ReligionDispatches.org

I am baffled here. This is not a case about creationism, but about a teacher torturing a student in school. How is it possible that such a teacher can have parents on the defensive when their child is deliberately being burned in school? I am so appalled that there is even a discussion here. This is someone who belongs in prison, not in a debating seat. Schools in the US are way to violent as it is, and to even contemplate that someone calling himself a Christian can think of burning students. It is beyond me that this is tolerable.

I agree this is a terribly sad story. This seemed to be made into a religious issue - and not an accusation of straight-up assault - after Mr. Freshwater and his supporters came out saying this was about his First Amendment right to keep a bible on his desk. After that, their arguments shifted into one of religious persecution, which may have set the tone for the rest of the debate.

Lauri Lebo

I've read the Bible a few times myself and nothing's ever lead me to believe that burning kids (with crosses or "x"s) fell into the category of WWJD. So NOT what he meant by "Suffer the children come unto me." Still, what I find equally disturbing is how quickly people leap to this guy's defense as good Christians. Is the fact that he keeps a Bible on his desk more important to them then what he does to his students? Why aren't they rallying behind the cause of parents protecting their child?