Sunshine State sacks Son of God as bureaucrats blast Christianity lessons
Jesus, Mary and Joseph … The Australian, yesterday:
Talking about Jesus, exchanging Christmas cards and encouraging Christianity have been targeted under an unofficial policy ... that takes aim at junior evangelists in Queensland primary schoolyards.
Are we really at this point? John Howard in The Australian, June 24:
We have long held the comfortable belief that what unites us as Australians is greater and more enduring than that which divides us … Recent attacks on freedom of speech and religion undermine that tenet.
It seems we are at that point … The Australian, yesterday:
Examples of evangelising … include sharing Christmas cards …
The Queensland Department of Education and Training has published the religious instruction lessons it is iffy on. Departmental review into religious instruction provider Godspace, February:
The purpose … is to determine if the materials are consistent with legislation and department policies.
A lesson plan from religious instruction provider ACCESS Ministries:
Make a Christmas tree decoration to give away …
Christmas tree has “Christ” in it, so it’s out. Queensland Education’s review into ACCESS Ministries, March:
Artefacts seen in isolation do not necessarily have religious connotations or affiliations, there is the potential to cause concern …
OK, how about some Bible studies? Godspace lesson plan:
“Feed us only vegetables and water and then you can see how strong we are.” Three years later, after eating vegies only: “Yes! It was Daniel and his friends. They were the strongest, the healthiest and also the wisest men of all.”
Queensland Education’s review into Godspace, February:
This is inconsistent with the balanced and healthy eating promoted under the department’s Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy.
The lions were clued up though. Daniel 6, 16-22:
(The king) called to Daniel … “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions …”
What about non-Christianity lessons? Queensland Education’s Godspace review:
An example used in a lesson … uses a story about Nelson Mandela to highlight the power of forgiveness.
Everyone loves Mandela. The South African anti-apartheid activist and president, December 25, 1990:
We must strive to be moved by a generosity of spirit …
Oh, the Queensland Department of Education and Training doesn’t. Godspace review:
The example uses the terms “blacks” and “whites” … there is potential that use of these terms may draw unwanted attention … it would be preferable that discussion of forgiveness … does not include the use of this example.
What’s the state’s Education Minister saying now? No changes … don’t look behind that curtain … Kate Jones’s statement to the media, yesterday:
There has been no change to religious instruction policy … we are an inclusive education system …
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