To have the proper context, you need to watch the clip I posted poking fun at irrational atheists. That dude is right. Why are these people so offended over something they do not believe in? It's irrational.
I can't speak for others, but I'm not really offended, unless people – and there are plenty – insist on shoving their beliefs in my face. They will repeat the same tired arguments that have been debunked a million times already. They will end with "you don't have anything to lose!" They will insist that, deep down, I know the truth too, and I'm just denying it.
I don't get offended. But I do get frustrated, because these people feel that their beliefs entitle them to pester me.
I believe an employee of a publicly funded university has the right to talk about his or her faith to a group of adults.
First of all, I'm glad to see you qualify this as applying only to adults. With that said, I believe in the same thing too. But only if he does this in his personal capacity, not his professional one. There's a difference.
Is it ok if you're a member of a college football team and the coach, who you know is a Christian, walks up to you and says "you're coming to church on Sunday, right?" Maybe he's ok with you saying "no" and maybe he isn't. Will not going cost you a spot on the team? Maybe it will, maybe it won't. What do you do?
Is it ok if you're an employee and your boss comes to you and says: "The Synagogue, this Sabbath. 8am, sharp!" You aren't Jewish - you eat shellfish and you've never had a bagel... what do you do? Will it affecf that promotion you're due for? Maybe it will, maybe it won't. What do you do?
Before you answer, think carefully. Have you ever been placed in such a situation? What if your boss- the person who signs your paychecks and provides your livelihood and a very devout Buddhist, invited you over to the local Buddhist temple for a prayer ceremony?
It's easy to say "oh, I'm cool with that" - as you did below. But are you really? If you are, you're the exception and not the rule.
I think he or she has the right to invite people to pray, have bible studies, etc.
Of course he does - just because he's employed by the government he doesn't give up his rights.
However when acting under the color of authority, he's operating under the restrictions that government operates under. And on top of those restrictions he should have the good sense to
know when it's ok to talk about your faith and when it isn't.
He can preach to people all he wants:
in his private time. When he's paid to be a Coach, he should be that, and not a Pastor or a warrior for Jesus.
And no, I wouldn't feel any differently if the coach was Muslim, Buddhist, Catholic, Mormon, etc.
You will forgive me if I don't buy that entirely. It's not that I don't want to believe you. It's that I've heard so many say the same thing and then do something completely different.
This isn't much different than what employees of "publicly funded" institutions do all the time, including members of a presidential administration having bible studies in his office.
No, you're right - it's not different. It's just as unacceptable as members of an administration holding bible studies in their office.
Again, you may feel that it's ok. But we live in a Constitutional Republic and not the land of your feelings.
