one child began admonishing another child for not saying grace to god.
The other child looked rather bewildered and later came up and asked me what "god" was? How can you answer this, in a secular way. I was stumped.
I told him some people believe in a "god", but I don't think that really helped him. He just didn't get the concept of "god".
What would you have done. Remember this is a public school, and although I am an atheist, I do know what "god" is, but I didn't want to be accused of preaching when the intent was informing...
2007-12-04 07:04:43 · 13 answers · asked by Sapere Aude 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Wow, that's a hard one.
Tell you what, tell him that it's something he really needs to ask him mum and dad about, and that you really aren't the best one to try and tell him about God.
Let the principal know, or the teacher, and move on.
2007-12-04 07:09:03 · answer #1 · answered by Sister blue eyes 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I would say that "god" is a belief that some people have about the good things in people. It's like the little voice in your head that tells you when you are doing something right or wrong. Not everybody does everything the same way, so there are many different ways to look at what some call "god."
2007-12-04 09:49:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Preaching and informing are the same thing. The child was admonishing another child, and saying grace at school, and that's the child that needs help. Perhaps the kid's parents could be informed that their child has the right to pray at school, but needs to be aware that other children don't.
2007-12-04 07:13:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think you've got the priorities wrong.
It's the first child who is the problem, and should have it explained to him that bullying other kids for having different religious beliefs is not permissable.
The second child can simply be told to ask his parents about God.
2007-12-04 08:09:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell him to ask his parents. Then maybe tell the principal about the other child. Admonishing someone for not praying is wrong! This kid needs to learn R-E-S-P-E-C-T for others and how they choose to believe (or not).
2007-12-04 07:35:40 · answer #5 · answered by jill45690 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you did all you could, really. Explaining vast things like belief in gods to children that young is hard.
If you have a chance, you might want to mention it to the child's parents. If they want, they can expand on it more.
2007-12-04 07:09:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yep that is a tough one.
I would have asked the kid to ask his friend about God, then ask his parents what they thought.
This is why public school is no place for arguments about Gods.
2007-12-04 07:09:53 · answer #7 · answered by ɹɐǝɟsuɐs Blessed Cheese Maker 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A Teacher showed me the Board of Education on religion and it says a Teacher May not talk about religion unless asked by a student. so you can answer it just not start it.
2007-12-04 07:08:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Politely tell the child to ask his parents. Parents are in charge of raising their kids as they see fit. It is a question best left to them.
2007-12-04 07:08:31 · answer #9 · answered by NOJ 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Say "Some people believe in a supreme being. There are lots of different ones that people believe in. Ask your parents which one you should pray to if any."
2007-12-04 07:17:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋