. How else could the situation have been dealt with no fuss for the last 20 years and then suddenly be an uproar. I think private school envy (funding debate) is mixed in there somewhere too.

I can see why the god botherers are up in arms. Imagine making out like a bandit, and getting a free 2 page advertisement in the paper for 40 years, then the paper suddenly decides you cant do it any more or wants to bring out a new free liftout that everyone will want to read instead. Or you have to share the 2 pages with 5 other companies.

Any monopoly fights to the death once conditions change. Look at the Record and Movie Industry and their CDs and DVDs.

I remember the Commonwealth bank used to supply the school bank books and other paraphernalia to grab kids when they were young. It did encourage kids to save:-)