Do you think religion should be allowed in school?

Question

I go to a Catholic school, so this does not really apply to me, but my mom teaches at a public school. I was wondering what parts of religion should and should not be allowed in school.

Answer 1

In a private school it's fine but I wouldn't want my tax money used to teach what I feel is error so I know that the thousands that disagree with me wouldn't what I believe taught with their money... I don't think ANY teaching that contains unproven theories should be taught in school.... Jim

Answer 2

I don't think it has any place in a public school,why should it? School is for reading writing etc,if a family wishes to teach religious dogma as a part of their childs upbringing then they have the other 16 hours a day that the child isn't in school,and the weekends. The only real reason to try to inject religion into the public school is to try to promote religion.

Their really is no legit way or unbiased way to bring religion into the school,nor should it be tried,but for those who want the US to be a theocracy I'm sure they will continue the fight. And please don't get me started on intelligent design courses in school,I'm still trying to figure out how a discussion of whether that is science or religion can even be held without raucous laughter from the scientific community.

AD

Answer 3

The answer of the US Supreme Court is that religion should be taught in the school, but only in its relation to history, its role in culture, or as literature. It cannot be used to promote a religion, teach theology, or public worship.

In other words, you can talk about the role religion had in the Puritans establish Plymouth Bay Colony (they were Calvinists, you can even teach what Calvinism is), for example. There are many public colleges with religion departments, and they teach courses on such topics as "Religion in America", "History of Christianity", "Islam", "Buddhism", "Introduction to the New Testament" (the New Testament as a form of literature), etc. But no public prayers or Creation Science.

I agree with this on the grounds that religion is something valuable to be studied because it does have a cultural and historical importance. I do not believe that it should be taught as an "answer" in the public schools; that's not what the schools are for, that is what churches are for.

Answer 4

No, i really dont think it should, i think that schools should leave the teaching/preaching of religion to the churches - school children come from mixed religions these days so that takes out the problem of 'which religion to teach'

keep creation out of science and in the bible where it belongs

edit... i do however support comparative religion classes to teach understanding.

Answer 5

Well, that really depends on what you mean. It's a very broad question.

A lot of free religious expression is allowed in U.S. public schools already.

I know that there is a lot of reactionary and alarmist talk about this, but if you want to know what's "actual and factual" you should check what the official guidelines are for the department of educaiton about it:

http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/religionandschools/prayer_guidance.html

Beyond that, I think it's a positive thing that there are "World Religion" and "Comparitive Religion" classes that one can take in college or university. More students should take those.

Should religion be taught outside of those kinds of classes? Not in public school.

Answer 6

I personally don't see the harm in discussing elements of religion in school because it is part of our society. The trouble is that, in public schools, you have people from all kinds of backgrounds and beliefs. And too often, those with a Christian fundementalist mindset believe that, unless you teach the New Testament...and only certain portions of the New Testament...and have daily prayer in which we conclude "In Jesus' name we pray", then you aren't teaching religion, or you're exposing their children to things "ungodly". That's one of the reasons it's just easier on everyone to keep it all out, so there's no fighting over what should be put in.

Answer 7

There should be NO religion in public schools. Religion is a very personal decision. When I have children it will be up to me and my husband to teach them about their faith. Since their father is Muslim, they will be taught about Islam. No public school can do this as well as he can. Also, I don't want someone else's religion imposed on my children or anyone's children for that matter.

Answer 8

If religion is discussed as part of a course on the development of the nation or as part of a course in anthropology, then I see nothing wrong with it being brought up in public schools. However - not in elementary or middle school (junior high)...only in high school, and even then I'd say limit it to the upper two grades - juniors and seniors.
Any discussion of religion that might in any way be taken to advance a particular religion or denomination must be kept out of the public schools because such proselytising can seriously degrade a pupil's ability to get the most out of his/her years in high school. Teaching your children the tenents of your faith is what Sunday School is for. If I don't agree with your faith, I'll not allow you to expose my children to it. Freedom of religion also means being able to choose freedom FROM religion. So, blessings to you, and enjoy the benefits of your faith. But kindly keep it to yourself.

Answer 9

No, not even in a Catholic School. It is the job of parents to teach the children about the Bible. As young JW, I had no problem learning about Evolution in high school because I had already been thoroughly taught about creation at home.

Answer 10

No, most modern countries are culturally diverse, with kids of different religions attending the same schools. They should not be subjected to the religious teachings of other religions as this is disrespectful. At the end of the day, education is education and religion is religion, I see no reason for them to merge anyway.

Answer 11

In Public Schools NO