Should Atheists Be Allowed To Adopt?

[JoeyKnothead]

From the site here: Time.com - Atheist couple denied adoption

In an extraordinary decision, Judge Camarata denied the Burkes' right to the child because of their lack of belief in a Supreme Being. Despite the Burkes' "high moral and ethical standards," he said, the New Jersey state constitution declares that "no person shall be deprived of the inestimable privilege of worshiping Almighty God in a manner agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience." Despite Eleanor Katherine's tender years, he continued, "the child should have the freedom to worship as she sees fit, and not be influenced by prospective parents who do not believe in a Supreme Being."

Topic for debate:

Should atheists be allowed to adopt?

[Scotracer]

Just when I thought I was idiot-proof, the world creates a better idiot.

The last couple of lines in that statement are almost beyond words:

Despite Eleanor Katherine's tender years, he continued, "the child should have the freedom to worship as she sees fit, and not be influenced by prospective parents who do not believe in a Supreme Being."

What? Seriously...what? The hypocrisy in this statement is hilarious when you consider that they claim the child should be "free" to worship as they see fit. So, how exactly would religious parents be an advantage? They would influence the child also.

This world is becoming a parody of rationalism.

[JoeyKnothead]

Just when I thought I was idiot-proof, the world creates a better idiot.

The last couple of lines in that statement are almost beyond words:

Despite Eleanor Katherine's tender years, he continued, "the child should have the freedom to worship as she sees fit, and not be influenced by prospective parents who do not believe in a Supreme Being."

What? Seriously...what? The hypocrisy in this statement is hilarious when you consider that they claim the child should be "free" to worship as they see fit. So, how exactly would religious parents be an advantage? They would influence the child also.

This world is becoming a parody of rationalism.

The hypocrisy is rampant in this one.

I'm extremely curious to see what the Supremes have to allow. I fear though that by the time the matter gets settled this child will be long gone.

[justifyothers]

Just when I thought I was idiot-proof, the world creates a better idiot.

The last couple of lines in that statement are almost beyond words:

Despite Eleanor Katherine's tender years, he continued, "the child should have the freedom to worship as she sees fit, and not be influenced by prospective parents who do not believe in a Supreme Being."

What? Seriously...what? The hypocrisy in this statement is hilarious when you consider that they claim the child should be "free" to worship as they see fit. So, how exactly would religious parents be an advantage? They would influence the child also.

This world is becoming a parody of rationalism.

The hypocrisy is rampant in this one.

I'm extremely curious to see what the Supremes have to allow. I fear though that by the time the matter gets settled this child will be long gone.

I agree with you guys. What an ignoramous judge!!

I think a child should be allowed to see all options and decide for themselves what their beliefs will be, if any at all. Anything other than that is not genuine anyway.

So sad that this kid had a chance at a home where two people obviously wanted her and it was snatched away

[micatala]

From the site here: Time.com - Atheist couple denied adoption

In an extraordinary decision, Judge Camarata denied the Burkes' right to the child because of their lack of belief in a Supreme Being. Despite the Burkes' "high moral and ethical standards," he said, the New Jersey state constitution declares that "no person shall be deprived of the inestimable privilege of worshiping Almighty God in a manner agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience." Despite Eleanor Katherine's tender years, he continued, "the child should have the freedom to worship as she sees fit, and not be influenced by prospective parents who do not believe in a Supreme Being."

Topic for debate:

Should atheists be allowed to adopt?

Wow. This is not only silly but blatantly unconstitutional.

If every child is to have the freedom to worship as he or she sees fit, then what if she does not want to worship as the parents do? Would the parents be required to take her to another church of her choosing?

[chelbelle89]

This article was written on Dec. 7, 1970... considering the rise of religious tolerance and awareness, I would venture to say that this does not happen anymore...I would love to see a more recent article if otherwise. But of course atheists should have the right to adopt... as far as the right to believe in a higher power, the child in question will have plenty of time to make that decision when she comes of age.

[JoeyKnothead]

This article was written on Dec. 7, 1970... considering the rise of religious tolerance and awareness, I would venture to say that this does not happen anymore...I would love to see a more recent article if otherwise. But of course atheists should have the right to adopt... as far as the right to believe in a higher power, the child in question will have plenty of time to make that decision when she comes of age.

To me the 70's weren't so long ago. I consider it an otherwise "current" article, but do agree there's been advancement in this area.

[McCulloch]

If consistently applied, this decision could be used to challenge atheists right to raise children. I cannot see any legal difference between denying an adopted child exposure to Christian mythology and denying a natural child.

[Jrosemary]

I had to read this article three times before I believed it. The judge's decision was, in my admittedly unexpert opinion, ludicrous and I doubt it will hold up under the appeal. (I'll be embarrassed to live in New Jersey if it does.)

I have one religious parent and one agnostic parent. Together, they raised me to think the big questions through and make my own choices. To me, that's what all parents should do.

[chelbelle89]

I agree! I am very glad that you had such nurturing parents! My boyfriend and I are atheist and agnostic (in that order). But, we have both agreed on a way to best raise our theoretical future children. We agreed to raise our children in a church environment, as it teaches good morals, virtue, and awareness...however, at the age of question we will be extremely supportive of their spiritual journeys. Believing in a higher power is something that has to come from within one's self. It is not predetermined by one's rearing... otherwise my boyfriend and I would still both be adamant Christians. So who's to say that the child in question would have grown up to be atheist? I do not think a judge has the right to make that kind or decision, whether the parents in question are atheists or Christians or Muslim or Pink Polka-dotted Panthers! Eventually the child will reach the age where he or she questions what has been taught to him or her. At this point, the child becomes a young adult on his or her own spiritual journey.