2006-12-12 10:05:44 · 25 answers · asked by EthanS 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am sorry for the confusion above a better word would be inherent instead of instilled as in at a public school there should be christmas clebrations or christmas ideas taught in class and school.
2006-12-12 10:53:17 · update #1
I think Christmas should, as well as Hanukkah, Kwaanza, Chinese New Year, Ramadan and Eid, Diwali, etc. It could certainly benefit our children to not be as ignorant of one another as we adults are.
2006-12-12 10:13:27 · answer #1 · answered by hayaa_bi_taqwa 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think they should be taught and exposed to all religions and beliefs. Considering it IS school... i think they could take advantage of that and maybe do a little educating. As far as activities that the students participate in.. I think it should be majority rules... If the majority of the student body is christian.. then Christmas it is.. If the majority is Jewish..then Hannika. If one of the minority students doesn't want to participate then they shouldn't have to. Also, if one of the minority (and I'm using this term in relations to the amount of students) requests activities related to their faith.. then by all means the school should accomidate them as well. I don't feel there would be that big of a deal.. some faith's traditions are more openingly feastive... (Christmas for example) While others are far more personal, and centered around the family. If you were a member of this type of faith, you may not be comfortable with something so personal being done in such a public manner. However... I do believe if they are teaching christmas carols to the students they need to also teach the songs from the other faiths as well.
2006-12-12 10:27:23 · answer #2 · answered by girlgriffin711 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not? It doesnt come with "be a Christian or else" inscribed on it. It's a holiday... time off from school and work (for many) lighted trees arent hurting anyone and I also dont see why other holidays arent recognized along with it however..... most elementary schools are incorporating other holidays like Hanukkah, Ramadan, and Kwanzaa also and DO include the religion meanings to them but usually only do the tree and Santa parts for Christmas... tell about all of them, they're not there to hurt anyone. It's not like Christmas is "Kill Atheists" day or anything.
2006-12-12 10:10:59 · answer #3 · answered by impossble_dream 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Maybe, if the taught the truth about how Christians made up Christmas. Then it could be a history lesson.
I remember seeing happy Hanukkah and happy Kwanza (as well as the Christmas deco), posters in the school hallway.
There's Santa Christmas and christ Christmas, so long as the don't do the Nativity scene & they include other hoildays &/or "Happy Hoildays", then I guess it's not that bad.
2006-12-12 10:23:49 · answer #4 · answered by lilith 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As an educational tool to study different cultures? Sure. As a means to promote one religion over another? No.
But, Halloween, Kwanza, Chanukkah could all be allowed into schools that way.
Atheists who might be offended must understand that sooner or later, their children will be exposed to holiday celebrations of many different kinds. It would be nice if the had some understanding about them, and then were allowed to join in the celebrations intelligently, or avoid them altogether.
It could be a vital part of understanding diverse cultures such as our own, and hopefully bring harmony among many.
2006-12-12 10:24:55 · answer #5 · answered by Bobby Jim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
define "instilled"
public schools are not the place to teach christmas as a fact.
having chrismasy decorations... fine, whatever. but having non-christian options is important as well.
do you (actively christian people) WANT christmas being taught as something secular, or do you want it to be a religious holiday that its supposed to be?
theres no reason for people to want christmas in public schools. it benefits noone.
edit: >>"Christmas is very secular and such a part of American culture that it is fine. I celebrate it and I am an atheist. "<<
Christians. this is what results from pushing christmas in public schools. is that what you want?
I'm not even christian, and NO, Christmas is NOT a secular event. fourth of july, president's day. arbor day, thanksgiving, these are secular "holidays". Christmas is a CHRISTIAN, RELIGIOUS holiday.
2006-12-12 10:11:03 · answer #6 · answered by RW 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
christmas is more of a national holliday, not having any true meaning behind it other then what people take it for.
it actually derived traditions and date from pagan beliefs.
any biblical scholar will tell you jesus was not born in december.
its basically just a national day we take to spend with our loved ones. i dont see anything wrong with it. if u want to celebrate it for christs birth, if they wanna celebrate hanukkah, quanza whatever, i have my own way and reasons for celebration. free country.
celebrating christmas does not force religion on anyone.
there is nothing christian about the santa clause, and the tree, and snowman, and all the other fun christmas things. no need to take them away.
2006-12-12 10:11:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sure, why shouldn't kids be treated to the joy and excitement that Christmas brings.
if parents of differing denominations don't want their kids involved they can be excluded from the Xmas activities, but seriously this is just plain cruel not to mention hypocritical because i am sure that those parents will still take the Xmas public holiday off from work be it there religion or not.
parents end of day should let kids be kids, how can they be socially well adjusted and able to make calls on real issues if you shelter them from experiencing other peoples religions?
2006-12-12 10:11:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends upon what you mean by "instilled." I think school children in a country that cherishes freedom of religion should be taught to have a healthy respect for all religions and moral philosophies. It would be wrong to choose one and teach that it is superior to all others.
2006-12-12 10:08:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, for one thing it cause alot of aggravation with 3 kids that is 3 sets of gifts for students, 3 teachers gifts, 3 snacks, then 1 kid comes home with a better gift than the other and that causes a fight. School should always and exclusively be for learning.
2006-12-12 10:12:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋