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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think that a school should ask for parental permission before singing certain songs

115 replies

ReallyTired · 19/11/2014 18:08

Dd came home from school singing "Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so." She attends a community school and there are only two practicing christians in her class. There are seven practicing muslims, a couple of hindu and most the children come from non religous families.

I realise that schools are required to a have a broadly christian basis to their worship, but there are loads of christian songs which would not offend non christians. Why would a school choose that hymn? I know that parents do have the right to pull their children out of assembly, but they do need warning if the hymn choice is going to be that extreme.

OP posts:
SoonToBeSix · 19/11/2014 18:09

Yabu , I would hardly call Jesus's love for children extreme.

NorwaySpruce · 19/11/2014 18:12

It's only a song.

If children adhere to another faith, they'll take happy clappy songs about as seriously as mine take 'I'm a little tea-pot'.

Alisvolatpropiis · 19/11/2014 18:12

It isn't that extreme. The Bible does say Jesus loves everybody. Irrc that one has a rather catchy tune.

I went to a state primary and sang hymns pretty much every day. Said prayers all the way from reception to age 16 (no assemblies as such in 6th form). Am I religious in any way as an adult? No. Did I actually believe it when I was a child? No. Still enjoyed singing along though.

MissMillament · 19/11/2014 18:12

Extreme in what way? Find me a hymn that doesn't talk about Jesus/God. That is what hymns are for, surely? This is totally within the remit of worship with a broadly Christian basis. And I say this as a committed atheist.

NorwaySpruce · 19/11/2014 18:14

And it's hardly extreme, I really can't imagine anyone being 'offended' by it.

I'm pretty sure that kind of offence is only taken in other people's imaginations.

SantanaLopez · 19/11/2014 18:15

All of the Christian songs can be described as 'jesus loves me because the Bible tells me so'.... unclench!

stripedtortoise · 19/11/2014 18:16

Honestly, if they had to worry about this and that offending that child and this child every bloody time they wanted to do anything like sing songs they'd never do anything!
I'm a strong atheist by the way and have no issue with this song or religion being taught in general. You can just explain and teach other things and explanations at home if you want to.
Just a song.

clam · 19/11/2014 18:16

Oh ffs! I teach singing in my primary school and I'm fucked if I'm sending out bloody permission slips every time I'm about to run an assembly.

GobblersKnob · 19/11/2014 18:16

Yab a special kind of u.

TwllBach · 19/11/2014 18:18

Primary school songs and their religiousnessnessness are all part of the fun of Christmas and singing at school, surely.

angelohsodelight · 19/11/2014 18:19

FGS, get a grip. Pathetic or what. Yabu

APlaceInTheWinter · 19/11/2014 18:22

I'm both Confused and Grin that it is considered 'extreme' to say Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so
The Bible does say that Jesus loves everyone so, in that context, it's accurate rather than extreme.
Seriously, OP, if you consider that extreme lyrics, you might be better opting out of assembly.

isitsnowingyet · 19/11/2014 18:22

Oh dear clam

Wine Grin
hiddenhome · 19/11/2014 18:23

'Jesus Loves People Shocker'

Grin
WooWooOwl · 19/11/2014 18:23

YABU.

ChimesAndCarols · 19/11/2014 18:24

Oh, bloody hell.........not this AGAIN. Home educate if you don't like it ReallyTired

Tinks42 · 19/11/2014 18:25

Thank you for making me laugh out loud here OP.

RufusTheReindeer · 19/11/2014 18:25

I though it was something like

Smack my bitch up

I'm a bit disappointed now Hmm

clam · 19/11/2014 18:27

Grin @Rufus.

Think I might put that on the plan for next week.

meglet · 19/11/2014 18:27

It's only a song. My favourite was always "who put the hump upon the camel....." .

Nevertheless I did understand it was actually all to do with evolution, it didn't turn me into a creationist or anything.

< >

Catsarebastards · 19/11/2014 18:28

Well i'm an atheist and i love that song. We sang it in primary school and i never thought it was 'real' just a catchy song. Any child who didnt want to sing it could replace 'jesus' and 'bible' with whatever applied to them.

AryaUnderfoot · 19/11/2014 18:29

Earlier this year someone got offended about their child being taught that French song about plucking larks.

I think it's time schools just banned singing.....and dancing.....and laughing......and generally everything else.

Bunbaker · 19/11/2014 18:31

Oh really!

FGS! Pick your battles.

AnnieOnAMapleLeaf · 19/11/2014 18:31

Way WAY over the top OP. Its just a bloody song. YABVVVU.

EmbarrassedPossessed · 19/11/2014 18:33

It's not offensive. IMO as an atheist it's fanciful and made up, just as much as "Zeus loves me, that I know because the Theogeny told me so", or whatever, is.

I would be amazed if your DD was converted on the strength of one hymn alone. Your home life and your influence are much more important than one lesson at school. Use it as a discussion point.