Why is religion being taught in American schools?

Question

That religion is secular humanism. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanism#Secular_humanism Wikipedia doesn't get it exactly right, but it gets pretty close. Schools have bought the lie that not promoting any of the established, classical religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, etc.) is keeping religion out of the classroom. In reality, they are simply establishing secular humanism as the only acceptable religion. Hmm, doesn't the 1st Amendment say something about that?

Humanists worship humanity as deity.

Wouldn't it be better to teach ALL religions in schools and *gasp* educate our young? The 1st Amendment prohibits establishing a single religion (if you read it that way), so just give equal time to all of them. It would be a lot of extra material that would create some funding problems, but maybe the religions would help fund it...

Answer 1

That's true. Here are some other court cases that back this up....

In 1965, in Seeger v. United States, the Supreme Court ruled that a religion was any "sincere and meaningful belief which occupies in the life of its possessor a place parallel to that filled by the God of those admittedly qualifying for the (draft) exemption"

In 1970, in Welsh v. United States, the Court opined that you could have a religion without even calling it a religion.

And from the Torcaso v. Watkins (367 U.S. 488) case you are referring to...

"Among religions in this country which do not teach what would generally be considered a belief in the existence of God are Buddhism, Taoism, Ethical Culture, Secular Humanism, and others."

Answer 2

coaching faith isn't outlawed, instructor lead prayer is. As you're no longer American, you do no longer likely get what is going on. Evangelical Christians have faith that that's their (literal) divine good to evangelise and seek for converts. So once you get one among all of them started, that is style of no longer undemanding to close them down. coaching comparative or international religions is thoroughly legal. the situation is, many christian mothers and fathers have faith that if their little ones pay attention approximately different religions, it is going to rot their soul. Others have faith that because of the fact Christianity, and not in user-friendly terms Christianity yet their own version is the only nicely suited faith, and as a result any presentation of the different faith in a great mild is a foul element. college are clever sufficient to understand that that's a 0.33 rail. that is much less annoying to easily overlook correct to the entire subject remember somewhat than have some lunatic fundie screaming interior the significant's face because of the fact they mentioned all Muslims are not terrorists. there exchange right into a television tutor on a twelve months or 2 in the past approximately American muslims. Fundies have been given all snarled because of the fact it particularly implied that muslims ought to be popular previous people, and did no longer communicate approximately how a small share of them are terrorists. The horror. This explains why such many people are clueless approximately international religions, and atheists tend to be plenty greater knowledgeable on the subject remember.

Answer 3

Perhaps you should look up the definition of "religion".
Not in the "Idiot's guide to the World" (IE: wikipedia) either, but in a real dictionary, you know a BOOK!
"Secular Humanism" is a word that fundamentalist christians made up to allow for the argument you just proffered. That argument has yet to hold water. Please think up a new one.
"There must needs be a separation of Church and State!" Thomas Jefferson
If my tax dollars are paying for the school, thus State run, then I want NO belief of any God being taught to my children! That Is SOLELY MY JOB as a parent!
WOW! Religions funding our Secular schools....Too scary! THINK MAN! THINK!
Many Blessings!

Answer 4

Are public schools teaching that religions are wrong, or simply not teaching the religions? Just because something isn't taught does not mean that it is being rejected. In any case, secular humanism can, in now way, be considered a religion.

Answer 5

As a Secular Humanist I find it rather disturbing that my belief is though of as seeing Humanity as a Deity. It goes much, much deeper than that. As for Secular Humanism being the only thing taught in schools how do you explain Creationism being taught in public schools?

Answer 6

I wouldn't call secular humanism a religion but I totally understand your point. I think it is better stated as. The public school system teaches us that they are the factual authority representing truth and that you place your faith in your government. Under humanism the ruling authority becomes a god of sorts.

Answer 7

Thanks for asking. i have been trying to find a answer to this question for a few year. I doubt you will get a good one, but maybe you'll have better luck then I did.
For those that say it is not a religion. The Supreme Court ruled that because of lack of evidence, it had to be accepted on faith, so it was a religion. The ruling was sometime in the 1960s.

Answer 8

wow, a philosophy is a religion? i suppose they had better disband the marching band, and the football team, cause clearly they are religions as well...

loosen up the definition of religion some more, and soon NONE of us will have to pay taxes....WOOHOO!

my house is my church of atheism, if atheism is a religion, if secular humanism is a religion, than my house is my church of secular humanism... either way, i refuse to pay property tax if this is the case...

Answer 9

And how many children do you have in the public school system? If you want your child to have a christian eduction then send them to a christian school. If you want them to be able to make up their own minds then public school or home schooling are your only other options. There are other things going on in the public school system that you should be worried about.

Answer 10

What does it hurt to learn about different ways of believeing? That doesn't mean the kid has to believe in everything that's been said. Would you rather us just remain completely ignorant of different viewpoints?