“Religion has no place in schools.” Discuss.
I. Introduction
The enduring debate on the ‘separation of education and religion’ appears to be a perpetual endeavour that is never-ending. This essay sets out to discuss the statement that ‘religion has no place in schools’ and argues that such a statement is theoretically naïve and practically unrealistic. Specifically, the relationship between education and religion is a matter of degree depending on a particular society, and it is hardly the case that ‘religion has no place in school’. Given the vast scope of the topic, this essay will focus on just two aspects. The statement is first, theoretically flawed; and second, it is practically impossible to separate religion from education. The arguments will be followed by a conclusion.
II. Theoretically flawed statement
Proponents of the separation of religion and education base the idea on a secular and spiritual distinction, with each having its own incompatible purpose. It …show more content…
Practical impossibility
The view that ‘religion has no place in school’ is also found wanting on the ground of practical impossibility owing to limited resources and the impracticality of enforcement. First, the proponent of ‘no religion’ argues that the state should not fund or provide assistance for religious education and states that school should be open to everyone. However, it should be clearly understood that in most countries, the state cannot afford to provide its primary obligation to properly educate its children whether free or with pay.
The assistance that the state provides for religious education is based largely on the understanding that religious education providers help the state in educating the children of a country. It is, therefore, a mutual co-existence relationship between religion and state – a mixed educational system. It is a mere necessity given the limited nature of resources owned by the state, and it is irrelevant that some people do not like
I. Introduction
The enduring debate on the ‘separation of education and religion’ appears to be a perpetual endeavour that is never-ending. This essay sets out to discuss the statement that ‘religion has no place in schools’ and argues that such a statement is theoretically naïve and practically unrealistic. Specifically, the relationship between education and religion is a matter of degree depending on a particular society, and it is hardly the case that ‘religion has no place in school’. Given the vast scope of the topic, this essay will focus on just two aspects. The statement is first, theoretically flawed; and second, it is practically impossible to separate religion from education. The arguments will be followed by a conclusion.
II. Theoretically flawed statement
Proponents of the separation of religion and education base the idea on a secular and spiritual distinction, with each having its own incompatible purpose. It …show more content…
Practical impossibility
The view that ‘religion has no place in school’ is also found wanting on the ground of practical impossibility owing to limited resources and the impracticality of enforcement. First, the proponent of ‘no religion’ argues that the state should not fund or provide assistance for religious education and states that school should be open to everyone. However, it should be clearly understood that in most countries, the state cannot afford to provide its primary obligation to properly educate its children whether free or with pay.
The assistance that the state provides for religious education is based largely on the understanding that religious education providers help the state in educating the children of a country. It is, therefore, a mutual co-existence relationship between religion and state – a mixed educational system. It is a mere necessity given the limited nature of resources owned by the state, and it is irrelevant that some people do not like