My son came home last night and I was looking at his home work. It was on Hinduism and Buddhism. The teacher has actually set up the class according to their caste system to teach them about these religions. Then he told me they were going to have to say a Hindu prayer in class.
As many of you know I'm an athiest and I have a huge problem with this. Proably not for the reasons you think. If the school can't mandate these kids say a Christian prayer ,how can they make them say a Hindu prayer?
How do I go about putting an end to this?
It's not he fact that their teaching about religion in class I don't have a problem with either of my kids learning about religion. It's the fact that they are breaking their own rules.
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don't think they can enforce your child taking part in this
As I said I don't care they are teaching him about religion.
I believe it's wrong to make a christian kid to say a hindu prayer just as it's wrong to make a muslim child say a Christian prayer. Or if a kids an athiest to make him say any prayer. Just becaus I'm an athiest doesn't mean I pushing my beliefs (or non belief) on my kids.
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Are they asked to pray, or say a prayer, as a way to experience what it is like?
Very good point. I guess the school isn't trying to convert these teenagers.
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This is the case that gave rise to the concern over prayer in the schools.
Steven Engel, a parent whose child was in school in New York State, brought suit against William Vitale and other members of the board of education of Union Free School District. The school was in New Hyde Park on Long Island.
Engel contended that the requirement under state law that his child must recite a prayer in school was unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court held with Engel and ruled that the state could not require the recitation of a formal prayer in public schools.
The vote was 8 to 1. Justice Hugo Black delivered the opinion.
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Interesting one Charlie, as some one else said there is no problem that I see in having them listen to or read a prayer (Hindu or what ever), but to make them say it is another matter. However as etothepii said
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I know it's a subtle difference, but reciting a prayer, IMHO, is not the same as praying.
it could hold some validity, but with some folks it doesn't and every one is different.
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Charlie, you seem to have a pretty good head on your shoulders, so this advise isn't really for you, but maybe for others that may go overboard on the subject...
The first thing to do is contact the TEACHER. Not the principal, school board, ect. An in person meeting is the best if possible, but over the phone is usually fine. Ask a few questions about what is being taught and the context that it is being taught in. If you still feel uncomfortable about Lil' Charlie being taught the subject, in particular the prayer, ask if it would be appropriate for Lil' Charlie to work on an alternate project while this lesson is going on. IMO most teachers highly respect parents that take this or a similar approach.
Are they asked to pray, or say a prayer, as a way to experience what it is like?
I know it's a subtle difference, but reciting a prayer, IMHO, is not the same as praying.
I think it would be more appropriate for the teacher to let the students hear a pyarey though.
This is my opinion. The opinions of each parent are what matters. I'm full of you know what if parents object -- and that is their right.
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The first thing to do is contact the TEACHER. Not the principal, school board, ect. An in person meeting is the best if possible, but over the phone is usually fine.
Ture, true, true, true, true.
We recently had a parent at our school who was having issues with a teacher's decision. The parent refused to speak to the teacher on the phone, refused a meeting at school with the principal and teacher. Instead, she (the mom) went straight to the local news. All that did was show that she was more concerned with getting attention than dealing with the issue.
I have learned over the years that it doesn't really matter, (most of the time), what happens in the public school systems as they are full of hyporcrisy and New Age teachings. What does matter to me is that I raise my kids to see trhough these things, at least enough to make their own decisions.
A few years ago, my daughter's teacher spent a good amount of time teaching the Jewish faith to her class, complete with quizes on Jewish symbols. While I adimately disagree with this practice, I didn't say a thing. My daughter knew what was right in her heart and that the teacher should have not taught about Jewish faith, or at minimum opened the "religious" can up to all religions.
If it bothers you that much CP, I'd agree with other advice here and call the teacher first. It is wrong, no doubt.
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Ok this one will shock you.
