Religion at Public schools?

Question

Do you think it is right to have certain teachers talking excessively about religion,while some students do not believe in what the teacher is saying

Answer 1

teachers are paid to teach, not preach

Answer 2

well, not in public schools as they are now, no, but by the same token if the public in a given area predominantly want a religious public school, it should be the right of the public there to do that and separation of church and state should permit that. The original intent of that was to prohibit a religion mandated by the state but has been misused to prohibit any religion in schools and the act of the state stepping in and banning any religions taught in schools is a violation of the law regarding church and state. The solution then goes back to a voucher for all students in order to establish religious setting for parents and students who want that and a secular school for those who do not.
Of course, this would be the end of a teacher's union perhaps because parents could demand a poor teacher be fired or they would withhold their voucher from that school and no union could fight that, the reason teacher unions fight any hint of a voucher system so vigorously.

Answer 3

It totally depends on the context of what's being said. "Excessively" is also a relative term. If a teacher is trying to convert students to a particular religion in class, then it's completely illegal (and therefore legally wrong). If, however, a teacher uses religious texts to supplement what's being learned (like in English and history classes), then it's perfectly fine and legal.

Answer 4

What is the context of the religious discussion? When I taught about the Middle East, my students and I discussed three world religions; leaders, origins, beliefs, books, etc. I was teaching about the religion as a means to make my students culturally aware and tolerant of people in a global society. I was not insisting they believe....just be aware that there are difference and hopefully, appreciate differences.

Answer 5

The religion in school argument is a completely stupid one. A school is about education. I think it's perfectly fine to talk about religion or even have an entire class devoted to it, because it's a big subject, but they should never talk about only one religion or try to push it on someone. It's like if in science class your teacher kept try to talk to you about the monk that did the genetics experiments with the pea plants and said he was the greatest scientist ever and that was all he tought about. It's just stupid. If your going to talk about religion in school the talk about at least all the popular religions and give all the good and bad points to them.

Answer 6

Not unless if the teacher is/was a nun or pastor or any laity.
I guess, it would be much preferred if they teach their particular field. I mean, if it concerns religion, then leave it to the servants of the church. If academics, then give it to the teachers. Mixing the two, although possible, may jeopardize their credibilty as well as image since it creates confusion among students.

Answer 7

You would receive better answers if you gave an example. What do you mean by excessive? In the Art classes I taught, religion frequently came up because of the subject matter, etc. In the Film classes it came up because of censorship, movie ratings, and so on. Be a bit more specific.

Answer 8

If the class is about religion, or history where religion is involved, or current events, then it can be discussed, but not preached. If religion is not germane to the topic, or the teacher is presenting their religious views as fact, or is preaching their religion, then it is not allowed.

Answer 9

well, despite the fact that the words "separation of church and state" are not found in any founding document, but a personal letter from Jefferson to some church ladies, it has become percieved law. Although Jefferson saw fit to include the Bible in DC public schools and most primers in the United States when literacy was all but non existant were filled with scripture...well, I;m sure its a bad idea.

Answer 10

if it is part of the curriculum, rather than a personal soap box, yes. I believe that all students should learn about religions -- all of them -- due to their vast historical and cultural context and importance. if we understand the religions of the world, we can better understand the people of the world... and the world, itself.

Answer 11

Depends on if they talk about it as a point of view of if they are trying to make you believe it. If they are talking about evolution and they saw science says this but many religous people believe this that is ok. But if they talk about if you do not believe this then you will go to hell then that is not ok.