Religion in schools

[GoodWitch58]

Actually Roger had to break away from the Puritans in Massachussetts. Ironically he formed what went on to become the Baptist Church!

I know: that was my point.

 

[GoodWitch58]

Wow! I am glad I had to go do some work. Thanks everyone. Ya'll said it much better than I could.

 

[GoodWitch58]

Are you not doing the same, by telling us, who believe there should be more freedom, what to believe? "free to worship" what a statement within it's self.
Our Country needs men and women of God, who have been saved by the blood of Christ shining the light, not hiding it.
I'm not sure what all Roger Williams left the New World for, but what is more important is, today. Right now.
I am sure this debate will go on until Christ comes back. Let us all be sure in our hearts, that when we have our turn to stand before Him, that He will be pleased. God Bless all of Sowal.
One more thing, being a Christian, it's not a walk in the park. Being a Christian is one of the toughest. Why, you ask? Because sometimes, God calls to stand before Lions.

Maybe more emphasis on History Class would have helped:
Pioneers

I think you missed my point. Our country and some of our religions were founded on the premise that there should not be "national religion" as they had in England, but rather, each individual should be able to choose to worship or not.

I respect the right you have to believe or not believe, however you wish; all I ask is that you afford me the same respect. No one has given anyone the right to force any religion into a school setting.

 

[Rita]

i have written letters to the editor on this subject on several occasions and still fail to understand why people feel the need to push their religion on everyone else in a public school. my children went to a public school, and it was my understanding it was just that "public", not christian, not jewish, not muslim, etc. i had several instances where i had to step in and stop organized prayer at snack time in my oldest son's elementary school. please send your child to parochial school if you want them to learn in a religious (your religion) environment. you can pray in your head all day, for goodness sake. you can go to church or wherever before school, after school and on weekends. how are any of you prevented from practicing your own religion in the proper setting? it's tough enough for kids to try and fit in - when you bring religion into the mix and allow one religion to dominate, such as christianity, you disenfranchise the others. i can't understand how paxton was allowed to have a baccelaureate led by a church. even if it was outside the school, it was really the school's graduation ceremony. what if you aren't christian - yes, there are some people who are not, shocking as it may seem. being inclusive by keeping public schools truly public goes much further to be inclusive of all races, religions, etc.

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Good post Shellak!

It is not the public schools place to sponsor or promote any particular expression of religion. That doesn?t mean a child must leave his/her beliefs ?at the door? - Just not impose them on others at school.

Educating people about various religions in a public school setting might even go a long way to help students learn about religious diversity and the role religion has played in history and today. This could help with prejudices. I do think it would be a challenge for many school districts to find qualified instructors for this. Maybe an on-line course incorporated in their Social Studies program would work. ...

I know I would love for my daughter to have an opportunity to do this in high school but I would want qualified instruction that didn?t present any favoritism to one religion (or no religion) over another. Just from an historical and cultural perspective. Shoot, I would like to take a course like that myself!

Just don't push your religion on me .... I already have enough problems with my own. ..;-)


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[ShallowsFuzz]

After reading all the post regarding prayer and school, one thing comes to mind.
It's ok, to be scared.

 

[Bob]

After reading all the post regarding prayer and school, one thing comes to mind.
It's ok, to be scared.

with christianity, fear is the key to your body and soul.

 

[shellak]

i would love to think that public schools could educate students about the world's religions but we all know what would happen - opinions and beliefs of the teachers would overtake the facts, particularly in our area. i've learned there is alot of proselytizing locally. this area reminds me so much of the area we lived in outside of columbus, ohio in the late 70's and early 80's - rural but becoming a mecca for new subdivisions. generally, rural areas seem very homogeneous - when diversity begins to enter the picture, the old guard has a difficult time adjusting and want to continue operating in a status quo way.

 

[GoodWitch58]

it's that fear thing...sad, because most of the people are truly good people who once they get to know someone are gracious and caring to them...there are exceptions of course--how much better it would be if we all could see each other as human beings first.

 

[LuciferSam]

with christianity, fear is the key to your body and soul.

Religion is a form of child abuse, and the abused often grow up to become the abusers.

 

[Geo]

Let me tell you a story, a story I hope you have heard. There was a man who built an Ark. God told him to build this Ark. People in Noah's community saw what he was doing and began telling him you're stupid for building this. Noah kept building. As time passed, he finished it, God shut the door and all those who didn't get on board well, you know.

The point is, God is the same as he was in the beginning of time. His Word hasn't changed and won't.
It isn't the global community we should be more concerned preparing our children for, it's preparing them for their eternal life with God.
Let us teach them.
"Teach the little children, and forbid them not to come unto me."
If we are true Christians, it should follow us into the schools, not left on the door steps.

Oh yeah. I saw that movie too on HBO. My kids love it- I think it's called Evan Almighty. I just love fairy tales...