First of all I'm an Atheist who works in a middle school. My supervisor sort of runs an after school club that is faith based that is aimed towards troubled kids. They read scripture only once in awhile, but it's mostly about self respect. His work is great. He's helped a lot of kids. He's worried, however, that this club may get in trouble with school officials for the faith based part. I don't think there should be any problems with it since it's a club and after school, but it's sponsored by the state. (This is Texas.) What do you think?
2007-04-04 05:06:54 · 35 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
But if the school is not really religiously diverse? Sure, they can have religious study, but this is middle school. I doubt there's going to be much interest at this point.
2007-04-04 05:11:31 · update #1
If it receives state funding, then it's contrary to the Constitution of the United States of America. Also, you describe this as a school club and being lead by an employee of the school. This is also contrary to Supreme Court rulings on the constitutionality of such things.
I acknowledge it probably does help a lot of folk, but it needs to be separated from the school system if it's to continue to exist.
2007-04-04 05:12:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I've always been of two minds about this. I think anything that is truly helping kids is worthwhile. And I don't think anyone should be discriminated against.
However, I completely support the separation of church and state. I would esp oppose a religious program being sponsored (which usually means at least partly funded) by the state.
Here is my solution. You say that the program is mostly about self-respect and that they only read scripture once in a while. Well, why not take that part out? It sounds like he doesn't really need it, and why risk having his whole program shut down? If he really wants to draw these kids into christianity, he can invite them to his church and arrange to have them picked up if transportation is a problem. In a way that is even better for all involved because he has another chance to see them and reinforce what he is teaching them about self respect.
2007-04-04 05:19:09 · answer #2 · answered by Jensenfan 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The state can not sponsor any religion period. If the school opens its facilities to clubs from any faith and DOES NOT USE ANY PAID STAFF TIME. And as long as children can not be forced to attend. Than the club is legal.
But if the teacher is paid for his time or the school denies use if it's facitities for other groups (such as a Muslim Student Association or a Jewish club) or requires attendance for some or all students, than the club is illegal. But it may be that people don't notice for years. Generally someone has to point out it is illgal for anything to be done. Even when the school clearly knows what it is doing is not legal, they often continue siting that the ends justifies the means.
2007-04-04 05:19:36 · answer #3 · answered by lovingmomhappykids 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it is sponsored by the state...he must look into the legal end of it. Federal grants are available to faith-based organizations, BUT it must be evident that the money that was obtained by the Federal Government was USED for purposes that are NOT faith based related, ie., he can't use the money to buy Bibles, go on field trips to religious camps, not buy printed material that is obviously faith-based...even book-marks that have a cross on it...stuff like that. Your friend may have to do the same thing. Tell him to call the office that granted him funding and talk to them about it. He shouldn't be afraid...just wise.
Religious organizations have a verifiable history of helping people for a variety of reasons. AA is one. Catholic Charities are another...one thing I know that they do, give support to many in finding a job and helping services in a time of need. And, it isn't just peculiar to the Christian faith...faith has no boudaries when it comes to helping people. Community is what most religious organizations are all about....it takes many hands to build a house in a week. We all can fall flat on our faces at one point or another in our lives.
2007-04-04 05:11:37 · answer #4 · answered by What, what, what?? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have been involved with several after school faith based clubs and bible studies in 10 years of Youth Ministry. They need to be student led in order to be in line with US laws. As long as he is there in an advisory position there is nothing at all to worry about. If he is leading especially during the scripture reading the program could be in trouble. If your school offers a chess club, AV club or any other "club" they cannot refuse a student led religious club.
If there is a problem with it call the Rutherford Institute they will see to it that the problem is fixed.
2007-04-04 05:17:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hmmm.... Two possible problems 1) Sponsored by the state as in it was created under their direction? If so then that is dangerous territory. If it was lead by a student then the government isn't doing anything wrong.
2) Is it voluntary? For instance if a student throws a rock at Mrs. Morison, the crabby Math teacher, are they forced to go to detention or the spiritual class? If it is a forced thing, then it is REALLY in dangerous territory. Even if a staff member set it up, so long as it is voluntary it is not that bad..... But if it is forced it is really bad.
2007-04-04 05:15:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I work at a school and we have a group that meets to discuss faith and such - this group is not really recognized as a part of school but just a group of friends who meets in a teachers classroom and talk after school.
I think as long as the school is not being used to promote the club than it would be ok.
2007-04-04 05:11:04 · answer #7 · answered by erindrozda 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Pay hire? Do you think of they can charge the Cub Scouts who additionally use the college hire? If the college gives you equivalent get admission to to different religions that desire to have a club, and different non-religious companies that desire to have comparable activities then there is incredibly not something unlawful approximately it. it is not something to get indignant via the two because of the fact it is not even going on for the duration of faculty hours. i'm not a non secular man or woman the two, yet i don't see how all persons could have a issue with issues that help to maintain and strengthen a feeling of community. For the affection of God, what's incorrect with people getting out of their residences and doing issues mutually if it would not harm you in any way? upload: How lots do you think of it fees the college to stay open for a team to apply it? there is not any college team in touch, there is not any college components getting used, the doors in basic terms could desire to be unlocked. strengthen up.
2016-10-02 04:13:07 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Supreme Court has ruled on this. While the school cannot force anyone to belong to a religious club, they must allow religious clubs on the same basis as any other club. If you can have an after school chess club you can also have an after school prayer group.
2007-04-04 05:12:15 · answer #9 · answered by Mr Wisdom 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Do you know what would be great? A club like that where they never read scripture, but focused entirely on self respect, etc. That way, even troubled kids who hadn't been told by their parents to be Christians could join without feeling uncomfortable. Just a thought.
2007-04-04 05:10:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋