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To: Hodar
"If people should have their taxdollars used to fund the education of clergy for Christians, then the same amount of funds should be made available for Muslum, Buddist, Wiccan, Satanic and any other religous schools across the board."

I have no problem with this. If aid is offered for one type of degree, it should be offered for any type of degree. Why a degree from a divinity school is singled out is beyond me.

27 posted on 02/25/2004 10:23:41 AM PST by MEGoody
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To: MEGoody
Why a degree from a divinity school is singled out is beyond me.

Because the money would be used to train a clergyman who would only serve one, distinct congregation. Therefore, taxpayers who are not part of that congregation are forced to have their money used to help that congregation.

35 posted on 02/25/2004 10:31:16 AM PST by Modernman ("The strong do what they can, the weak suffer what they must." - Thucydides)
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To: MEGoody
Why a degree from a divinity school is singled out is beyond me.

An Art Degree, a BS in Engineering degree, or most any other degree is a common platform that all practicing professionals need. If I want to teach History, chances are I'll need a degree in History.

That said, if I want to be a Luthern (or other random group) Minister, I'll need my Divinity degree. However, if I want to be a Catholic Priest, I have an entirely different route. If I want to become a Mormon Bishop (or similar function) there is no requirement to attend a Divinity School. Yet, these people pay taxes; but by the very definition of their religion, are denied the benefits that their taxes go to.

A Buddist Monk does not go to a Divinity School, but rather choses a way of life. So, by granting taxpayer scholarships carte blanc to Divinity School students, you are showing preferential treatment to those religions that have such schools.

The Supreme Court ruling, as I understand it, deferred to the State the ability to differentiate who does, and who will not receive scholarship tuition funding. This is as it should be, in my opinion.

36 posted on 02/25/2004 10:32:58 AM PST by Hodar (With Rights, comes Responsibilities. Don't assume one, without assuming the other.)
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To: MEGoody
I have no problem with this. If aid is offered for one type of degree, it should be offered for any type of degree. Why a degree from a divinity school is singled out is beyond me.

The reason religious studies are "singled out" is because they are different. If the Catholic Church required priests to have bachelors' degrees in Biological Sciences, there would be no reason to withhold government money for those students.

75 posted on 02/25/2004 11:22:01 AM PST by xm177e2 (Stalinists, Maoists, Ba'athists, Pacifists: Why are they always on the same side?)
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