What a pathetic series of excuses to justify indoctrination of children. The article basically starts with a false premise, nobody is arguing that children shouldn't learn about Jesus, they are however saying they shouldn't learn about one particular faith while excluding all others.

Maybe if children learnt a bit more about all faiths they would be less inclined to believe the magical thinking that underpins all belief.

Evonne Paddison's own words clearly show she believed this was a perfect opportunity for access ministries to recruit new believers. It says a lot about Nicholas Tuohy's disregard for the truth that he indulges in revisionism and fudging of the facts.

The ACL would be better served being honest with the public, particularly when it (the public) contribute financially to ACL's indoctrination attempts in secular schools.

As a Christian I do worry about the tenor of debate - as sometimes it verges upon vilification of Christians. The increasing double standard between the treatment of Christianity and other religions is palpable here. Promoting intolerance or hostility against Christians is just as inacceptable as the vilification and scapegoating against refugees - as 'political wedge' - that goes on in the right-populist monopoly press.

But Christians should not fall into the trap of 'seeing Islam as the problem' with the association with Terror. For centuries religions of *all kinds* (including the turning of Christians against each other) were used as tools to assimilate, terrorise and control people, and to rationalise the slaughter of war. I don't think this is what Jesus would have wanted.

But one way of addressing this controversy would be to have 'opt in' rather than 'opt out' of religious education. Perhaps then 'proselytising' wouldn't be seen as a problem as it would be unambiguously with parents' consent.

Also the wealthy private Protestant Christian schools are unaffordable for many families who would like to give their children a Christian education. Who then is at fault for not making such schools accessible for lower income groups?

BTW - Christianity is part of the Western tradition - but the Enlightenment was another part - And it had often powerfully anti-clerical, 'perfectiblist' and humanist undertones. Hence the inspiration for the French Revolution, and other revolutions that followed. 'Western traditions' is full of conflict and contradictions. Pluralism is part of the picture - and Christianity fits in here... If we're going to talk about 'Western tradition' we need to be honest and representative of the facts. By being selective we leave ourselves open to valid criticism.

Blair, you said: “What a pathetic series of excuses to justify indoctrination of children. The article basically starts with a false premise, nobody is arguing that children shouldn't learn about Jesus, they are however saying they shouldn't learn about one particular faith while excluding all others.”

Nonsense. They are manifesting at the name of Jesus, while simultaneously indoctrinating children with their apocalyptic “global warming” earth worship faith and embracing Islam, an alleged religion of peace. You need to get out more. Have you read school texts? Or do you just magically believe what the magicians at The Age preach?

“Well, actually, in a liberal democratic society EVERYONE has the right to put forth their particular views. “

No disagreement here. Perhaps your comprehension skills need work?

“Any faith group is allowed under the Act to offer RE classes …”

That’s true, so why do Access provide 97% of CRE when (by your own numbers) only “62% of Aussies call themselves Christian”?. Also, what about non-faith groups?

“… people should have the personal right to learn about Jesus and be a Christian if they so freely choose.”

Right – and they have the choice not to as well. At the moment students who opt-out are not allowed to learn anything during those classes. Absurd.

“Most importantly, no student is forced to participate in RE. If they or their parents do not want them to attend, there is no compulsion.”

How would you feel if Muslims were teaching Islam to 97% of CRE classes, but you had the option of opting out and forcing your child to sit on the bench?

The facts, the facts, and nothing but the facts and all you need to know re the origins and historical development of Christian-ISM as a would be world conquering power and control seeking ideology. Murder and mayhem all the way down especially under the aegis and impulse of Constantine's Sword.

http://www.jesusneverexisted.com

Plus check out the work of Tony Bushby especially his most recent book The Crucifixion of Truth