Is it illegal for a teacher to insert Christian beliefs in a history lecture constantly?

Question

Is it wrong for a teacher to bash religion, namely Christianity, and constanly insert athiestic beliefs into a history lecture?

Is one "wrong" and the other "okay"? Why or why not?

Not a homework assignment. Just saw where an atheist teacher was getting sued by some students and parents over a matter. Tried to find an article about it, but couldnt seem to locate one.

Answer 1

Generally, in public schools, one must refrain from offering their own beliefs a stick to approved curriculum.

Answer 2

I think there's a difference between speaking about religion as in "The Christians did this (insert horrible thing) during the crusades" and "Christianity is stupid." If the teacher does the second type for any religion it's wrong. If they were simply stating true facts that may upset Christians, I think that's fine as long as it wasn't done in an undermining way. Religion in the classroom is a very tricky subject, one's beliefs should never be imposed on students whether religious or atheist.

Answer 3

Yes, it is wrong for a teacher to bash religion. That is discrimination and stereotyping. I am rather shocked that in our day and age of diversity training that some teacher is that ignorant.

It has been the effort of deconstructionist to rewrite history so as to remove the passion that actually drove historical change. They feel that a sterile critical analysis of events should be interpreted by lesser passions such as greed and selfish gain. One guy tried to tell me George Washington led the Revolution so that he could own a bunch of land and I had to laugh. Having been in the military and spent time in the field in freezing temperatures I cannot believe Washington endured Valley Forge for a shot at some prime real estate. He had to be motivated by a higher cause and a commitment to real leadership or he and his men would have died. But they will tell you that he was a greedy capitalist etc. blah, blah.


The current education system seems to want to devalue passion that drove people because they want kids to view all emotions as bad and stupid and only rational thought is supreme though sterile. A great book to read concerning literary critics is C.S. Lewis' The Abolition of Man. It is short but it addresses the ignorance of literary critics and the folly it causes in a true education. You can find it online.

Answer 4

I'm going to guess that if this same teacher were promoting Christianity, which would be just as wrong, you'd be OK with it.
It depends a lot on what the teacher said. There's "bashing," and there is giving factual information. Possibly you can't tell the difference, or don't want to.
All you have to do these days is complain to the principal, and this teacher, whether he was doing anything wrong or not, will have all kinds of trouble and you can be happy.

Answer 5

While I certainly have no legal training, I would not think it "ok" for a teacher to "bash" any religion or group of beliefs that are non religious in nature.

Sometimes the beliefs are a central theme in the story and should be told.....

I don't really think a teacher should be promoting their personal beliefs in the classroom, but some high school students and college students can certainly handle it. In fact they learned way back there in early childhood that others would disagree with them.


Thanks Copper for the link.........

That is not a difference of opinion, that is a childish insult. I would expect a teacher to have better tatics for encouraging high schoolers to think outside of their comfort zone. Had it been my child, he would be facing the wrath of Mama!

Answer 6

Considering the death, destruction and general misery perpetrated in the name of religion over the centuries, I can't say I disagree with the teacher. Kids need to know the truth, after all.

However, since he is in a publicly-funded school, what he's doing is unethical at best. It might cost him his certification. He probably should just keep his views to himself, or at the very least stick to the opinions offered in the history book. And those parents need to lighten up. There is still an non-establishment clause in the First Amendment.

Answer 7

Depends on the lecture. If you're talking about the medieval Church, then Christian beliefs (at least as held at that time) are legitimately part of the lecture. If you're talking about the history of the Minoan Empire, then clearly not.

The same pretty much holds true for the atheist side of things. Call me foolish, but I would rather prefer that a history teacher teach history, not comparative religion. Keep Creationism out of biology classes and keep your religious opinions out of history classes.

Answer 8

Given how easy it is to manipulate the human mind, religious beliefs should never be discussed in an educational environment--unless the course is Religions Studies.

If an Atheist or Christian teacher chooses to express his/her religious views in school, I have no problem with that. Just as long as the students aren't being indoctrinated.

Answer 9

I also found the link pretty easily.

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/education/14844657/detail.html?rss=dgo&psp=news

And IF the teacher said what the lawsuit alleges he said, he should definitely be fired. School is no place for spouting any personal religious beliefs or non-beliefs that have nothing to do with the material. Telling kids they're wearing their "Jesus glasses" and can't see the truth is incredibly rude and degrading.

)O(

Answer 10

They don't have a right to be telling their students that God doesn't exist.
If he's a teacher, then his job is to teach history, and stick with the facts. He shouldn't be "bashing" anyone for their religious beliefs, but if they consider being informed of a fact that they don't *like* to be "bashing", (evolution, for example) then he wouldn't be wrong."

I'd be curious to see what it is he supposedly said. If you do find the article, please post a link.