God Not Dead In High School Yearbook
Is it a fashion statement? An invitation to debate? Or just one of those things kids (and by kids, I mean anyone under 30) do to differentiate themselves from those who came before? Friedrich Nietzsche first wrote that “God is Dead” more than 125 years ago and I’m sure it stirred up some controversy back then. Fast forward to modern day Washington State and the sentiment is once again causing a stir — this time over a high school yearbook photo.
As president of the debate club at Arlington High School, Justin Surber is certainly familiar with Nietzsche’s work. In fact, in order to spur debate amongst his fellow students, he wears a black shirt with Nietzsche’s words printed on it once a week. It seemed a natural choice of attire when it came time to take the debate club photo for the school yearbook. Apparently, however, the yearbook advisor disagreed and sent a photographer to retake the photo.
Surber believes it’s a matter of censorship and that he should be allowed to wear his shirt in the school photo. “It seems the debate club photo was retaken because my beliefs are not respected by this institution,” he said. “Given that photos of students in clothing with Christian messages are allowed in yearbook, one has to wonder if they are taking too much power into their hands with the whole discretion thing.” If indeed the shirt was the reason for the retaking of the photo, I would have to agree.
Still, it seems that Surber has a good attitude about the whole matter. “Whatever happens with this,” he says, “the process has been an education.” And, after all, that is the point, isn’t it?
Photo: taliesin
“Still, it seems that Surber has a good attitude about the whole matter. “Whatever happens with this,” he says, “the process has been an education.” And, after all, that is the point, isn’t it?”
Um – I don’t think he meant the good kind of education. He may have meant he has learned that if you are not loudly Christian your beliefs and rights will not be respected. Maybe it is a lesson he needed to learn, but it is still a sad one.
Marj…where have you been for the last 50 years since they took God out of school? EVERY religion is accepted in public schools EXCEPT Christianity!!! Hello! God and Jesus are mocked by students and teachers all the time. Being a Christian gets you laughed at and picked on. There is no respect at all twards Christians in public schools(or tv or movies or music or government institutions) but heaven(pun intended) forbid if anyone says anything against Islam or Budism or whatever.
That being said, let the kis wear his shirt. I dont believe that religion or Christianity(which unlike “religion” believes in a personal relationship with the Savior of the world..open to ANYONE who comes to Him) should be censored. If it makes him feel good to believe God is dead, allow him the happiness now. His eternity is looking rather bleak and lonely, so let him have his hay day now.