religion in the schools

utmstudent · 12-27-2005, 11:03 AM

I am a christian and always thought that our kids should be able to pray and read the bible if they want in schools. There for I thought that it should be allowed in schools but someone asked me something that kinda changed my mind. she asked me "If you think that religion should be allowed in schools, then would you want the teacher makin your kid read the koran?"

Charlie P · 12-27-2005, 11:42 AM

They shouldn't be able to make a child read any religious text,but if a child chooses to say a prayer or break open a bible or Koran it shouldn't be a problem.

Allowing religion in school and mandating a religion be taught in a school are two different things.

utmstudent · 12-27-2005, 12:03 PM

well, if we lived life like we are suppose to and worshiped God like we are suppose to do, then there wouldn't be a problem with religion. But there are a million different religions in the world so we have a problem. I don't want my kids being told that the koran is the correct book to read nor do I want them being told that they have to read it, like a teacher would tell a student to read the english book or the history book. Its wrong, not accurate and doesn't go along with the beliefs of God.

Charlie P · 12-27-2005, 12:36 PM

Quote:

I don't want my kids being told that the koran is the correct book to read nor do I want them being told that they have to read it, like a teacher would tell a student to read the english book or the history book

You have the same problem when it comes to the Christian redligion too. how many times have you heard don't go by that bible or my sect believes this and yours is wrong. No teacher should proselytise.

I'm just saying a child shouldn't be prohibited from bringing the bible (whichever version) or the Koran or a torah to school. It's America. I also don't see a problem with kids being able to use a room to discuss religious beliefs.

12-27-2005, 01:13 PM

The problem I see is they won't teach anything about religion in school. I mean even from a history standpoint, the story of Jesus and his following is probably the most important piece of history there is. It spread and its effects it had on Europe and the US is just way too much to ignore.

The don't have to push verses on Children, but at least teach the history. There is so much of it that is confirmed and undisputed from unbelievers and believers alike. You could teach it like history. You know, there was once a man named Jesus, he came from here. He claimed this, the claim is he did this many miracles, and he was crucified, due to certain few Jewish Pharsees did not like him or his teachings. And it is claimed he rose from the dead and walked the earth for 40 days before going back up to heaven. Same as with Mohammad. At least just tell the History and how it has brought us to the place we are. But school system now won't even tell the history of it.

It was the most significant thing to happen in the last 2000 years.

rile1564 · 12-27-2005, 01:51 PM

I'm of the opinion that schools shouldn't TEACH religion since everyone is different and it's up to the parents to support and teach religion (as well as their church)! As for people reading the Bible (or any other holy book) that's fine as long as it doesn't interfere with school or anyone else.. such as in reading it at study hall or during lunch. Reading it during Math class or something should be a big NO NO since they are there to learn Math. They can read the Bible at another time. Same should go for prayer. Don't get me wrong, I believe everyone has a right to worship and pray as their religion dictates. But there is a time and place for everything. Even Bible reading during a Math class doesn't fly at a Catholic school. As for the story of Jesus, I agree with your point but don't think people need to know his entire life in order to see the effects. I studied Art history I and II in college. They thaught us about all kinds of religious art and the effects of it on the culture at the time, but never thaught us about Jesus. I think the biggest thing we should remember is that the kids at school are exactly that KIDS. And I remember if there was a reason or cause a stir or not do work or mess with the teach or rebel, whatever... there were kids that would do it. Especially if they thought they had one over on the teach and could get away with it. Reading a Bible when they were not supposed and use the excuse "You infringeing on my religious beliefs" just to get away with not doing work or messing with the teacher would have been rampant! They are at school almost 7 hours a day which leaves 17 hours in which to read the Bible (as well as everything else they have to do). It's not against anyones Christian beliefs to keep their Bible at home.. as long as they keep Jesus in their hearts!!

Chuck7 · 12-27-2005, 03:00 PM

Trust me,
If the teacher is a real Christian heor sheis teaching and showing Christ's love daily. I'm a teacher and do not fear man. All of the student's I've taught know the real meaning of Christmas and the history of Christianity from Genesis to Revelation. I've been teaching for 16 yrs and my class has a very high success ratio.I'm purposely given the underachieving students yearly ,and mine come out shining. Jesus is the reason .My students are prayed for daily and know they are loved.
Chuck7

mr-pirk · 12-27-2005, 09:02 PM

Charlie P. and I are on the same page, the only thing I would add is that any bible reading\prayer group, is to be done on the child's time, not on classroom time.

Big Country I agree, religion should be taught in history class, the good the bad and the ugly.

If it is to taught, I say it has to be taught from a historic stand point, not promoting any belief as more pure or correct than any other.

The crusades should be shown in the same ugly light as the Islamic terrorist we face today, and how religous hatred has played it's role in shaping history.

Thanks
Mr-Pirk

Chuck7 · 12-28-2005, 02:15 AM

What would Jesus do if He was a public school teacher ?

Also ...an elementary teacher does teach history. SO a time line is very appropriate. I remember going over this once before .There are many skills in this teaching that compliment the state standardized test such as ...

a. reckonizing various cultural beliefs
b. Retrieving information from a time line
c. Finding the difference between two 4 digit numbers
d. Geography. locating countries within the continents
e. Understanding the Jewish and Christian faith
These are part of the core curriculum for the state of Florida.

Also..Social skills and it's key words are taught weekly. County wide policy. Here are some of the 'Key WOrds'

Joy
love
peace

Get the picture.

Tazman · 12-28-2005, 04:00 AM

I know for a fact that in our public schools in Fredericksburg that religion is taught, they give the basic history and basic teachings/beleifs of each major religion.

I am all for a "Moment of silence" in all schools to allow for each child to pray or simply meditate, but I am against any organized prayer that favors one religion over another. As already said, I would not want my kids being led in a Islamic prayer any more then a Muslim would want thier child to have to say a Christian prayer.