Girl Meets Belief

This episode shows that believing in something is wonderful and there's nothing wrong about believing in something!In our country we get to choose what we are going to believe and I read some of these reviews and I think some of you are not mad at the episode itself but that it tries to show you something that you don't wanna see.It gives you a chance of seeing the world in other people's eyes and see what THEY believe in,because guess what?The world does NOT revolve around you.People always wanna hear about greek mythology and what people used to believe in why not give it a chance now?If you don't want to believe it's okay but at least give it a chance!

While Disney is typically predictable for its tween audience, I was pleasantly surprised and admired its attempt to tackle the difficult subject of spiritual faith. Although the plot could have been further developed, and many issues about faith were left unaddressed because of the episode is only 30 min, it gave a fair case for having faith. This is already distinct in that the general and popular media, from what I have experienced, more often lean towards criticizing faith or promoting no faith at all. The main characters include those who have spiritual faith and those who do not, and some continue to believe in God while others do not - thus, neither side is minimized by the episode.

A particular line, and a message of open-mindedness that I believe is worth spreading, is that friends should share why they do or do not believe, and should listen to each other and understand the others' perspective. Ultimately, one's faith or lack thereof is one's own choice. But, the possibility of neither being the "truth" should not be written off without sincere, respectful discussion.

While I absolutely adore girl meets world, and I like that they teach us to believe in friendship and possibility, this episode was very anti -atheists and agnostics. They are telling those of us that believe in a scientific world view that we are less, that we have less hope and less possibilities. But science is in itself a marvel. I believe that there isn't a higher power, so it's up to us to make this world better. I don't mind if they discuss Christian or multiple beliefs in a show, as long as they don't bully or target characters like Farkle or Maya for not believing. I love Sabrina Carpenter (Maya), but I don't know if I will be able to continue watching this show, which I have loved up till this point.

I am a agnostic. That means that I do not believe in the existence of any god or gods. We could argue till the sun goes cold about this. Some say I'm "an atheist who lacks conviction/pride.", some think my opinion simply isn't worth anything because I "don't have the right and proper belief in gawd!" Let me just say that as I see it based on the definition. An agnostic is a person who holds a personal view of lack of specific belief on a topic. This is simply how it is defined. On the other hand Atheist as defined is a belief there is/are no god(s). This is a subtle distinction. Most agnostics and theists alike can't see the difference which is why 99% of atheists more properly fit the definition of agnostic rather than atheist but still call themselves the latter. And with that out of the way lets address this show.

As a long time BMW fan I felt it was a forgone conclusion that the Mathewes in GMW were sure to be non-denominational Christian just as they were in BMW. This is not a problem. Christians are just as human as any other homo sapiens on this spinning rock (sorry young earth creationists and flat-earthers, I respect Christians but you guys are idiots.) In fact a great many of my favorite people in history, alive today or in fiction are so-called believers.

For me the problem presents itself in the course of this episode the obvious thread that the writers wanted to convey two mutually exclusive ideas. In telling that religion is a personal choice they speak to it being a story of understanding, tolerance and co- habitation with those who disagree with us about such matters. But they then proceed to make it a conversion story that conveys to our children that people are worth more for believing.

This is honestly the most egregious thing you could do in an episode that holds up Jefferson as one of the great historical role-models. A man who not only believed in freedom OF religion but more importantly freedom FROM religion. It is our inalienable right to believe in a god or not to. To believe in Yaweh or the Shiva. To believe in Jesus or not. Far too often in our modern society is the establishment clause of the first amendment overlooked. But it is, in my opinion, by far the most important right secured by the first amendment. If Kim Davis the Christian can tell Adam & Steve Jones they are not allowed to be married because of her personal religion then what is to stop Mohamed the Muslim from telling her she is not allowed to buy ham because it is against his belief? Or Hakaku the Buddhist from telling her she can not hunt because killing is against his religion?

If we give any one religion the power to rule we give away all that freedom is. As a red blooded Patriot I can not abide the idea of a Christian nation any more than I can an Atheistic nation. We must be secularists as the founders intended. We must embrace the fundamental rights of all citizens regardless of belief or disbelief.

We are all of equal worth is what I'm trying to get at.

They talked all about religious freedom at the end of the episode and the right not to be persecuted. But spent the whole episode persecuting Maya and Farkle for not believing. Religious freedom doesn't just mean you can be a Hindu, or Muslim or Christian, it also means you have the freedom not to believe in a higher power, and believe in science and the self-determination of humans instead. I am disappointed that Disney would alienate and/or attempt to indoctrinate so many of their young viewers. I hope that the writers actually go on these discussion boards and see the responses. Also, the fact that Cory is teaching the students about religion in a public school is what is wrong with the American education system. The education system should study the historical and cultural impact of religion, as to exclude these would be to exclude a huge aspect of our history and society, but they should not try to convince students what to believe.