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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

About Bibles being given out at school.

203 replies

BlingBang · 03/12/2013 22:12

Son has just told me that they have to line up and take a bible and say thank you - seems like some group is coming to the school to distribute them. AIBU to be surprised and think this is strange? My son doesn't believe in God and doesn't particularly want a bible or have to thank someone for it. Is this common practice then?

OP posts:
Justforlaughs · 03/12/2013 22:13

I guess it's The Gideons. You don't have to accept it of you don't want it, just say so. They also place Bibles in Drs surgeries, hospitals, hotels etc.

Pascha · 03/12/2013 22:14

Is it a Gideon bible? I remember getting one when was 11, so 25 years ago. Think I dumped it in a bin somewhere at school about half an hour later...

CailinDana · 03/12/2013 22:14

A bible is worth having whether you believe in god or not.

FeisMom · 03/12/2013 22:17

Could be worse, ours got given pens emblazoned with the local MPs name on.

formerbabe · 03/12/2013 22:17

I would be fuming....I think its a cheap, horrid little way to try and sign them up young.
I would tell them to stick it.

sooperdooper · 03/12/2013 22:18

As long as they'd allow other religious tests to be circulated if anyone wanted to, I don't see the problem, they weren't asking them to believe in what they were teaching, it's like part of an RE lesson

deepfriedsage · 03/12/2013 22:18

Even if he doesn't believe in God its handy to have. He may watch the Omen and want to check our revelations, or that Charlton Heston film on the ten commandments, I can't remember its name, its not Ben Hurr.

foreverondiet · 03/12/2013 22:18

Is this a church/faith school? My kids get in school but it's a faith school so I think it's ok.

ancientbuchanan · 03/12/2013 22:18

Whether or not you believe anything, masses of western and other culture is based on it, there are some cracking stories and also regrettably awful behaviour, and some lovely images and poetry.

Would you have a problem if someone gave you a copy of Hindu scriptures? I wouldn't.

AntlersInAllOfMyDecorating · 03/12/2013 22:19

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Original poster
BlingBang · 03/12/2013 22:20

I remember getting a Gideon bible in yr 7 nearly 30 yrs ago but it was a catholic school and I thought things had changed since then. Maybe they should give out the Koran and the Torah as well, maybe a Watch Tower pamphlet. I agree though that having a bible innthe house to have a look at isn't necessarily a bad idea. It's just that he seems to think he doesn't have much of a choice - surely it should be spoken about and then anyone who wants one turns up to get one.

OP posts:
Pigsmummy · 03/12/2013 22:21

I am 39 and this happened in our school, can't remember what year though. We were given the new testament. You didn't have to take it but if you did accept it then it would be impolite not to say thank you wouldn't it? I can't see a problem with this in mainstream schools

formerbabe · 03/12/2013 22:21

I would have an issue with ANY religious texts being handed to my child. They are trying to convert them young.

MacaYoniandCheese · 03/12/2013 22:21

There are some wonderful stories in the bible. You don't have to be religious to appreciate them.

Original poster
BlingBang · 03/12/2013 22:22

No, it's not a faith school.

OP posts:
Justforlaughs · 03/12/2013 22:24

I doubt schools would refuse to have copies of the Koran being distributed, but it would be down to Muslims to fund it. I'm sure there would be some complaints about it, as well, but as long as you are allowed to refuse I don't see an issue at all. After all, pupils will be taught about the religion in lessons anyway.

Only1scoop · 03/12/2013 22:24

I don't think the Gideons are trying to convert children. We were all given those little Bibles on a one off visit.

BackOnlyBriefly · 03/12/2013 22:25

It may be ok if they will allow Pagans to pass out books. Also Mormons, Muslims, Satanists, Hindus and so on. You could ask.

but it is a cheap way to influence your child while you are not there. Otherwise they'd be knocking on your front door and offering it.

formerbabe · 03/12/2013 22:25

Even worse as its not a faith school. Why does the school agree to it? I send my kids to school for an education, not conversion. Have these people been crb checked to come into a school?

OutragedFromLeeds · 03/12/2013 22:26

We got one at school (not a faith school). It reeeaaallly wasn't a problem. Some people threw them away, some people didn't .

breatheslowly · 03/12/2013 22:29

We got one - it was a special edition to commemorate the school's anniversary of founding. While I am usually against all religion in schools and I am an atheist, I actually am quite pleased that I was given a bible in school. My reasoning is that the bible is a fairly key cultural reference in the UK and it makes sense to me for a house to have a bible as a reference book. However I wouldn't want to buy one myself as I don't think I could bring myself to buy one, so I am grateful that I was given one.

Earningsthread · 03/12/2013 22:31

He may watch the Omen and want to check our revelations, or that Charlton Heston film on the ten commandments, I can't remember its name, its not Ben Hurr.

I think it is called The Ten Commandments :)

Abitannoyedatthis · 03/12/2013 22:32

Wow I have never heard of this. Not normal in my opinion. I got a Bible at school but went to a C of E school many years ago.

If they offered a copy to those who wanted one fair enough but making each kid take one and say thanks is a fucking cheek. I would call the school tomorrow and find out what exactly is going on.

WhatTheHellIsHappening · 03/12/2013 22:36

From experience, Gideons always (do they have to?) make it clear thre is a choice. I'm not a particular fan of them, but it is a voluntary decision to take the Bible. In DSD's school, a local Gurdwara handed out copies of the Mool Mantar (so obviously basically a piece of paper) with some illustrations and some quotes from various points in the Guru Granth Sahib. I think any religion could choose to give out pamphlets, as long as it isn't compulsory, if they wish to?

bulby · 03/12/2013 22:38

May be mistaken but doesn't pretty much every child get given a Gideon bible at school? I went to state school in Bradford- around 50% Muslim and am now late 30s and we all got one. Wasn't forced on us though, didn't have to take it.
Confused as to why people would be fuming?!