I'm a substitute teacher. Sometimes the kids ask me what I used to do for a living and I tell them I was a minister. When they ask further questions, I avoid saying I'm an atheist--I'll say my beliefs are no longer compatible for church work. I know at least one teacher that has had a difficult time getting work once he was out. Yet at the same time, I want the students to see a real live normal guy who no longer believes.
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13 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Well, in my HONEST opinion, WHY not come straight out and tell them the TRUTH instead of merely beating around the bush?
To my mind you ARE both lying to them, which NO decent Teacher should ever, and to yourself as well.
Triphid
Level 9
Apr 20, 2019
0
Tell me what you really think. Dont hold back.
@Damercer1961 I just did, like it or leave, it is up to you BUT Honesty has always been the BEST policy imho.
Glad I am retired, so I can say, believe and live whatever way I want to within the law. I got so sick of how freedom of speech and belief had to be checked at the door of every job.
TomMcGiverin
Level 8
Apr 19, 2019
1
Good for you. I am open about my own non-belief/unbelief/disbelief as I feel it is important to represent humanism to others. Though occasionally I'll get a bit of pushback, as well as efforts at conversion, the overall effect is quite positive. I found it touching that one believing co-worker said to me, "You're the most Christian person I know," to which I jokingly replied, "You take that back or I'm reporting you to HR."
WilliamCharles
Level 8
Apr 19, 2019
3
I bet your co-worker meant that you were kind, accepting, and honest, which are the values Christians claim to value.
In school, the teachers need to steer clear of religious belief in general, which is one reason why I keep my answers brief.
I do not make an issue of it either, but if it comes up, I will engage in a discussion at whatever level is appropriate. I tell people I consider it a sign of respect to share my views openly and honestly.
Re: her comment. That's exactly how I took it. She later explained it was the way I was always sharing (food, time, etc.) and willing to help without expectation of reward. Like I said, I felt I was "showing the colors" for my worldview as it were.
I bet there are active priests and ministers who don't believe, but like the lifestyle and think it's good for people and themselves. I wish I was born 100 years from now when it will no longer exist. When our civility and humanity is guided by cosmic facts.
KevinMR
Level 7
Apr 19, 2019
2
I hope we can get to that point. Yes, there are ministers who no longer believe and they're trapped in their work, just like others get trapped in jobs they no longer want to be in. I was lucky but others aren't able to just leave it. They have bills to pay and children to feed.
Welcome to the site. Glad you're here. I think you'll find there are a lot of very cool people here to converse with and share your experiences.
Redheadedgammy
Level 9
Apr 19, 2019
1
I would personally much prefer an educator who does not attempt to assert any of their religious beliefs on children, including the lack of belief. This is coming from someone who had a science teacher for the equivalent of junior high who was also a local evangelist and inserted his beliefs wherever he saw fit.
What is wrong with a "School is secular. Leave your beliefs at the door" approach to teaching?
Xoviat
Level 4
Apr 19, 2019
2
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