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Tom Cabaniss, a senior pastor at a church in North Carolina, believes that religion should be taught in schools as a matter of education, and education only. If students were more actively aware of other religions they could better understand each other. An unnamed political official believes that since religion plays such an important role in history, it would be improper to try and completely separate the religion and the government. Religion in school should be allowed in school as long as it is respectfully approached. Religion should not be watered down. It is what it is, and students should be allowed to know that religion has impacted their lives, even if they are not openly aware of it (“Religion in Schools:
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If it is such a binding force, why is it also a force that divides nations? The answer is complex, yet simple. To put it bluntly, it is ignorance. This ignorance is shared by believers and nonbelievers alike. Most people only learn the basics of their own religion. This is where the problem begins. They only know their religion. They fail to understand the beliefs of the religions that surround them. How is it possible for a person to criticize another on their religion if they do not understand the complexity of surrounding religions, how can they criticize them? It is understood that the school system wants as little amount of argument as possible, but they are failing to see the prejudice and ignorance starting just under their jurisdiction. Americans are forced to study art, music, literature, and even the different lifestyles of other cultures. Yet religion, which has had a massive impact on history, is left out. It is understood that it is difficult to treat fairly the different cultures within a school, but religion isn’t the only problem. History, politics, and government are also topics that could be sensitive. For example, learning about the 9/11 attack in history with Iranian students present. This could lead to large problems. Eventually schools will be forced to quit teaching the basis of America in fear of …show more content…
As previously stated, there has to be a separation of church and state. The biggest problem for public schools has been finding the balance between that separation and the first amendment’s religious freedom. As of now, schools are allowed to teach religion objectively. Teachers can teach religion where appropriate as long as they teach it with the intention of objective instruction and not indoctrination. Under the federal “Equal Access Act” or 1984, schools must allow religious organizations to use their facilities as long as they allow secular organizations to do so (“Religion in Schools”). School officials cannot mandate prayer, if a student wants to pray they can do so. Administrators within a school cannot encourage students with religion. They must keep their religion to themselves during school. Schools must teach creationism and evolutionism as scientific theories. Teachers are not allowed to silence or ridicule any religious remark unless it is used as a means of bullying. Students can openly express their religion in any manner, unless it is being used as harassment (“Joint”). The laws are very to the point, yet they are still challenged by individuals stating that the public school is a place for learning, not a place for religious
If it is such a binding force, why is it also a force that divides nations? The answer is complex, yet simple. To put it bluntly, it is ignorance. This ignorance is shared by believers and nonbelievers alike. Most people only learn the basics of their own religion. This is where the problem begins. They only know their religion. They fail to understand the beliefs of the religions that surround them. How is it possible for a person to criticize another on their religion if they do not understand the complexity of surrounding religions, how can they criticize them? It is understood that the school system wants as little amount of argument as possible, but they are failing to see the prejudice and ignorance starting just under their jurisdiction. Americans are forced to study art, music, literature, and even the different lifestyles of other cultures. Yet religion, which has had a massive impact on history, is left out. It is understood that it is difficult to treat fairly the different cultures within a school, but religion isn’t the only problem. History, politics, and government are also topics that could be sensitive. For example, learning about the 9/11 attack in history with Iranian students present. This could lead to large problems. Eventually schools will be forced to quit teaching the basis of America in fear of …show more content…
As previously stated, there has to be a separation of church and state. The biggest problem for public schools has been finding the balance between that separation and the first amendment’s religious freedom. As of now, schools are allowed to teach religion objectively. Teachers can teach religion where appropriate as long as they teach it with the intention of objective instruction and not indoctrination. Under the federal “Equal Access Act” or 1984, schools must allow religious organizations to use their facilities as long as they allow secular organizations to do so (“Religion in Schools”). School officials cannot mandate prayer, if a student wants to pray they can do so. Administrators within a school cannot encourage students with religion. They must keep their religion to themselves during school. Schools must teach creationism and evolutionism as scientific theories. Teachers are not allowed to silence or ridicule any religious remark unless it is used as a means of bullying. Students can openly express their religion in any manner, unless it is being used as harassment (“Joint”). The laws are very to the point, yet they are still challenged by individuals stating that the public school is a place for learning, not a place for religious