Religion in public school?

Question

I'm not sure what to feel about this. Religion is not supposed to be in the public schools and I am happy with that. My daughter recently has a recital in her class and the kids sang a song with the phrase "god is watching us". Is that walking the line?

The same thing happend in Kindergarten. My daughter came home singing something about angels and the lord watching over her because she learned it in class. I knew it was not appropriate and complained about it because I dont raise my children to believe in false hope. Other parents complained about it as well and the teacher was repremanded.

I asked if the song they sang with that phrase was walking the line or not. That means was it inappropriate?

freckles, this was not a question for someone like you. My question has nothing to do with the bible or YOUR beliefs. You can raise your child the way you want and I will raise my child the way I want. My question was IF these songs are appropriate in public school.

Why can't some people answer the actual question? I did not ask for advise about raising children with religion. I asked if it's appropriate to have children sing "god is watching us" in a public school.

Answer 1

I don't agree with it
Religion should be practiced outside the school, unless there in a school based on there own religion. Its not cool to confuse children of their beliefs or family beliefs

Answer 2

While I do not believe that religion should be taught at school as in just on religion. I believe that parts of all religions should be addressed in school in an educational way.
Last year my daughter was thaught about all the different ways people celebrate Christian and other religous holidays.
They did one or two a week for several weeks.
She brought home little kits with stuff from each of these.
I feel it was educational and was able to teach her that different people do different things.
There was also music involved.
I think as long as it educational fine. If its to try and teach a child religion then probably not for the public school.

Answer 3

Well, there is a fine line. On one hand, religion should be seperated out from public schools so all students can learn in a non-pressured environment. However, on the other, to ensure students are exposed to things prevalent in our society and to other cultures, sometimes portions are taught to foster understanding.

I know in music if they are to have any religious songs they need to have a variety of songs from numerious religions.

Also, this can be hard because some communities expect certain traditions to continue or some teachers do not realize they are doing something wrong.

I'm glad you said something to your childs teacher. Good communication is the best way to make sure your child is getting the education you want them to have.

Answer 4

I think it would depend on the context, and the relative pervasiveness of the song. For example, a popular tune that's known by everyone should be given more leeway if it happens to mention God, because - it's popular and well known. As long as they aren't picking a slate of songs that all mention God, Jesus, and/or religion, a single reference isn't a big deal.

On one hand, we should strive to keep our schools secular (which is not the same as throwing religion completely out), but on the other, we should recognize that most people have religious beliefs of some form, and that religion is at least referenced in the bulk of human expression.

Answer 5

This is a tough question. No, I don't think it's right to teach songs about Christianity. If the children wanted to learn those kind of songs they could go to Sunday School or join a religion based school. In the US today there are so many different religions and beliefs. To warp kids minds into believing just one is not right in my opinion. School is the second most important influence in a child's life--it's important to learn but not question beliefs taught by their parents.

In the mean time I think when it comes down to it--your daughter deserves to believe what she wants. It's not fair to her not to allow religion in her life--she needs to find it herself whatever religion that might be. Just my two cents on your daughter and religion. I know you didn't ask for it but I just had to.

Best of luck!

Answer 6

Yes that is walking the line. I don't belive in religion in school.
No matter what religion that is. Religion should be in the home.
There are so many relgions that it can actualy cause difficultys with
others who do not belive in christianty , but say budha and that would cause majoor conflicts.
Good luck there is no easy answer to you problems, but maybe point this out to the teacher and school board if need be.
Morgaine

Answer 7

I am not one of those parents who feel religion has no place in public schools. Just as I think it's unfair to force your religious beliefs on others, it is equally wrong to deny someone the opportunity to include religion into their life as they see fit.

You know exactly what to feel about this, you've made your position very clear. You didn't mention whether you believe in God yourself so I will assume that you don't. I have a 7yr old son. Up until age 18 when I moved out on my own, I grew up in a religious household where we went to church at least 3 times a week. The idea that "Jesus is Lord" was pounded into my head as if there was no other heavenly being to pray to. As an adult I reject the idea that Jesus is Lord, yet I still believe in Jesus and that a person of great magnitude did exist. I just don't believe that I need Jesus as a go-between to pray to God. I do not try to sway my son into believing what I believe. I present him with books or we visit web sites or other methods of learning; I am allowing him to form his own opinion. I'm just arming him with information to make an educated decision. I won't be so bold to say that you shouldn't be swaying your children in a particular direction. I'm sure you're doing what you feel is right for the sake of your children. But, suppose it makes sense to them that "god is watching us". Would allow them to have their own opinions and believe what they choosed? Your children deserve the right to form their own unbiased opinions.

Answer 8

No, it is not appropriate for schoolchildren to be singing "god is watching us" in public school. But then, neither is putting "In god we trust" on our money or saying, "Under god" in the pledge of allegiance.

With that being said, if it's only part of the song and not the song's message, I probably wouldn't fight that battle.

Answer 9

I agree, I believe it is crossing the line.

But sadly, these thing are going to happen everywhere in life - be it school, at work, etc. Just think about it - 'in god we trust' is on all the money we use. There is just no escaping it.

I would make a formal complaint to the school however.

Answer 10

Religion should be taught in public school as an academic subject. OK I know you are gonna disagree but please hear me out on this. I think it should be taught so that our children can have knowledge of all religious beliefs. They should be taught the history of all religions and what the people who follow these religions believe etc. I wise person once said that differences can be overcome through knowledge. I believe this is true.

Answer 11

I honestly don't think it's a big deal because they will hear about God from someone, maybe a classmate or a classmates mother. But I'm a believer so my opinion might not be important to you. But as a child my mom didn't bring me to Church & I was made fun of because I didn't know the Bible etc.