teaching religion/God in public schools?

Question

I never quite understood why this is such a big debate. With the average American public school teaching at level of Science and Mathematics bellow that of other nations shouldn’t that be our priority?

I understand that religion should be taught in reference to history people should know about events like the renaissance and the crusades and why they happened but let’s leave it at that. In my opinion schools are about educating not indoctrination (this is coming from a person that went to a religious private high school, and dose not regret it)

So tell me why should religion be taught in public school.

Answer 1

the first schools was created by the church.

Answer 2

I work as an asst dean in a public high school. If there is one thing religion has taught me, it's accountability. Teenagers wanna party, and laugh, and not be serious. I love that about them, it reminds me of my younger days. However, they do not want to be held accountable for their actions, and have very little regard of how what they do, affects others. I believe teaching should include all of what society has experienced and believes. Religion is part of American History, All subjects are covered in the the Christian Bible, and Jewish Torah; Math, Science, Language, History, Social studies. What better tool to use as a modern non-definitive approach to teaching,than some of the oldest known documents in man's possession? Todays Society is ever changing, these scripts are easily relevant to our lives in this day and age.

Answer 3

Teaching kids a basic understanding of the cultures (including the religions) of the peoples inhabiting this planet is not a bad thing at all, but indoctrinating them into one religion favored by a particular teacher, principal, or political party is un-American. Faith and moral philosophy is a matter of conscience and should be decided and pursued by each individual. It's not for the government to give its approval to any one religion by teaching it in schools.

Children--even groups of them--may pray at school if they like, so long as they do not disturb others or make unreasonable demands upon time and resources. But it is improper for school officials to lead children in prayer.

Answer 4

Conspiracy theories are based on the same mentality as religious beliefs. There is no evidence to support government involvement in the tragedy of 9/11, for instance. I learned about the genocide of Native Americans in school, so obviously that is taught. Not sure what your point is there. I learned about the Trail of Tears, the Gold Rush in California and all kinds of other horrible things that were done to the Native Americans. If it is your contention that the ENTIRE history of the Native Americans should be taught in school, that is impractical, especially considering that the entire history of the US is not even taught in school. I put no trust whatsoever in my government. I do not trust them to spend my money wisely, I do not trust them to wield their power fairly, I do not trust them to act in my best interest. That doesn't mean I have to suddenly start believing fairy tales about 9/11 conspiracies, faces on Mars, government cover ups of alien visitation and faked moon landings. All of that is nonsense. I watched about half of "Loose Change" if that's where you're getting this crap. I find it extremely improbable that a man with his skin hanging off had a casual conversation by the water cooler with another man about what was going on. I am no expert, but I have heard of the term "shock" and I know damn well that when your body takes that much damage you do not walk around having coherent conversations with people.

Answer 5

I think that specific religions should not be taught, but there is nothing wrong with expecting students to behave in a way that cooperates with the Bible and religious teaching. In other words, respecting others, the Golden Rule, etc. As long as there are tests, there WILL be prayer in schools.

Answer 6

I am against religion in schools not because I do not believe, it is just that there are so many to choose from. Who would be able to say which one or one's should be taught. With such a vast array of different cultures living on our soil it would be a grave diservice to confuse someone with a religion they know nothing about, especially when the parents should be giving their children whatever religion they want them to follow.

Answer 7

Religion should not be taught in public schools unless they had someone capable of doing it properly and only taught those who were interested. It should not be forced on anyone. Of course in the course of trying to be fair to non-religious people they have totally banned any pray or talk of God and wouldn't even consider a moment of silence because non-religious would suspect that they were praying in their minds and would be offended. Don't get me started on that subject...

Answer 8

Religions of the World as a class is an acceptable social studies class for upperclasses, but religious practices and catechism should not be taught in school at all.

Answer 9

I think the debate isn't necessarily all about "teaching" religion in schools, but the fact that children aren't even allowed to pray in school. When I was in school we had "silent prayer". That way if you didn't believe in God, you didn't have to hear someone pray. What was wrong with that? It was a choice. It's scary that we're losing our right to choose.
As far as teaching it, why not? Aren't they still teaching evolution?

Answer 10

I can't tell if you are for it or against it. I'm against it because my taxes pay for public schools and religion should not be taught in public schools. Private schools and religious schools can do what they want, but government funded schools are obligated to keep religion out of the curriculum because not everyone is Christian. Where do Christians get off pushing their religion down people's throats?

Answer 11

I can see your point. The school is not the place for indoctrination at all. But saying 'under God' in the Pledge of Allegiance is not indoctrination. My kid should not be suspended because he prays over his lunch. Separation of church and state should not be an excuse for militant anti-Christianity.