Student dressed as Jesus on “fictional character day” awarded scholarship from atheist group

This is a ‘fail’ on two counts. First, to my knowledge there is very little (if any) legitimate dispute concerning Jesus’ historical existence. So for someone to dress up as Jesus on “fictional character day” is really no less absurd than dressing as, say, Abraham Lincoln for the occasion.

Secondly, atheists only deny Christ’s deity – not his historical existence. So why would an atheist group go out of their way to award scholarship money in this situation?

Doesn’t make much sense to me.

SPRING HILL — Summit High School sophomore Jeff Shott has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship by an atheist group for dressing like Jesus Christ on the school’s “fictional character day.”

The Spring Hill student was not disciplined for his action back in January, but Summit High Principal Charles Farmer did advise him that if the costume caused distraction during the day he would have to remove it. Shott voluntarily removed his robes and sash, a costume that included a hammer and nail.

But Shott’s pluck was not overlooked by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of the organization, located in Madison, Wis., said Shott exhibited “spunk and a light touch with his actions.”

“We wanted to encourage him, and we know the cost of higher education. This is just a small stipend towards that,” Gaylor said. Shott is the first to receive the Paul Gaylor Memorial Student Activist scholarship named for Annie Laurie Gaylor’s father, who recently passed away, she said.

The foundation, established in 1978, promotes the separation of state and church, and maintains a legal staff.

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