why do some people not want religion in schools?

Question

I am doing a paper on christianity in schools and i need more information on why some people dont want it in schools.

Answer 1

They say that somebody will force the children to learn something they don't want. That is foolish, because if that were the case, it could be handled. Since God was forbidden in schools ( like in the comunist countries ) things began to go wrong in the country and the schools ( just look the shootings in schools, it has become a sport )

Answer 2

The answer to this might be slightly different depending on whether you live in Britain or America.
Unlike America, Britain does not have separation of church and state. Britain is a Chtistian country and, up to the present, it is the law that every school must have an act of Christian worship every day. Well, what about the mohommedans, seikhs, hindoos, witches, druids, etc. They are entitled to "opt out" and have their own ceremonies (I don't think the Wiccans have tried it yet - nude ceremonies in the classroom - I can see the papers now!).

In so-called "religious education" classes, the tradition is to teach Christianity. Other religions are beginning to be considered but not very much.
The point is that religion in schools could be classed as indoctrination. What if the teacher is a fundamentalist Christain? He or she might well insist that all other religions are wrong and the believers will burn in hell. That'll get the parents excited :-)

So, while religion is a modern mythology, it's place is not in the classroom except as a purely theoretical study.

Many parents would only want their children to learn about their particular superstition so that's another problem.

It seems reasonable to suggest that none of it should be taught in school as schools are supposed to priovide the children with "truth", not fantasies. If the parents really want their children to remain in a primitive and superstitious world governed by gods and demons, it's up to them to teach it, although many people (myself included) feel that it should be treated as pornography and kept away from children until they are old enough to understand the issues behind it. After all, children brought up with almost ANYTHING, will continue to believe it right through their lives, even if the rational part of their minds tell them that it's plain lunacy.

Answer 3

The biggest problem is what religion(s) would be represented, and how would they be presented? Would it be taught as fact, or used as a subject for historical study, IE comparative religion.

I am all for the objective study of religion as an elective in schools. I am not for school sponsored prayer, or indoctrination. Our society was founded on the notion that people have the freedom to practice what ever religion they wish, this includes a freedom to practice no religion at all. There are far more important things that need to be taught in school and if parent's wish to indoctrinate their children it's their prerogative and their responsibility. If Christianity is let into the schools you must also give equal time to Islam, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism... the list goes on. If all of these were to be taught, not only would it confuse students, but when would they have time to learn about things that really matter (History, Science, Math, Language...)?

Answer 4

What religion would you choose to be in school? yours? mine?

Because personally, I'd like to teach the gospel of the church of Elvis Presley. I've got a friend that worships sand fleas, and he would like his religion taught in schools. Perhaps equal time for the devil worshipers, voodoo, polygamists, and worshipers of Ra.

So what question are you really asking:

Q. Why no religion in schools A. Because no one would (or should) tolerate a religion that is not theirs to be taught.

or

Q. Why not teach Christianity in schools A. Because not everyone is Christian (see question above) and not even every christian has the same beliefs. In fact, many mainstream Christian groups can't even agree what the ten commandments are, nor do they have the same ten as the jews, even though all honor the Old testament. And those were specifically itemized by God himself!!!

Funny how I never see this question worded correctly. Why don't you ask: "Why do religions feel they need religious intruction in the schools when they can do so (better) within their own church?

Answer 5

Perhaps we should have a subject in school called religionism, the teaching of religious items in a generic way so that what is taught can be applied to any religion. Then let the person being taught, use that information from all the diffrent religions to craft what his belif will or wont include.
It's just a thought!!

Answer 6

I am Christian and I don't want religion in the public schools either. Why? Because it is not the responsibility of the schools to teach my children about religion. That my responsibility and I cannot slough it off on someone else.

Besides, what religion would people want taught? Probably their own and only their own. That's not going to happen and it shouldn't. It is neither right nor fair.

Of course, if one religion is taught they all should be. If humanism is taught, Islam should be taught, as well as Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, Taoism, Buddhism, etc. Good luck with all of that!!

Maybe a "Theology" class is a good idea but how do you know the teacher will teach it with an open mind. They don't in biology....

Answer 7

We have seperation of church and state. This is for the benefit of both parties. As litigious (lawsuit happy) as Americans are, they'd sue the schools because it may not be THEIR religion that's being taught in the school. On the other hand, it's good for the churches because then the government can't tell them how, when, where, etc that they may practice their religion. I'm not sure but it may also take away their tax-exempt status. This way, we have freedom of religion as well as of speech, etc. If you look at the countries that have a national religion, (Iran Iraq, etc, a lot of the Muslim countries), you notice that the government is all over ANYONE who doesn't believe exactly what the government tells them to believe. I hope that's helped you some!

Answer 8

Hi starriko

Are you speaking of religion or theology? In my view religion is a way of life lived literally through your interpretation of the teachings of whichever god or prophet that you choose to have faith in. Theology examines the reason behind this way of thinking and the history of it.

I personally have no problem with the teaching of religious history, but it should be taught in the context of history. I am not a believer in any god but find the history quite fascinating.

I do however have a problem with religion being taught in schools. These schools tend to be secular with every denomination thinking that their god is the head honcho. They then force feed the kids with with the views of the elders. This type of thinking, as history proves; is dangerous. The crusades, The Inquisition, The witch trials, not to mention 911 and 7/7. Limitless atrocities have been committed in the name of one god or another, and fundamentalism has a lot to answer for, but it never will.

So any intelligent, thinking being should be against the teaching to any children; fundamentalist views. I do not care what race you are. Religion should be entered into with an education in the ways of the world so an informed choice can be made. Not brainwashing rhetoric.

Answer 9

1) Freedom is the line that separates church and state. Public schools (I am not addressing private schools) are government bodies supported by taxpayer dollars. Not every taxpayer is a Christian, and Christianity in schools would be at the expense of other religions. 2) The purpose of a schools is to teach knowledge, not to encourage other belief systems. 3) How could there be free inquiry if all inquiry has to match Christian dogma?

Answer 10

All religions are equal. To have religion in school, you must have all religions in school. If you do not have every religion taught in that school, then you are saying what ones should and should not be taught. That is establishing state religion. It would be impossible to teach every myth/superstition (religion) that anyone makes up at any time. This is a good point/ situation that reflects the flying spaghetti monster. So to be a democracy, you need to keep it out.