Faith

Judge Upholds Firing of Science Teacher Accused of Preaching Creationism & Religious Doctrine

Judge Upholds Firing of Christian Science Teacher John Freshwater

Former science teacher John Freshwater

COLUMBUS, Ohio (The Blaze/AP) — A judge has upheld the firing of a central Ohio public school science teacher who was accused of preaching religious beliefs in class and of keeping a Bible on his desk. According to the Columbia Dispatch:
[John] Freshwater had filed suit in February, saying that state law and school procedures protecting his rights were violated, a hearing referee’s conclusions were flawed and the school’s principal contributed to confusion and poor communication of school rules.

But Knox County Common Pleas Judge Otho Eyster said in his two-page ruling Wednesday that he found clear and convincing evidence that the Mount Vernon school board was right in dismissing John Freshwater early this year.

A request by the former Mount Vernon Middle School teacher for Eyster to conduct additional hearings “is not well taken,” the judge wrote.

The school board in the community about 40 miles northeast of Columbus first tried to dismiss Freshwater in 2008 after investigators reported that he preached Christian beliefs in class when discussing topics such as evolution and homosexuality, and was insubordinate in failing to remove a Bible from his classroom.

Below, see a 2008 speech during which Freshwater addressed the school board:

Freshwater appealed to an outside referee, a state hearing officer, utilizing a right of teachers facing firing in Ohio. The hearing officer recommended in January that Freshwater’s contract be terminated, and the school board formally fired him within days. Here’s video from that meeting:

Judge Eyster noted in his ruling that he reviewed the 6,344 pages of transcript and approximately 350 exhibits from the referee’s hearing.

Freshwater also was accused of using a science tool to burn students’ arms with the image of a cross, but that allegation was resolved and not a factor in his firing. The educator has denied these claims. Below, see another address Freshwater gave back in 2010 (during which he denies this claim once again):

Freshwater said Thursday that he’s considering his next step.

“At this time I am reviewing all of my options and speaking with (The) Rutherford Institute and my personal attorneys,” he said in an email to The Associated Press.

The Rutherford Institute is a Charlottesville, Virginia-based civil liberties group which has been involved in the case. Attorney and institute president John Whitehead said Freshwater has 30 days to file an appeal and said his group is ready to move in that direction.

“The lower courts are very difficult to get by because they do uphold local school boards almost unanimously,” Whitehead said. “We’ll have a better chance in an appeals court which will have more distance away from the school board and the local community.”

An attorney for the school board said she had no comment.

Comments (237)

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  • MastrSSG
    Posted on October 7, 2011 at 1:21am

    Lets see, you can’t talk in moral or spiritual tones. You can’t talk about how this country was founded in principle, and nowhere in our education system from first grade to college can you learn about our own system of economics? Hmmm and you wonder why we have so much greed in our financial system and government.
    But you can study communism, socialism, or any other form of government or global finance and capitalism is a dirty word or something to avoid or destroy.

    Just curious, can anyone on here give me 3 examples of the “morality of Capitalism”?
    I’ll give you one hint….”To make money”

    Report Post » MastrSSG  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 1:40am

      Let’s try this, for fun: Tell me three things of the ‘morality of socialism’.

      Hint: ‘To subjugate the many to the fleeting whims of the privileged few’.

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • old white guy
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 7:22am

      time to smash the basta-ds.

      Report Post »  
    • USAF2003
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 7:23am

      What the HE!! is so wrong with having a bible on your desk in a classroom?! Every christian student in school out there should bring thier bibles to school w/them. I am getting so sick and tired of librals destroying this country. Wake the F up people, we need to do something very soon.

      Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 8:19am

      Keep the bible and fairy tales out of the science classroom. If he wants to be a preacher, he wasted his time learning science. Keep the preaching in the church not in the classroom.

      Report Post »  
    • wesleyapril
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 9:00am

      Folks, did you ever think that you would live to see the day that our country was being sent to hades by its elected officials and its judiciary? I never thought so – but that is where we are heading. :)

      Report Post »  
    • Ghostrider
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 9:38am

      Hey Nuttyvet, why is it silly to think the world is 7000 years old? Consider, why is topsoil only 6 inches deep if the world was billions of years old? Why is the “fossil” record incorrect? Why do we find trees growing up through the “fossil” record? How can you possibly be a Christian if you believe in evolution? A theory? If evolution was correct, why do we not see people evolving? animals? If evolution was true, why does every single animal, reptile in the world have red blood? How come we don’t see half animal, half something else? I’ll tell you why, because ” All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made.” John 1:3 If you cannot believe that, you are not a Christian.

      Report Post »  
    • joe1234
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 10:32am

      encicom…evolution is a racist atheist fairy tale…pure faith.

      nothing in the fossil record, nothing in the lab. no ‘junk dna’ no ‘vestigial organs’ no ‘tree of life’

      I would say get a clue, but in your case its obviously not possible…

      Report Post » joe1234  
    • Locked
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 10:58am

      @Ghost

      Just to point out a few mistakes
      “why is it silly to think the world is 7000 years old?”
      It has no scientific basis. None. It’s based on conjecture on the stories of the Bible, and thus is not valid in a science class.

      “How can you possibly be a Christian if you believe in evolution?”
      Because you take Genesis as an allegory or a parable instead of literally.

      “If evolution was correct, why do we not see people evolving? animals?”
      We do. Plants, actually, are the most easy to test for evolution. There was an article published this week showing the presence of human evolution using birth records for the last few hundred years; the age of fertility of a group of women was being changed over generations.

      “If evolution was true, why does every single animal, reptile in the world have red blood?”
      What does this even mean?

      ” How come we don’t see half animal, half something else?”
      You mean a chimera? Those exist, actually. You mean a creature with characteristics of different species? They also exist. We have fossil records of them, or a living species: duck-billed platypus, a mammal that gives birth to eggs. Considered a hoax because such a creature wasn’t expected to exist… but it does.

      “John 1:3 If you cannot believe that, you are not a Christian.”
      And evolution does not preclude the verse. Unless you‘re saying God doesn’t have the power to make things change over time. I consider Him omnipotent, but perhaps you have a different

      Report Post »  
    • stockpicker
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 11:01am

      Bingo Ghostrider, most who claim to be Christian AREN’T!

      Report Post »  
    • joe1234
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 11:03am

      “the age of fertility of a group of women was being changed over generations.”

      oh of course it HAS to be evolution…it couldn’t be anything like better nutrition….no….its like saying there are more blondes today PROVES EVOLUTION…praise darwin!!!

      ok explain the tuatara, which has the fastest rate of molecular evolution ever seen, and is yet a ‘living fossil’.

      Report Post » joe1234  
    • joe1234
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 11:06am

      John 1:3 If you cannot believe that, you are not a Christian.”
      And evolution does not preclude the verse.

      uh yeah evolution does preclude that verse….

      Naturalistic evolution has clear consequences that Charles Darwin understood perfectly. 1) No gods worth having exist; 2) no life after death exists; 3) no ultimate foundation for ethics exists; 4) no ultimate meaning in life exists; and 5) human free will is nonexistent.”

      Provine, William B. [Professor of Biological Sciences, Cornell University], “, “Evolution: Free will and punishment and meaning in life”, Abstract of Will Provine’s 1998 Darwin Day Keynote Address.

      Report Post » joe1234  
    • SouthSideLib
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:09pm

      Well said Locked. We can see evolution happening in multiple species. Religion is not science and has no place in public schools.

      Report Post »  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:11pm

      I’ll be upfront, I do not want my children taught about God in a Public School. I’m good with free prayer, and expressing your religion but not a Church. For if they were, they would come home with many different beliefs and would lead to more work for me correcting it. Stick to the basics as teachers. 

      With the above said, Congress can not rule, make law, in establishment of religion. By ruling this teacher out due to *Religion* being taught or spoken, Congress is infringing on this man’s rights. 

      If a public school’s board members determine curriculum and this teacher did not adhere to the curriculum he should be fired for not following the curriculum. 

      If we the people do not like the curriculum we should change the board members, as teachers we should refuse to teach for such schools, and as parents we should put our kids in schools with curriculum we agree with. 

      Being a science teacher this teacher should have had a curriculum of teaching what a THEORY is first and then proceed with Sciences THEORY of creation and explain as well many religion hold their own theories. Creation/Big Bang should not be the focus of any majority of study until in higher learning or college. Just a Christian Okie’s thoughts….

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • Lloyd Drako
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:20pm

      If a Christian teacher is allowed to display a Bible on his desk, why not allow one of the many leftie dope-smoking union thugs who no doubt teach at this school to display a copy of, say, “Das Kapital?”

      Report Post » Lloyd Drako  
    • joe1234
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:35pm

      “We can see evolution happening in multiple species. Religion is not science and has no place in public schools.”

      really now? what species? post your proof?

      of course to people like you evolution is nothing more than a faith…its all in all

      Report Post » joe1234  
    • Cesium
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 2:37pm

      and here’s JOE1234 with the broken “atheist racist fairy tale” record! …and the quoting of Provine “again” who is flat out wrong in his absurd opinions about morality. Using his position as a Cornell professor is totally an inadequate attempt of yours to force legitimacy of your point. If you’re going to quote an outspoken atheist biologist on morality try Dawkins, He’s a lauded professor too, I doubt he or Hitchens agrees with Provine. People only care much about Provine because he mentored the graduate work of Greg Graffin ie lead guitarist/singer of “Bad Religion” and biology professor. Even Graffin doesn’t agree with his mentor!

      “Humans impart meaning and purpose to almost all aspects of life. This sense of meaning and purpose gives us a road map for how to live a good life. This guidance emerges spontaneously from the interactions of human beings living in societies and thinking together about how best to get along. It doesn’t require a god or sacred text.” -Greg Graffin

      I don’t want to see you using that bs Provine quote again! Find something new please

      Report Post »  
    • pinkyusa
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 3:46pm

      This is an outrage. Please take a moment to express your opinion to the Mt. Vernon school board: http://www.mt-vernon.k12.oh.us/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=26 Thank you.

      Report Post »  
    • joe1234
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 3:53pm

      “and here’s JOE1234 with the broken “atheist racist fairy tale” record!”

      you just can’t handle the truth, and nothing you’ve ever said contradicts what I say.

      “If you’re going to quote an outspoken atheist biologist on morality try Dawkins,”

      newsflash gomer, dawkins just proves my point…with his ‘evolution makes it possible to be an intellectually fulfilled atheist’

      I would say get a clue, but you’re incapable of that..or arguing against the points I’ve made.

      “I don’t want to see you using that bs Provine quote again! Find something new please”

      really? what are gonna do, issue another impotent threat? you’re a pathetic little man….

      oh here’s a few more for ya too…

      As stated by leading 20th-century Darwinist Ernst Mayr, “The Darwinian revolution was not merely the replacement of one scientific theory by another, as had been the scientific revolutions in the physical sciences, but rather the replacement of a world view, in which the supernatural was accepted as a normal and relevant explanatory principle, by a new world view in which there was no room for supernatural forces.”
      Darwinist professor William Provine insists: “Evolution is the greatest engine of atheism ever invented.” Likewise, Niles Eldredge, co-developer with Stephen Jay Gould of punctuated equilibrium stated, “Darwin did more to secularize the Western world than any other single thinker in history.”

      Report Post » joe1234  
    • joe1234
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 4:03pm

      oh cesium, still waiting for you to list the ‘lower races’ your god and savior darwin refers to….

      “The more civilized so-called Caucasian races have beaten the Turkish hollow in the struggle for existence. Looking to the world at no very distant date, what an endless number of the lower races will have been eliminated by the higher civilised races throughout the world.” (Darwin, Charles R. [English naturalist and founder of the modern theory of evolution], “The Life of Charles Darwin”, [1902], Senate: London, 1995, reprint, p.64).

      Report Post » joe1234  
    • waggie
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 7:56pm

      This is new age persecution. We may not be physically beaten or stoned for being believers, but we are shunned, fired from our jobs and forced to submit. Remember! They can take your job, but not your soul! That is already claimed by Christ!

      Report Post » waggie  
    • Thomas
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 9:50pm

      Evolution does not disprove the bible or God but only someones theological interpretation. On the idea of whether there is a God or not, good science yet remains neutral. Since God is tracing genes in the bible, doesn’t that mean that God new about evolution before science? Does Genesis 30:39 where Jacob is dealing with the flocks of sheep reveals that God had taught him something about genes and how they are passed from generation to generation?

      The things spoken about in Genesis 1 that God did in an instant mentally/Spiritually is still unraveling in the progress of time and Genesis 2:1-3 from the point of view of the physical has not yet happened. Now Adam was the start of a new segment of time called the Adamic age (of which the bible deals with) within a much older segment of time that could be millions or billions of years old. Adam was something new introduced to this world. Time is actually insignificant to the God. Genesis 6 speaks about Adam’s offspring (called the Sons of God) being mixed with the humanoid evolved creatures, that were here before Adam, through their daughters. Noah was mixture and so are we. Adam’s offspring introduced language and objectivity to the purely subjective and emotional world of the animal. Adam is the missing link that science has yet to find because of his origin as an angelic genes that were placed in a physical body his bones dissolved after death and so did his descendants that were giant.

      Report Post » Thomas  
    • Thomas
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 9:51pm

      Because the Giant were not able to breed with the smaller people they became more and more inbreed which produces mental and physical problems. Since not all were physical giants though but some were mental and spiritual giants yet of a small size and could breed in a bigger gene pull their traits survived. Adam’s genes remain on this planet but only mentally and spiritually.

      Report Post » Thomas  
    • Cesium
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 1:26pm

      @thomas “Since God is tracing genes in the bible, doesn’t that mean that God new about evolution before science?”

      good question… that assumes god exists, which is a scientific hypothesis untested with 0 data but good question nontheless.

      Report Post »  
    • Cesium
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 1:33pm

      @ joe.. again you said all that BS… again the same dead end response and then, quoted Provine! again!.. I guess all college professors are legitimate sources for opinion eh? just like professor Ward Churchill’s opinion about those who died in the towers.. I guess by your logic they really were all “little Eichmanns” Its ok, you need your imaginary sky wizard for comfort… I understand your level of strength and it is so pitiful it cannot accept the unknown or the absolute FACT there exists unanswerable questions.. It takes real grit to face life knowing you cannot know everything and you don’t got it.. please cling to your bible and stop spewing your hatred for scientific thought.

      Report Post »  
  • RestoreCapitalism
    Posted on October 7, 2011 at 1:16am

    Clearly his crime is simply being a Christian and having a Bible on his desk. They certainly don’t want any of that Christian influence rubbing off on the kids. Those Christians aren’t useful at all in moving toward the global utopia. Tenure only applies to the minions.

    Report Post » RestoreCapitalism  
    • revel222
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 3:08am

      As long as you’re on the right side…all will work out in the end.

      Report Post »  
    • Jack of Hearts
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 3:11am

      “Clearly his crime is simply being a Christian and having a Bible on his desk”.
      Clearly not. Have you actually read the story?

      Report Post » Jack of Hearts  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 4:56am

      On the bright side, perhaps this case will lead some of the more open-minded to review Darwin’s THEORY of evolution and put it in its historical context. It should be taught in a “History of Science” class. It is called a “theory” because that’s what it is. Religion aside, the science itself is not up to date. In the context of present day tools, methods, and scientific knowledge, along with the fossil record we now have, Darwin’s theory is not easier to prove– but quite the opposite. Religion aside, one would have to believe in Darwin’s theory in a sort of religious way in order to teach it as current scientific “truth.”

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • Thomas
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 6:09am

      Wow now you know what it takes for the progressives to approve firing a teacher. How long will these socialist and communist be permitted to further their agendas? You cannot us the freedom given by the constitution to do away with the constitution can you?

      Report Post » Thomas  
    • nuttyvet
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 6:47am

      Well, I hate to say it but creationism really doesn’t belong in schools. You can be religeous and still believe in evolution. It is just silly to say the earth is 5000 years old. Really silly.

      Report Post » nuttyvet  
    • sisserydoo
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 8:17am

      Yes, I’m sure other teachers have other personal effects on their desk. It‘s like they’re saying which personal things can and can’t be brought to school.

      Report Post » sisserydoo  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 8:51am

      Getlife,

      You’re just plain wrong there. Sorry. The definition of “theory” in science is different from the colloquial definition:
      “A scientific theory comprises a collection of concepts, including abstractions of observable phenomena expressed as quantifiable properties, together with rules (called scientific laws) that express relationships between observations of such concepts. A scientific theory is constructed to conform to available empirical data about such observations, and is put forth as a principle or body of principles for explaining a class of phenomena.”

      Pointing out that evolution is a theory proves nothing. Evolution has been directly observed by scientists in some organisms, and there are still no legitimate challenges to it. Please stop spewing nonsense.

      Report Post »  
    • Brainmuffin
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 9:26am

      Neither Creationism nor Evolutionism belong in the science classroom. Science cannot prove the former and has already disproved the latter. Critical thinking should be taught, but is not.

      Report Post »  
    • be1776
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 10:30am

      At my public school in Southern California during the late 80′s, my Catholic junior high science teacher was wearing a foot long crucifix while teaching us about evolution. It was awesome. This sadly could never happen now a days.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 10:49am

      @Be

      Uh, sure it could. You went to a CATHOLIC high school – a private institution. This case is a public school.

      Report Post »  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 1:38pm

      @ PUBLIUS….

      “…A scientific theory is constructed to conform to available empirical data about such observations, and is put forth as a principle or body of principles for explaining a class of phenomena.”

      Fine with me– we’ll use your definition. The key words here are “available empirical data.“ Who got you to believe that there is no new ”available empirical data” since Darwin’s time? (Yeah, sure, nothing can beat those Victorian era microscopes!) I think I have better sources….Look up biologist Richard Lewontin, or Stephen Gould (both of Harvard),the Chinese pre-Cambrian fossil discoveries of 1984, biochemist Michael Behe or any number of geologists and paleontologists familiar with the ever evolving fossil record. Darwin’s assertions no longer fit the “available empirical data.” What’s the big deal? Einstein’s theory may well be under scrutiny because of recent changes in “available empirical data” coming out of the CERN accelerator. It doesn’t mean you have to forsake science for religion, but believable science needs to follow the rules. Darwin himself imagined the possibility of someday discovering complex organs which could not fit into his theory. Science itself has outdated Darwin’s “available empirical data.” Get over it! You sound kind of… well… RELIGIOUS with those Darwiniac beliefs.

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • Lloyd Drako
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 2:46pm

      Brainmuffin:
      There is no such thing as “evolutionism.” There is evolution, plain and simple. Science has not disproved it, on the contrary, every single paleontological discovery and advance in genetics since 1859 has confirmed it!

      Getlife:
      Of course Darwin is outmoded. For example, he was baffled by the mechanics of inheritance, which waited to be elucidated by Mendel. He was disturbed by the large gaps in the fossil record, many of which have now been filled in. This does not invalidate the basic truth of his theory, which is simply that all forms of life on earth are descended from common ancestors. You may have noted that even some ID proponents accept this, though they always insist on apparent exceptions.

      Report Post » Lloyd Drako  
    • joe1234
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 3:55pm

      There is evolution, plain and simple. Science has not disproved it, on the contrary, every single paleontological discovery and advance in genetics since 1859 has confirmed it!

      LOL yeah thats why gould and eldridge had to come up with punctuated equilibirum…psst…because there wasn’t any proof of evolution in the fossil record..

      as far as genetics…it was discovered by Mendel, not darwin, evolution had nothing to do with genetics until the 1930s and 40s when evolution desperately needed to glom onto some real science.

      Report Post » joe1234  
    • joe1234
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 3:57pm

      “was disturbed by the large gaps in the fossil record, many of which have now been filled in. ”

      this is just delusional.

      Major transitions in biological evolution show the same pattern of sudden emergence of diverse forms at a new level of complexity. The relationships between major groups within an emergent new class of biological entities are hard to decipher and do not seem to fit the tree pattern that, following Darwin’s original proposal, remains the dominant description of biological evolution. The cases in point include the origin of complex RNA molecules and protein folds; major groups of viruses; archaea and bacteria, and the principal lineages within each of these prokaryotic domains; eukaryotic supergroups; and animal phyla. In each of these pivotal nexuses in life’s history, the principal “types” seem to appear rapidly and fully equipped with the signature features of the respective new level of biological organization. No intermediate “grades” or intermediate forms between different types are detectable. Usually, this pattern is attributed to cladogenesis compressed in time, combined with the inevitable erosion of the phylogenetic signal.

      http://www.biology-direct.com/content/2/1/21#IDA2DWZO

      Report Post » joe1234  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 5:03pm

      Yep, DRACO, large gaps in the fossil record have been filled in…. but the fossil record established since Darwin’s time does not validate his conclusions. Careful there, you sound like a true “believer.”

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 6:32pm

      Why has evolution stopped if we all evolved from one common source? 

      Adaptation and evolution are different so please do not use adaptation as your example. 

      Humans stopped evolving, why?

      There is nothing proven in evolution, nothing at all. Secondly, what started the clock? If all the energy there every was came from the big bang and lowering constantly, the 2nd law of thermodynamics tells us something began the clock. So evolutionists, what was it? 

      @Getlife

      Good to see you post. Miss our arguments! Hope you are well! 

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • SovereignSoul
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 1:25am

      @OKIE FROM MUSKOGEE “Humans stopped evolving, why?”

      Could it be that scientific advances have stopped , or at least slowed the process of natural selection? If science can keep genetically different individuals alive, at least long enough to reproduce and pass on their genetic anomalies, would that not have an impact on the process of natural selection and evolution? Just a question to ponder. After our exchange about ‘freewill’ I am interested in your opinion. Thanks.

      Report Post » SovereignSoul  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 7:48am

      Howdie Okie!

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
  • babylonvi
    Posted on October 7, 2011 at 1:15am

    I would not want a science teacher who is a Scientologist teaching our origins to children by telling the Zenu the Space Alien story so maybe religion should be left out of the SCIENCE class. And sorry, Creationism is a religious abstraction and though many faithful may believe in it, that doesn’t make it science

    Report Post » babylonvi  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 1:21am

      Remember the song, “She Blinded Me With Science”?

      Just a thought, if you choose to free your mind. Free you mind, and your a$$ will follow.

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 2:22am

      TWO THINGS come to mind. THE ACLU should be accused of BLACKMAIL for they are going around blackmailing every school board with massive law suits if they cross them. That’s #1. #2, both theories should be taught in school and it should not be a fight. GOD will lead those to Him. There is no conflict between evolution in some ways and Creationism…since GOD owns it all, began it all. IF they want to start on the second rung of the ladder and not recognize GOD, they are the ones who are silly since they can’t tell us how it ALL BEGAN…but never mind. THE GREAT THING ABOUT OUR GOD is that HE never threatens, tricks, schemes or scares us into coming to Him…HE doesn’t want us like that. I agree that there are some “theories” we don’t want discusses as a general area of education…so the Teacher should have respected the instructions of the school WHILE he worked to get a CHRISTIAN perspective approved. BUT back to ACLU….they need to back off or they need to be charged with BLACKMAIL. It’s one thing to have a “CLIENT” come to them seeking their help. IT’s another to have them go out searching for cases and threatening people. WE have a LOTTA CLEANING UP TO DO. A NEW SHERIFF is COMING SOON!!!

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
    • your fired
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 2:22am

      Maybe you would rather they taught Islam. That seems to be acceptable. Because you people want God out of everything, you ‘d better learn to embrace Islam and Sharia because this is where we are headed. Hope you love your Burka.

      Report Post »  
    • geekybryan
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 2:26am

      There are many extremely intelligent scientists and archeologists that would disagree with your statement. Science, after all, was created by God. I personally know a laser physicist who spends his days designing passive light radar – like systems that can see underground enemy structures. He can point out in about 30 or 45 seconds enough holes in the theory of creation by arbitrary “big bang” and subsequent “evolutionary” processes to keep a room of evolutionists busy researching for a long time after the next election. Maybe even longer.

      Report Post » geekybryan  
    • SovereignSoul
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 5:40am

      Pointing out holes in one theory (evolution) does not prove an opposing theory (creationism). Sorry.

      Report Post » SovereignSoul  
    • encinom
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 8:21am

      Patty God has no business in a science classroom.

      Report Post »  
    • Mia Cav
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 8:47am

      The Islam, Scientology and even Judeo-Christian references are out of step here. The Theory of Evolution should be taught alongside the Theory of Intelligent Design. When looking at the beginning of time, as my mother used to say “Was you there, Charlie?” Since not, and the time machine is still in the drawing room, all we will ever have are *theories*. To say that ID is a religious base is to not follow any ID theorists. Watch Ben Stein’s “No Intelligence Allowed” (again, if necessary) and contact some of the instutions listed at the end.

      Report Post »  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 8:55am

      ID is not science. Plain and simple. It does not stand up to scientific processes for verification. You may like it, but it’s not science, and doesn’t belong in a science classroom.

      Report Post »  
    • Brainmuffin
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 9:30am

      ID is science and was started by former Evolutionists who could not abide with their being a God. Unfortunately, it was later used by some Creationists to try to get their beliefs into the Science classroom.

      Report Post »  
    • Lloyd Drako
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 2:58pm

      MIA CAV:

      ““Was you there, Charlie?”

      No, and no one now alive was around in 1096 or 1215 either, yet that does not preclude teaching the 1st Crusade or Magna Carta.

      No one alive today remembers the Exodus or the Resurrection of Jesus, and there is far less strictly scientific evidence for those events than there is for the theory of evolution.

      Report Post » Lloyd Drako  
  • KEEPINTHESKEERON
    Posted on October 7, 2011 at 1:13am

    Are you kidding? This is an honest and honorable man. This is another case of insane leftist media hype that got out of control and the school board couldn’t stand the heat. None of these outrageous charges are true. This is an old fashioned with hunt coming soon to a school, an organization or an office near you. Will you have the courage to stand up when an innocent person is accused of false charges? Do your homework on this, you’ll see.
    http://www.accountabilityinthemedia.com/2011/10/press-release-rutherford-institute-will.html
    http://www.accountabilityinthemedia.com/2011/01/school-board-votes-4-1-to-fire.html
    …or just ask his students.

    Report Post »  
  • UpstateNYConservative
    Posted on October 7, 2011 at 1:01am

    Forcing kids to read and ‘discuss’ Marx is perfectly okay, but having a Bible close when not compelling any child to read it is somehow ‘offensive’ and warrants dismissal? I bet he would have been given accolades if he taught “Dr. Seuss According to Marx”.

    What was that song the Brits played at their surrender of Yorktown: “The World Turned Upside Down”?

    Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • MAProg
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 1:22am

      I don’t recall ever reading Marx in secondary school. I DID read him at University in a political philosophy class in which I also read Hobbes and Locke. In a political philosophy class, it is perfectly appropriate to go over Marx because he is an important historical figure in that field.

      Report Post » MAProg  
    • KStret
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 2:27am

      About ten years ago or more, the homosexual activist group GLSEN held a work shop that instructed gay teachers to come out in front of students and make it look like it wasn’t intentional. Apparently that is ok but it’s not ok to leave a personal bible on a desk.

      Report Post » KStret  
    • Locked
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 10:50am

      We read the Bible in my high school; mostly some of the Old Testament. But it was in literature class, not in a science class.

      Report Post »  
  • This_Individual
    Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:56am

    Homeschool.

    Report Post »  
    • obfuscatenot
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 7:16am

      AMEN! Einstein said you cannot solve a problem with the same level of consciousness that created it. Our kids are being brainwashed AND not taught what they need to know to be a productive, self-sufficient individual. Therefore, WE as responsible parents need to TEACH them ourselves. Look at the college grads at these protests, would you hire these folks for a job?

      Report Post »  
    • This_Individual
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 3:46pm

      I wouldn’t hire them to change a light bulb.

      Report Post »  
  • Ferrarello
    Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:35am

    It’s time to take home schooling to a whole new level. One that isn’t a government propaganda and indoctrination mill.

    Report Post » Ferrarello  
    • pamela kay
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:52am

      The kids that are home schooled score very high. Why is it that the teachers that indoctrinate our children and change history to suit them are protected?

      Report Post » pamela kay  
  • Giveitrevolution
    Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:30am

    Who are they to say he cant keep a bible in his classroom. If you dont stand with the bibke your a satanist enough said. Ill bash your face over that come get some.

    Report Post »  
    • LiberalMarine
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 3:34am

      The fact you would try to bash someones face because they weren’t s christian is pretty funny.

      Also, it’s not very christian.

      Report Post » LiberalMarine  
  • Colt45acp
    Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:25am

    Why does freedom of speech seem to be protected for everyone except Christians now days? It sounds like everyone else involved should be fired and this teacher given a promotion for doing what is right. Where is the teacher union now to fight for his rights?

    Report Post » Colt45acp  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:37am

      Well SAID!!!

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:47am

      what the heck, things are created everyday from our environment. man creates living beings in labs… creationism exists, like it or not… things evolve and adapt, like it or not. both are very much a part of nature… seeds are the root of all life. once you understand that, you will see.

      Report Post »  
    • slyswine
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 6:44am

      @J.B. KIBS – “what the heck, things are created everyday from our environment. man creates living beings in labs… creationism exists, like it or not… things evolve and adapt, like it or not. both are very much a part of nature… seeds are the root of all life. once you understand that, you will see.”

      Things aren’t created at all, they are simply rearranged from pre existing matter. As Carl Sagan once said “If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you first have to invent the universe” Meaning, everything humans build or “create” is just reconfiguring material already available. Which I’ve always wondered, if there was an absolute absence of anything, except for God, how did he create matter and energy from nothing (creatio ex nihilo). I would think that would be logically impossible, but maybe someone here can explain it.

      Report Post »  
    • qban
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 8:07am

      @slyswine,
      There had been attempts to create live from inorganic matter. Nobody has ever get any result in that direction. The idea of going from inorganic matter to organic matter(living organisms) has been in our minds since cave man look up the sky. From Frankestein to the latest Sci Fi movie the concept is ever there. The answer to all that is in our own DNA. There is God signature. The big lie about Darwinism is calling the evolution theory and dismissing the creation part. Darwing or nobody can prove we were created from a some chemical element soup and a spark. Darwing created his theory in a time where microscopes couldn’t see inside a cell. He said if you find any proof of living animal that doesn’t follow the evolutive theory, the whole thing will collapse. Liberals and anti-religion has kept those “in-elegibles” examples out of our biology books for many years. There are animals that could not exist according to evolution. Take the beta fish for example, their mating ritual is so complicated that if the first fish didn’t folloow it, there will be no beta fishes today. The explanation is that the information about their mating ritual didn’t came from evolotioni mechanism, but from information “written” in the fish DNA. Now, try to teach that at any school and you will follow this teaches footsteps. Evolotionism is also a THEORY (you can’t prove it).

      Report Post »  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 8:57am

      “Why does freedom of speech seem to be protected for everyone except Christians now days?”

      There is a difference between free speech and just not doing your job smart guy. If I go to work and ignore what I am supposed to do in order to walk around and prosthelytize, I should probably be fired–especially if I was insubordinate and the article says this guy was.

      Report Post »  
  • Colt45acp
    Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:21am

    Why is freedom of speech protected for everyone except Christians. It sounds like the everyone else should be fired and promote the teacher. Where is his union now to protect his rights?

    Report Post » Colt45acp  
    • BurningBoat
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 8:04am

      Seriously…. I’m %4000 sure that if it had been a Quran the union leaders would be crawling over each other to take up the case. Reading stuff like this makes me want to puke.
      No disrespect to the Quran, but can anyone illegitimately think it wouldn’t have been the case???

      Report Post »  
  • wordweaver
    Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:17am

    Teachers who are serious about bringing their faith into their teaching seek employment at private schools that value that. They don’t try to pull it off in public school these days unless they are on some kind of doomed Don Quixote campaign. They know how it is going to end. So, back to the original point. Why didn’t he apply to teach at a Christian School? Likely answer: the money is better in public.

    Report Post » wordweaver  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 1:07am

      Jesus didn’t preach to the righteous. Instead, He spent His time teaching the unknowing. You don’t change the world by preaching to the choir. You bring law and order to the lawless with a new and better way they never before knew.

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • louise
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 7:23am

      Upstatenyconservative,
      I recall Jesus preaching in the synagog, too.
      Jesus said, “I came for the lost sheep of the House of Israel.”

      Report Post » louise  
  • ooskerDoo
    Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:14am

    Be a Christian, but obey the law of the land you live in. Pure and simple.

    Report Post » ooskerDoo  
    • lodgerat
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:42am

      Show me the law that says he can’t keep a Bible with him at all times. Don’t quote separation of church and state stuff. Congress used to publish Bibles for distribution to schools

      Report Post » lodgerat  
  • Dushman Kush
    Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:14am

    This is one of the best stories of the week…..No more “Make Believe” for the world……Make Believe hasn’t worked out well enough……..All Communists and Christians should keep their peasant stupidities to themselves.

    Report Post » Dushman Kush  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:13am

    If my children were still in school I would yank them out and teach them at home… and tell me where is this man’s union… well of course just more proof that the Unions are corrupt,, this teacher was teaching the way I would want my children to be taught.. without God in the school system you have kid killing kids.. does anyone remember Columbine.. well I believe that if kids are taught about God and good and evil.. you won’t have Columbine murderers!! I am not saying teach religion.. but we should pray in school.. we all pray to the same God.. we should face the flag and recite the pledge of allegiance.. those who have God in their homes are closer as a family than those who don’t pray.. We need God people.. those who do not want to pray.. can go to the gym and bounce balls off each others heads..

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
    • LastAmerican
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 7:59am

      Yea and those who don’t like it can go back where they came from.

      Report Post »  
  • Lumbar Spine
    Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:07am

    If a teacher wants to teach science form the Book of Genesis then he should get a job at an Evangelical Christian school. It‘s pretty clear you can’t do that in public schools. Anyone who doesn’t understand that must have some problem with comprehension…

    Report Post »  
    • nonwinger
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:19am

      If a teacher can tell her students that homosexuality is normal and acceptable behavior, that evolution is a fact or that global warming is caused by mankind then why would it be incomprehensible for a teacher to use the Bible as one of his tools in educating his students about the world?

      Report Post »  
    • Lumbar Spine
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:31am

      Because there is almost unanimous scientific consensus about global climate change and evolution. The Bible is not a science text. The Bible is not a literal account of historical fact either. It contains legends, traditions and even myths that were passed down verbally before being committed to writing…most enlightened people understand that the Bible is not to be taken literally.

      As for homosexuality, people are born that way. Ask a gay person…

      Report Post »  
    • dnewton
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 1:03am

      Many Churches have folded on the Biblical young Earth version of the Creation and allow evolution and soft versions that say that God uses evolution to create the world. The Catholic church is tolerant of evolution and most churches don’t even discuss it or in anyway fight it for fear of losing membership. Some churches don’t mind evolution unless someone proposes that man and monkey have a common ancestor. The concept of evolution is morphing into spiritual evolution to justify the inclusion into Christian worship such things as pagan prayer labyrinths, Transcendental Meditation and Yoga, sometimes called Christian Yoga, just to clean it up some what. This spiritual evolution movement is being used to replace Bible based doctrine.

      Report Post »  
    • Alucard
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 3:10am

      “unanimous scientific consensus about global climate change and evolution”

      According to who Al Gore? I’m sorry to disappoint you Lumbar but that is an opinionated comment not fact. There is a reason they are called Theory of. So until you can point to the scientific facts that prove them than game on otherwise it’s all theory. Science isn’t always right either.

      Report Post »  
    • ZomBrad
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 4:02am

      Science isn’t taught in science classes. Instead they force what “experts” BELIEVE.

      My science teachers always showed discovery channel specials he had taped at home every now and then. Take away celebrity narrators, and short clips of experts making simple assertions, and assumptions…….what we‘re left with is the atheist’s version of Vege-tales.

      A CGI cartoon as the vehicle of indoctrination >.>

      Report Post »  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 8:59am

      Alucard,

      A scientific theory is different from how we use the word theory colloquially:
      “A scientific theory comprises a collection of concepts, including abstractions of observable phenomena expressed as quantifiable properties, together with rules (called scientific laws) that express relationships between observations of such concepts. A scientific theory is constructed to conform to available empirical data about such observations, and is put forth as a principle or body of principles for explaining a class of phenomena.”

      So your point that Evolution is a theory means nothing. It is supported by empirical evidence.

      Report Post »  
    • joe1234
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 9:57am

      hey lumbar, if homosexuals are born that way, then what about pedophiles? shouldn‘t they have the same ’special rights’ that you want for gays, since they‘re ’born’ that way too???

      oh and evolution is nothing more than a racist athiest fairy tale…no wonder a good democrat like you would embrace it so…

      Report Post » joe1234  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 10:37am

      Joe,

      You’re an idiot. Pedophilia is a crime concerning the sexual molestation of an underage person. Homosexuality involves two consenting adults. If you can’t understand that, then there is little hope for you as a thinking person.

      Report Post »  
    • joe1234
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 10:56am

      publius, you’re a moron. you obviously miss my point…no surprise since you don’t have the intelligence of a box of rocks…

      homosexuality used to be crime too…so? and if homosexuality is an inborn sexual orientation, then so is pedophilia…..and what IS the age of consent again?? hmmm ??? its changed over time..

      oh and what is your ‘empirical evidence’ for evolution? nothing in the fossil record, nothing in the lab, no ‘vestigial organs’ no ‘junk dna’ evolution is nothing more than a racist atheist fairy tale…no surprise someone as uneducated and easily led as you would believe it….

      Report Post » joe1234  
  • COFemale
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 11:56pm

    Maybe he should go teach at a Christian school. No problem teaching the Bible or having it on his desk. Then again, they aren’t the lost souls who need help.

    Report Post » COFemale  
    • cassandra
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:14am

      of course if he was teaching marxist,liberal ideas that would be OK, like Anita Dunn telling students she goes to Mao for inspiration , inspiration for murduring,starving ,enslaving millions,????

      Report Post »  
    • Lumbar Spine
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:34am

      Anita Dunn told a high school graduating class that she was inspired by the writing of Mao and of Mother Theresa…for the notion that one must make his/her own path in life. That’s all she said..she was talking about one limited point…makng your own path in life.

      Report Post »  
    • Lumbar Spine
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:36am

      By the way Cassandra, even Ronald Reagan and Newt Gingrich quoted Mao.

      Report Post »  
    • Alucard
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 3:35am

      @Lumbar
      There is a difference between using a quote from someone and saying that someone inspires them. I mean seriously. If I say “Words build bridges into unexplored regions.” but if I say Adolf Hitler inspires me. Do you kind of see the difference?

      Report Post »  
  • Tired of Code Names
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 11:49pm

    2012 elections and we will have hopefully representatives in our government that will allow folks to opt out of the federal public school system and legislate vouchers so real schools can teach and allow parents to send their children to schools who hold their moral values without fear of retribution from the liberal left. If that does not happen, then America is screwed and we might as well just accept the fact that sharia law is coming and get over it.

    Report Post »  
    • six6six
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 11:53pm

      If you want your children to hear a religion lesson, send them to religious school. I want a science teacher to teach them science (if he really knows any science).

      Report Post »  
    • joe1234
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 10:00am

      evolution isn’t science, its nothing more than a racist atheist fairy tale….the fossil record doesn’t show evolution, nor does the lab…its nothing more than faith.

      Report Post » joe1234  
  • bullcrapbuster
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 11:49pm

    The day of reckoning is at hand for all who fear mans judgements more than they fear Gods.

    Report Post » bullcrapbuster  
  • TheGreyPiper
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 11:47pm

    I’ve gotta side with the school on this one. After all, I would NOT want a public school teacher of any stripe teaching my kids about religion. We sent our our kids through parochial schools, where there were science classes, and there were religion classes. Also English and history classes and more, of course. Each subject was taught in its own class.

    Those of you calling foul here, you still calling that if it turns out the teacher is a Jehovahs Witness? Or a -*gasp*- Roman Cathalick?

    Report Post » TheGreyPiper  
    • RavenGlenn
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 8:13am

      Exactly. This is idiotic. I don’t want anyone teaching my child about anything other than the subject they are supposed to teach.

      If this teacher was teaching muslim ideals, jewish ideals, buddhism, etc….then every single one of these “Christians” would be calling for his firing. The double standards from some people is, quite frankly, sickening.

      Report Post »  
  • PubliusPencilman
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 11:40pm

    I’m glad people are standing up for the rights of Hindus, Muslims and Jews in America to send their children to public school and not have them be prosthelytized to.

    Oh no, but the Christian is the real victim here… give me a break.

    Report Post »  
  • ohiowordguy
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 11:40pm

    Hey Blaze: That newspaper is the Columbus Dispatch, not Columbia!

    Report Post »  
  • PubliusPencilman
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 11:32pm

    He probably also taught biology based on the four humors.

    Report Post »  
  • broker0101
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 11:32pm

    Oh AND he was insubordinate. But, of course, he was fired because of his religion. This is the Blaze after all.

    broker0101  
  • Theleftisda
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 11:24pm

    This teacher should know that you must teach homosexuality,satanism and socialism and communism in order to get a lifelong job as a teacher.

    Report Post » Theleftisda  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 11:37pm

      Also its a good idea to listen to your boss, teach the curriculum and not burn your students…

      Report Post »  
    • spirited
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:14am

      Hand out condoms…it’s okay…they are free.

      >…sweet land of liberty!

      Report Post » spirited  
    • Theleftisda
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 12:35am

      Do not feed the trolls

      Report Post » Theleftisda  
  • dmforman
    Posted on October 6, 2011 at 11:22pm

    If he was indoctrinating the students like the rest of the teachers, he’d be employed.

    Report Post »  
    • the hawk
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 11:31pm

      I‘m 49 when I was in 4th grade my teacher woulod give us a list of say 25 questiond and we were to search out the answers with’in the reading pages! quietly……While He sat there and read his Bible !
      at least an hour a day ! We thought nothing about it !…Today he would lose his job…………….

      Report Post »  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on October 6, 2011 at 11:35pm

      Hawk,
      He just sounds like a lazy teacher. Probably should be fired.

      Report Post »  
    • the hawk
      Posted on October 7, 2011 at 2:57am

      Well he’s been dead along time now ……He HAD a good heart !
      HE had had polyo , think he had two wooden legs used to staple his socks up !
      Passed me when I probably shound’nt have !

      Report Post »  
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