In God We Trust sign prominently posted in FCPS Middle School main office

[Anonymous]

It can be very embarrassing to live in Virginia. I forget and then something like this reminds me.

[Anonymous]

pp again, OP, it bothers many of us

[Anonymous]

It would bother me too, and I am on the membership team at my church. There should be separation between church and state. It's one of the foundations of our country, and for good reason.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I walked into the office to pick up my daughter yesterday and noticed an 8.5 x 11 sign stating "In God We Trust" in a prominent location in the main office.

This seems at best inappropriate and at worst like a brazen attempt to bring personal religious beliefs into a public space (unfortunately I do think it is legal). I happen to know, because of the Principal's Instagram account, that she is extremely religious. I respect her personal beliefs and her right to express them in a private context.

But as someone who has carefully raised their children without religion and God, this sign is offensive to me. Whether or not it is intentional, it effectively others and intimidates constituents of that school who don't believe in God. Even if it only offends a few people, isn't that enough? Why is this necessary?

I know. It's on our money and it's in the pledge, but my kids can opt to not say the God part in the pledge. They can't opt not to go into the main office.

I filled out a discrimination complaint online, but I doubt anything will come of it (there are certainly more immediate issues in that arena for that office to address).

I am considering writing a kind and good faith note to the principal from an anonymous email address. Any (kind and in good faith) thoughts on that approach or ideas for ways to resolve this without backlash against my kids?

Thanks.

I would take this seriously if you have previously complained about the public display of BLM signs.

Have you?

Not OP, but what does that have to do with freedom of religion?

One of the co-founders, Patrisse Cullors, is on record as it being a "spiritual movement". The movement infuses a syncretic blend of African and indigenous cultures’ spiritual practices and beliefs, embracing ancestor worship; Ifa-based ritual such as chanting, dancing, and summoning deities; and healing practices such as acupuncture, reiki, therapeutic massage, and plant medicine in much of its work, including protest. Some see BLM as secularizing the new civil rights movement as it is often portrayed in the media. Instead, BLM's marginalization of patriarchal and hierarchical modalities of religion informs its members' reinterpretation and expression of faith, political expression, radical organizing, and community-building.

BLM is not a religion. GTFO.

You knew that one of the counders is a ordained in Ifa right and its a core part of her movement and practices?

https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/responses/the-fight-for-black-lives-is-a-spiritual-movement
https://crcc.usc.edu/far-from-being-anti-religious-faith-and-spirituality-run-deep-in-black-lives-matter/
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=291479432259187

“Spirituality is at the center of BLM,” said Cullors during a June 13 Zoom call with Dr. Melina Abdullah, co-founder of BLM Los Angeles, as they discussed the methods by which they “practice traditions from West African places.”

“When we come out into the streets, and we pray – the first thing we do when we hear of a murder is we come out and we pray, we pour libation we built with community where the person’s life was stolen,” said Abdullah.

The term libation is, by definition, “the act of pouring a liquid as a sacrifice (as to a deity).”

As Abdullah described the act performed on the street, she added, “And it took almost a year for me to realize that this movement is much more than a racial and social justice movement. At its core, it’s a spiritual movement. Because we are literally standing on spilled blood. And you can’t pretend like that’s work – that’s just like some organizing work.”

Hebah Farrag, assistant director of research at the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture, examined one of Abdullah’s rituals. And she explained that as Abdullah was pouring libations on the ground, those present chanted "Asé.” She clarified that the Yoruba term is "often used by practitioners of Ifa, a faith and divination system that originated in West Africa” – occult practices. (Emphasis added.)

And Cullors did not argue with Farrag’s assessment, but she actually pointed to the article and its writer to help the viewers properly understand the spiritual foundation and practices of the BLM movement.

“It’s a very important practice,” said Cullors. “Hashtags are for us way more than a hashtag. It is literally, almost resurrecting spirits so they can work through us to get the work that we need to get done. I started to feel personally connected and responsible and accountable to them. Both from a deeply political place, but also from a deeply spiritual place.”

Abdulah explained that when they “say the names,” they “invoke that spirit, and then those spirits actually become present with you.”

“Maybe I’m sharing too much,” she said, “but we become very intimate with the spirits that we call on regularly.”

[Anonymous]

It would have bothered me when I was a kid and it bothers me now.

E Pluribus Unum is the US motto, not In God We Trust, which was added in the 1950s to differentiate us from those Godless Communists.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stop being so intolerant. People are allowed to believe in God. Just ignore it.

They aren't allowed to push their religious beliefs on others.

^^ especially on public property

Actually, in the US expressing your religious views is constitutionally prltected, including on public property. Including in schools. You can pray publicly, wear crosses or hijabs or a Star of David necklace or carry around a Bible or talk about Krishna to anyone who will listen, anywhere, on any public property, including schools, with no restrictions, and no interference by anyone in the government.

Freedome of religion and freedom of speech are so important in this country that they are enshrined in the afirst Amendment of our Constitution.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stop being so intolerant. People are allowed to believe in God. Just ignore it.

They aren't allowed to push their religious beliefs on others.

^^ especially on public property

Actually, in the US expressing your religious views is constitutionally prltected, including on public property. Including in schools. You can pray publicly, wear crosses or hijabs or a Star of David necklace or carry around a Bible or talk about Krishna to anyone who will listen, anywhere, on any public property, including schools, with no restrictions, and no interference by anyone in the government.

Freedome of religion and freedom of speech are so important in this country that they are enshrined in the afirst Amendment of our Constitution.

Signs by public workers funded with our tax? Different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I walked into the office to pick up my daughter yesterday and noticed an 8.5 x 11 sign stating "In God We Trust" in a prominent location in the main office.

This seems at best inappropriate and at worst like a brazen attempt to bring personal religious beliefs into a public space (unfortunately I do think it is legal). I happen to know, because of the Principal's Instagram account, that she is extremely religious. I respect her personal beliefs and her right to express them in a private context.

But as someone who has carefully raised their children without religion and God, this sign is offensive to me. Whether or not it is intentional, it effectively others and intimidates constituents of that school who don't believe in God. Even if it only offends a few people, isn't that enough? Why is this necessary?

I know. It's on our money and it's in the pledge, but my kids can opt to not say the God part in the pledge. They can't opt not to go into the main office.

I filled out a discrimination complaint online, but I doubt anything will come of it (there are certainly more immediate issues in that arena for that office to address).

I am considering writing a kind and good faith note to the principal from an anonymous email address. Any (kind and in good faith) thoughts on that approach or ideas for ways to resolve this without backlash against my kids?

Thanks.

I would take this seriously if you have previously complained about the public display of BLM signs.

Have you?

Not OP, but what does that have to do with freedom of religion?

One of the co-founders, Patrisse Cullors, is on record as it being a "spiritual movement". The movement infuses a syncretic blend of African and indigenous cultures’ spiritual practices and beliefs, embracing ancestor worship; Ifa-based ritual such as chanting, dancing, and summoning deities; and healing practices such as acupuncture, reiki, therapeutic massage, and plant medicine in much of its work, including protest. Some see BLM as secularizing the new civil rights movement as it is often portrayed in the media. Instead, BLM's marginalization of patriarchal and hierarchical modalities of religion informs its members' reinterpretation and expression of faith, political expression, radical organizing, and community-building.

BLM is not a religion. GTFO.

You knew that one of the counders is a ordained in Ifa right and its a core part of her movement and practices?

https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/responses/the-fight-for-black-lives-is-a-spiritual-movement
https://crcc.usc.edu/far-from-being-anti-religious-faith-and-spirituality-run-deep-in-black-lives-matter/
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=291479432259187

“Spirituality is at the center of BLM,” said Cullors during a June 13 Zoom call with Dr. Melina Abdullah, co-founder of BLM Los Angeles, as they discussed the methods by which they “practice traditions from West African places.”

“When we come out into the streets, and we pray – the first thing we do when we hear of a murder is we come out and we pray, we pour libation we built with community where the person’s life was stolen,” said Abdullah.

The term libation is, by definition, “the act of pouring a liquid as a sacrifice (as to a deity).”

As Abdullah described the act performed on the street, she added, “And it took almost a year for me to realize that this movement is much more than a racial and social justice movement. At its core, it’s a spiritual movement. Because we are literally standing on spilled blood. And you can’t pretend like that’s work – that’s just like some organizing work.”

Hebah Farrag, assistant director of research at the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture, examined one of Abdullah’s rituals. And she explained that as Abdullah was pouring libations on the ground, those present chanted "Asé.” She clarified that the Yoruba term is "often used by practitioners of Ifa, a faith and divination system that originated in West Africa” – occult practices. (Emphasis added.)

And Cullors did not argue with Farrag’s assessment, but she actually pointed to the article and its writer to help the viewers properly understand the spiritual foundation and practices of the BLM movement.

“It’s a very important practice,” said Cullors. “Hashtags are for us way more than a hashtag. It is literally, almost resurrecting spirits so they can work through us to get the work that we need to get done. I started to feel personally connected and responsible and accountable to them. Both from a deeply political place, but also from a deeply spiritual place.”

Abdulah explained that when they “say the names,” they “invoke that spirit, and then those spirits actually become present with you.”

“Maybe I’m sharing too much,” she said, “but we become very intimate with the spirits that we call on regularly.”

Ok. So?

Like I said, BLM is not a religion. GTFO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stop being so intolerant. People are allowed to believe in God. Just ignore it.

They aren't allowed to push their religious beliefs on others.

^^ especially on public property

Actually, in the US expressing your religious views is constitutionally prltected, including on public property. Including in schools. You can pray publicly, wear crosses or hijabs or a Star of David necklace or carry around a Bible or talk about Krishna to anyone who will listen, anywhere, on any public property, including schools, with no restrictions, and no interference by anyone in the government.

Freedome of religion and freedom of speech are so important in this country that they are enshrined in the afirst Amendment of our Constitution.

My freedom of religion is infringed upon by politicians pushing their own religion propaganda on public property.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I walked into the office to pick up my daughter yesterday and noticed an 8.5 x 11 sign stating "In God We Trust" in a prominent location in the main office.

This seems at best inappropriate and at worst like a brazen attempt to bring personal religious beliefs into a public space (unfortunately I do think it is legal). I happen to know, because of the Principal's Instagram account, that she is extremely religious. I respect her personal beliefs and her right to express them in a private context.

But as someone who has carefully raised their children without religion and God, this sign is offensive to me. Whether or not it is intentional, it effectively others and intimidates constituents of that school who don't believe in God. Even if it only offends a few people, isn't that enough? Why is this necessary?

I know. It's on our money and it's in the pledge, but my kids can opt to not say the God part in the pledge. They can't opt not to go into the main office.

I filled out a discrimination complaint online, but I doubt anything will come of it (there are certainly more immediate issues in that arena for that office to address).

I am considering writing a kind and good faith note to the principal from an anonymous email address. Any (kind and in good faith) thoughts on that approach or ideas for ways to resolve this without backlash against my kids?

Thanks.

I would take this seriously if you have previously complained about the public display of BLM signs.

Have you?

Not OP, but what does that have to do with freedom of religion?

One of the co-founders, Patrisse Cullors, is on record as it being a "spiritual movement". The movement infuses a syncretic blend of African and indigenous cultures’ spiritual practices and beliefs, embracing ancestor worship; Ifa-based ritual such as chanting, dancing, and summoning deities; and healing practices such as acupuncture, reiki, therapeutic massage, and plant medicine in much of its work, including protest. Some see BLM as secularizing the new civil rights movement as it is often portrayed in the media. Instead, BLM's marginalization of patriarchal and hierarchical modalities of religion informs its members' reinterpretation and expression of faith, political expression, radical organizing, and community-building.

BLM is not a religion. GTFO.

You knew that one of the counders is a ordained in Ifa right and its a core part of her movement and practices?

https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/responses/the-fight-for-black-lives-is-a-spiritual-movement
https://crcc.usc.edu/far-from-being-anti-religious-faith-and-spirituality-run-deep-in-black-lives-matter/
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=291479432259187

“Spirituality is at the center of BLM,” said Cullors during a June 13 Zoom call with Dr. Melina Abdullah, co-founder of BLM Los Angeles, as they discussed the methods by which they “practice traditions from West African places.”

“When we come out into the streets, and we pray – the first thing we do when we hear of a murder is we come out and we pray, we pour libation we built with community where the person’s life was stolen,” said Abdullah.

The term libation is, by definition, “the act of pouring a liquid as a sacrifice (as to a deity).”

As Abdullah described the act performed on the street, she added, “And it took almost a year for me to realize that this movement is much more than a racial and social justice movement. At its core, it’s a spiritual movement. Because we are literally standing on spilled blood. And you can’t pretend like that’s work – that’s just like some organizing work.”

Hebah Farrag, assistant director of research at the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture, examined one of Abdullah’s rituals. And she explained that as Abdullah was pouring libations on the ground, those present chanted "Asé.” She clarified that the Yoruba term is "often used by practitioners of Ifa, a faith and divination system that originated in West Africa” – occult practices. (Emphasis added.)

And Cullors did not argue with Farrag’s assessment, but she actually pointed to the article and its writer to help the viewers properly understand the spiritual foundation and practices of the BLM movement.

“It’s a very important practice,” said Cullors. “Hashtags are for us way more than a hashtag. It is literally, almost resurrecting spirits so they can work through us to get the work that we need to get done. I started to feel personally connected and responsible and accountable to them. Both from a deeply political place, but also from a deeply spiritual place.”

Abdulah explained that when they “say the names,” they “invoke that spirit, and then those spirits actually become present with you.”

“Maybe I’m sharing too much,” she said, “but we become very intimate with the spirits that we call on regularly.”

Ok. So?

Like I said, BLM is not a religion. GTFO.

But the founder seems to think it is.

"And Cullors did not argue with Farrag’s assessment, but she actually pointed to the article and its writer to help the viewers properly understand the spiritual foundation and practices of the BLM movement. "

Plus it has a number of unprovable tennets of faith.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I walked into the office to pick up my daughter yesterday and noticed an 8.5 x 11 sign stating "In God We Trust" in a prominent location in the main office.

This seems at best inappropriate and at worst like a brazen attempt to bring personal religious beliefs into a public space (unfortunately I do think it is legal). I happen to know, because of the Principal's Instagram account, that she is extremely religious. I respect her personal beliefs and her right to express them in a private context.

But as someone who has carefully raised their children without religion and God, this sign is offensive to me. Whether or not it is intentional, it effectively others and intimidates constituents of that school who don't believe in God. Even if it only offends a few people, isn't that enough? Why is this necessary?

I know. It's on our money and it's in the pledge, but my kids can opt to not say the God part in the pledge. They can't opt not to go into the main office.

I filled out a discrimination complaint online, but I doubt anything will come of it (there are certainly more immediate issues in that arena for that office to address).

I am considering writing a kind and good faith note to the principal from an anonymous email address. Any (kind and in good faith) thoughts on that approach or ideas for ways to resolve this without backlash against my kids?

Thanks.

I would take this seriously if you have previously complained about the public display of BLM signs.

Have you?

Not OP, but what does that have to do with freedom of religion?

One of the co-founders, Patrisse Cullors, is on record as it being a "spiritual movement". The movement infuses a syncretic blend of African and indigenous cultures’ spiritual practices and beliefs, embracing ancestor worship; Ifa-based ritual such as chanting, dancing, and summoning deities; and healing practices such as acupuncture, reiki, therapeutic massage, and plant medicine in much of its work, including protest. Some see BLM as secularizing the new civil rights movement as it is often portrayed in the media. Instead, BLM's marginalization of patriarchal and hierarchical modalities of religion informs its members' reinterpretation and expression of faith, political expression, radical organizing, and community-building.

BLM is not a religion. GTFO.

You knew that one of the counders is a ordained in Ifa right and its a core part of her movement and practices?

https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/responses/the-fight-for-black-lives-is-a-spiritual-movement
https://crcc.usc.edu/far-from-being-anti-religious-faith-and-spirituality-run-deep-in-black-lives-matter/
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=291479432259187

“Spirituality is at the center of BLM,” said Cullors during a June 13 Zoom call with Dr. Melina Abdullah, co-founder of BLM Los Angeles, as they discussed the methods by which they “practice traditions from West African places.”

“When we come out into the streets, and we pray – the first thing we do when we hear of a murder is we come out and we pray, we pour libation we built with community where the person’s life was stolen,” said Abdullah.

The term libation is, by definition, “the act of pouring a liquid as a sacrifice (as to a deity).”

As Abdullah described the act performed on the street, she added, “And it took almost a year for me to realize that this movement is much more than a racial and social justice movement. At its core, it’s a spiritual movement. Because we are literally standing on spilled blood. And you can’t pretend like that’s work – that’s just like some organizing work.”

Hebah Farrag, assistant director of research at the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture, examined one of Abdullah’s rituals. And she explained that as Abdullah was pouring libations on the ground, those present chanted "Asé.” She clarified that the Yoruba term is "often used by practitioners of Ifa, a faith and divination system that originated in West Africa” – occult practices. (Emphasis added.)

And Cullors did not argue with Farrag’s assessment, but she actually pointed to the article and its writer to help the viewers properly understand the spiritual foundation and practices of the BLM movement.

“It’s a very important practice,” said Cullors. “Hashtags are for us way more than a hashtag. It is literally, almost resurrecting spirits so they can work through us to get the work that we need to get done. I started to feel personally connected and responsible and accountable to them. Both from a deeply political place, but also from a deeply spiritual place.”

Abdulah explained that when they “say the names,” they “invoke that spirit, and then those spirits actually become present with you.”

“Maybe I’m sharing too much,” she said, “but we become very intimate with the spirits that we call on regularly.”

Ok. So?

Like I said, BLM is not a religion. GTFO.

But the founder seems to think it is.

"And Cullors did not argue with Farrag’s assessment, but she actually pointed to the article and its writer to help the viewers properly understand the spiritual foundation and practices of the BLM movement. "

Plus it has a number of unprovable tennets of faith.

Yes, we get that you enjoy being obtuse.

BLM isn’t a religion. GTFO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_national_motto#:~:text=The%20modern%20motto%20of%20the,on%20U.S.%20coins%20in%201864.

It's the national motto as well.

and

Virginia requires it's display.

Further evidence that VA is a sh1thole. Getting sh1ttier by the day with Youngkin.

That was passed by Governor Warner, a democrat and our current senator.

Doesn't make it any less of a sh1tty law.

Like I said, VA is a sh1thole. And getting sh1ttier by the day with Youngkin.

You’re a hypocritical moron. Go back to across the Potomac River if you hate the laws that were passed here decades ago and can’t seem to tolerate them.

Counting down the days until I move away. It’s way too backward here - and moving in the wrong direction.

Maybe someday VA will join the 21st century.

Back to Maryland or the Northeast I’m guessing?

You’re curious where civilized, educated people live?

Why do so many people choose to move to NoVa over Montgomery county?

VA State Colleges

Lower Taxes

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I noticed the same thing in my kid's Arlington Middle School. I find it inappropriate. Wish I didn't live in a state where this is the law.

Move across the Potomac River then. It’s your fault that you can’t adjust to the laws of this southern state, and if you don’t like it you can leave. Simple.

I taught my kid not to say the pledge nor to stand for it. It makes it even better that it pisses off southerners like you.

These civic ceremonies are the only thing that binds us together.

Well, they’re doing a bang up job. /s

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It would bother me too, and I am on the membership team at my church. There should be separation between church and state. It's one of the foundations of our country, and for good reason.

There was a separation between church and state according to letters written by Thomas Jefferson, and a clause in the Constitution barring tests for office. The First Amendment required that Congress create no law establishing a "national" religion, but states still had many religious laws. Finally, "God" and his nickname, "Providence" was called upon continually by all early officeholders, including those who actually were at the Constitutional Convention, unlike Jefferson.

Christianity was assumed; it was warring sects that the Founders wanted to avoid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stop being so intolerant. People are allowed to believe in God. Just ignore it.

They aren't allowed to push their religious beliefs on others.

^^ especially on public property

Actually, in the US expressing your religious views is constitutionally prltected, including on public property. Including in schools. You can pray publicly, wear crosses or hijabs or a Star of David necklace or carry around a Bible or talk about Krishna to anyone who will listen, anywhere, on any public property, including schools, with no restrictions, and no interference by anyone in the government.

Freedome of religion and freedom of speech are so important in this country that they are enshrined in the afirst Amendment of our Constitution.

If only we could be more like Saudi Arabia

*sighs wistfully*