Religious Freedom

[TacticalAssassin1]

Tomorrow, my school is taking myself and a few dozen other students to a Jewish museum. I'm totally fine with this, and have no problem accepting other peoples views and opinions. However, my English teacher today told the class that we would be visiting a synagogue, and that every male visitor would have to wear a skullcap. I have no problem with their beliefs, but as soon as they try to make me join in, that's where I draw the line. I'm fine with waiting outside if that's what it takes, and so are most of my friends (the ones that are even bothering to attend, anyway), but I expect that the teachers are going to force us to go with it. I know I'm the visitor, and I'm expected to join in and such, but this is compulsory and I'm not a religious person and do not wish to participate in religious activities. It's against my beliefs.

Do you think I'm in the right here? Or do you think I should just 'man up' and deal with it?
Discuss?
[sub] No flame wars please.[/sub]

EDIT: The excursion has come and gone, and I wore a baseball cap (it was a sunny day anyway). They actually ran out of them to wear anyway so my friend went in without one.
The excursion itself was alright, learned some stuff. So yeah, good experience.

 

[Soviet Steve]

Seems fair enough, though you should request the teacher to hand you relevant information on paper if you don't wish to hear the presentation inside the place.

 

[zombiestrangler]

I went through a similar experience during a Christian summer sports camp. I just went along with their things and didn't draw too much attention to myself.

 

[Anarchemitis]

You're willing to learn about a religion, but you're not willing to respect its traditions?

 

[TacticalAssassin1]

You're willing to learn about a religion, but you're not willing to respect its traditions?

Respecting traditions and participating with them is quite different. I've no problem with the tradition itself, but I don't want to participate, and will politely decline the invitation. Isn't that respectful?

 

[Rayne870]

The skullcap can be seen as more of a sign of respect. Essentially you are a guest there and in some cultures the guest is sort of expected to adopt the practices of the culture while visiting. Sort of a "When in Rome" thing. If you are being forced to pray then there is a huge leap away from that and now we are getting into forcible conversion.

You are however right, as when it comes to religion, sexuality, politics you are entitled to your views and staying within your comfort zone. If it doesn't feel right to you you don't have to do it. Talk with your parents and teachers about your concerns and if you feel that you are more comfortable outside they should accommodate that. If they argue that it is compulsory simply say that is counterproductive for them to force other beliefs on you if their goal is for you to become accepting of all cultures.

Optionally you could just fake sick.

Edit: I don't know what the deal with the skullcaps is but some practices such as that are to preserve the sanctity of the grounds. It's more like washing your feet before walking into some holy area to keep it "clean" figuratively speaking. It isn't a symbol of saying I worship your god.

 

[nightcoil]

i agree with you tacti, i get that it's a learning experience but they shouldn't force you to play along

 

[TacticalAssassin1]

Optionally you could just fake sick.

You'd be surprised if you knew how many people said they were 'busy' the day it was announced.

 

[TacticalAssassin1]

i agree with you tacti, i get that it's a learning experience but they shouldn't force you to play along

Welcome to the Escapist

 

[Rayne870]

Optionally you could just fake sick.

You'd be surprised if you knew how many people said they were 'busy' the day it was announced.

I don't think i would be surprised lol, I faked sick on quite a few school outings...and so did my GF of the time...but that was for entirely different purposes.

 

[nightcoil]

If that's the only thing that you're required to do (wearing a skull cap), I don't see the big deal. It's hardly an inconvenience.

its not that its an inconvenience, its more the principle of the thing

 

[ScumbagEddie]

You're willing to learn about a religion, but you're not willing to respect its traditions?

Polite refusal to conform to a belief structure is in no way disrespecting their traditions. The Jewish faith is, in my experience, one of the more understanding paths out there. Being forced to wear the cap is like being forced to take communion in a cathedral if you aren't Catholic. I personally am mostly atheistic in practice, but I have studied religions and toured many different faith's places of worship. I've never been turned away because I wouldn't wear the cap or take communion or go to confessional, etc.

Basically, if it infringes on your own personal belief structure, refuse politely. Manners, as with all people, are the key.

 

[Stako]

Don't back down on anything. I think you are right. You are a visitor and as a such it shouldnt be expected of you to do anything more than visit, view and have a nice time in a sort-of foreign place. Don't back down only because your teacher would tell you or anything else - if you believe it's wrong - it's wrong, nobody has the rights to tell you otherwise.

 

[fulano]

You're willing to learn about a religion, but you're not willing to respect its traditions?

What does that have to do with anything. Why should entering the synagogue be compulsory?

 

[Saelune]

You probably wont have to wear it if you dont want to. The teacher may be annoying about it, but as long as you are respectful, I doubt the actual religios group will force you. I live on Long Island, so Im accustomed to jews, and they never flip out on non followers not wearing their stuff for things.

 

[TacticalAssassin1]

You're willing to learn about a religion, but you're not willing to respect its traditions?

Polite refusal to conform to a belief structure is in no way disrespecting their traditions. The Jewish faith is, in my experience, one of the more understanding paths out there. Being forced to wear the cap is like being forced to take communion in a cathedral if you aren't Catholic. I personally am mostly atheistic in practice, but I have studied religions and toured many different faith's places of worship. I've never been turned away because I wouldn't wear the cap or take communion or go to confessional, etc.

Basically, if it infringes on your own personal belief structure, refuse politely. Manners, as with all people, are the key.

Couldn't have said it better myself. After all, aren't religions supposed to support different opinions and customs? [sub]Actually, now I think of it, religions aren't always accepting of others. Not that I stereotype religious people like that. [/sub]