Religeous intolerance

Honestly ! People must be waiting for the least whisper of anything, ready to pounce and make a big thing of it.
It's " freedom of speech " gone crackers, you daren't break wind for what someone knows about it.
I've got no time for any of it as it's become an excuse for the hordes to create unnecessary mayhem.

I said some posters. But I’m surprised you’re so sure the teacher was wrong already. Not one apology from the protesters about putting his name on Twitter, no regrets about the school being closed - just a belief in a god given right to get their own way regardless of the cost to others.

I don't know the background to this. If the teacher was using the cartoon amongst other items of material to have a sensible debate as to what could be acceptably described as "free speech", and how religious people should respond if they feel their beliefs are being disrespected, then to me it would seem a reasonable debate to be had.

Unfortunately, in the current situation where followers of Islam feel they are being unfairly marginalised and caricatured (and, in my view, there is some justification for them feeling this), it was unwise to use material that might be perceived as deliberately chosen to be offensive.

However, as it is said this teacher is now receiving police protection, I think that is an absolutely abhorrent situation. I do not believe that ridiculing somebody's beliefs is acceptable but I do think people should have the right to debate the rights and wrongs of all religions without being threatened and intimidated.

The teacher wasn't wrong, but he must have known what he would provoke. Should people rise to provocation, only by arguing their corner, certainly not by violence, but too often violence is often an outcome in opposing any sort of orthodoxy. From my own upbringing I know it's futile arguing against a "blind faith" IMO you have to live that raison d'etre to understand it. Entrenched beliefs are often taken to the grave. The children may not be fortunate enough to be able to critique their religion without that causing ructions in the home.

Do you really think the teacher thought he would have to receive police protection though? presumably they think his life is at risk if he is receiving police protection. It does seem disproportionate, even though I accept having been explained to that is offensive.

Religious Studies hasn't been just about religion for a long time. I don't know if anyone read the link I posted but it about exploring conflict between morals and religion too and all sorts of complex scenarios and subject matters within that.

I can say whatever I like about Catholics or Protestants or many other religions and nobody is going to say boo, as soon as I mention Islam or Judaism all hell breaks loose. As it happens I believe all religion is bad and way of controlling the population we can well do without.

Some posters mention mob rule about people protesting outside the school but isn’t this our democracy that we are so proud of in action. At least for the time being we’re all allowed to protest. As for the teacher, I would like to ask why he couldn’t just refer to the cartoon as an example of religious intolerance rather than actually showing it.

Katie59 You may say what you like about Catholics or Protestants but you shouldn’t because it doesn’t mean they are not offended. Whether religion is good or bad people do believe in it and you have to respect that and let them get on with it.

I thought that as well jacqrose seemed unnecessary to show the cartoon instead of just referring to it.
Like MOnica I don't agree with either side in this.

I would like to ask why he couldn’t just refer to the cartoon as an example of religious intolerance rather than actually showing it.
jaqrose such is the sensitivity surrounding this subject with the Muslim community, you have to wonder whether the teacher would have even got away with that. His action may ultimately have life changing implications for him and for his family. They must be in shock.

It isn’t about saying what you want though is it regardless? But what if a teacher is teaching about sex equality and she wants to mention the importance of the right to contraception and abortion? Is this criticising Catholicism? Should it not be allowed because it might upset some of the Catholic pupils in the class? And yes a group of people calling for the sacking of a teacher, outing him on social media , who’ve had no discussions with the school, who shouted over the police officer reading out the apology ( and is that the role of the police?) yes, that’s a mob

Is speaking of the right to contraception the same as a cartoon of the Pope.

The teacher should have known that showing the Charlie Hebdon cartoon of the prophet Mohammed would cause unrest and trouble. Look what happened to the teacher in France.
There should be an overhaul of the R.E. studies for Muslims
as they become defensive when they feel their prophet is made fun of.

That teacher will probably have to stay in hiding with his wife and four young children under police protection, even though he has apologized that may not be enough as some of the extremists live by the sword quite frightenng.

It comes to something when threats are made !!

Maybe he should have known better but how many of us even RE teachers have read the Koran and know that an image of the Prophet is forbidden.
A teacher being in fear of violence after what was a mistake is not something that should be tolerated in Britain.

We Catholics are, in the main, very secure though, we can laugh at ourselves and not take offence so easily..

Anniebach

Is speaking of the right to contraception the same as a cartoon of the Pope.

It’s in the same ball park imo - basic tenets of a faith

Greyduster I think you’re probably right that even alluding to it might be a problem. With such a sensitive subject I wonder why the approach to teaching this wasn’t agreed with the Head Teacher and Governors in advance and if it was perhaps the teacher did his own thing.

I do not think the teacher should have shown the cartoon, it was stupid and ill judged.
I am sorry that he needs Police Protection now, and it seems it may have a big impact on his life for some time to come.

Those talking of teachers who may be in discussion with pupils (Catholic) in regard of contraception and abortion have a right to bring that up.

In the U.K. many Catholics do still follow their religious beliefs
It has been many years since the Pope agreed to birth control and the Vatican moved forward with the times.

We only have to look at Ireland particularly the North
and to remember the Irish troubles of Catholics and Protestants the troubles that went on for years.
I am not sure how long abortion has been legal in Northern Ireland it is not that long though. Women from Northern Ireland seeking abortion would come over to the U.K for their terminations.
Yes it is true Catholics do get offended when people say what they like about them we also follow the Catholic faith with pride.

Who decides annie that's the issue. Why is it ok to stop a teacher discussing blasphemy but not ok to stop him teaching about same sex relationships. Both of those subjects are offensive to some people of faith.

I have no idea why Muslims get so offended by the cartoons in question, but they clearly do and anyone doing anything to inflame that offence needs their head examined.

I’m still trying to figure out why so many people get offended that the “white jesus” depicted was very likely not what he looked like.

There are double standards though. What about Muslims who preach hate against all non-Muslims?

Gannygangan

I'm all for teaching Greek myths at school. They're fabulous.

No idea which cartoon this teacher posted. I'm not on the side of the baying mob but why show this cartoon? Is it an integral part of the curriculum?

As for parents who caused such a fuss for same sex parents in books. Just ignorant.

I wonder if in two thousand years it will be Christianity that is being taught as a myth

Gwyneth

There are double standards though. What about Muslims who preach hate against all non-Muslims?

Do you think that doesn’t happen in Christianity??

That’s what all the missions are for. To spread religion like traveling salesmen