Should Religion Be Taught At School?

Americans have always had the discussion of whether or not religion belongs in schools. This argument has been going on for years. Both sides argue their points and discuss why they believe their point is right. The classroom becomes a ground for discussion between students and teachers to express their opinions but when religion isn’t allowed we lose the opportunity to discuss. In this paper, I will argue the point that religion belongs in school and in the classroom. I will argue points that show how it could be beneficial and how excluding religion from school could be infringing on our first Amendment.

Religion in the Public School Curriculum: Questions and Answers, which was issued by a coalition of 17 major religious and educational organizations,...describes the importance of religion in the curriculum through this statement: Because religion plays a significant role in history and society, study about religion is essential to understanding both the nation and the world. Omission of facts about religion can give the students the false impression that the religious life of humankind is insignificant or unimportant (Haynes, 2). Thus showing that religion was a vital part of the foundation of the United States. If we no

Even though public schools in the United States are without school prayer most schools have replaced prayer with what Hope High School and other surrounding schools called the “Moment of Silence.” Prayer should be put back into every public school. People make prayer sounds as if it is just a bad thing, if so why are there so many people for prayer in schools? Prayer should have never been removed from public schools systems in the first place and the main reason is of The Equal Access Act of 1984. The act clearly states that any federally funded public school is required to let religious meetings if clubs that are not related to the curriculum is allowed. There are some religious groups but they don't get the same privileges that non religious

Humanity wonders about anything that is around them. Men always have wanted to find the answers to different questions: Who am I? Where do I come from? What is my purpose in life? How was the universe created? Is there a bigger or perfect being?

Since the times of Thomas Jefferson, there has been a separation of Church and State by the American government. The separation of Church and State means that the government of a country must keep a neutral attitude when dealing with religion. This separation has put a halt to the teaching of religion in public school which is a major disadvantage to the students. The solution is not to have Bible study on Wednesdays or even to have each student study the Koran, but to introduce classes in the public school system that outline different religions and how they shape the world. “[By] simply acknowledging that there must be a God [or other supreme being], that’s not religion by any standards,” so familiarizing students on this subject, does not break the wall that separates the Church and State (Greenberger).

One of the many foundations of the United States as a nation was religion. When people fled their homes in search of a new place, one of the many reasons was due to religious freedom. Almost immediately conflicts arose between religions, and their belief systems. No problems seem to arise with teaching religion to children in school until the 1900 's. That is when the courts decided religious instructions in public schools would be deemed unconstitutional. Court cases started around the country with people fighting against religious instruction in public schools, many accusing teachers of putting their beliefs in their teachings. The young, and impressionable minds of children should not be exposed to another persons religious beliefs because they can easily be swayed in a certain direction. This is why religious practices, such as prayer, and the teachings of creationism should not be allowed in public schools.

One article called “Connecting with the Divine” states that there are 5 major religions in our world. If schools were allowed to teach about religion in classrooms students could have the opportunity to experience a taste of many other cultures that those religions are present in. Students would be able to learn about all the different holidays and special occasions that go one and possibly even have their own celebrations in class. Many kids don’t get the leisure to travel to where a religious festival would be held, but if they had the chance to savor a piece of these different cultures in class it would enhance their world around

People will argue that bullying and religiously motivated hate crimes are still an ongoing issue around the world and teaching about religion will only encourage these acts of hate, Although it is true these acts of hate are still a constant issue the teaching of the various belief systems in public school would be a step in the right direction of gradually eliminating these issues. There are facts that confirm that the teaching of many worldly religions can improve our character, knowledge and society. If all these positive outcomes are from teaching about worldly religion in school, Why aren't we doing

Religion in public schools is something that's been talked about and passed along multiple times throughout history. We of course have to consider that there's two sides to this, the ones for and the ones against it. The debate however, of religion teachings in public schools is much more complicated than it seems. Reason why is because our rights become involved as well as important clauses such as the 1st amendment and the Establishment

For thousands of years there has always been conflict between religions about whose religion is “superior.” Different religions may dramatically contrast on how they function and practice their beliefs. Religious views and beliefs have changed immensely over the years. With so many different religions in the U.S., there is a variety of different views and beliefs.

Religion is different for all people although a variety of them have different beliefs and practices than others. All public schools accept the diversity of students in which some differ from race/ethnicity or religion. Although most people have believed that religion should be banned from public schools because each person has their own right to believe in what they desire. As for the First Amendment of the Constitution provides freedom of speech, religion, and press. Therefore, if public schools are teaching religion in classes that means that they are violating the First Amendment. If the students are taking a religion class, it’s a different thing and excluded from teachers who are generally talking about religion in another class which is not correct. They weren’t notified that religion was going to be taught in that course they may feel disturbed. Religion plays a role in what students can express themselves as a human individual.

Unfortunately, even though Jesus is the one on whom people should base all truth off from, many do not support that belief. In this world now, Christian truth must be combined with information and facts from science and the world we live in. Similar to the dualistic views of Thomas Aquinas (Braley, 2003. pg. 27), educational truth must come from a combination of biblical truths and scientific facts. “He (Aquinas) held that there can be only one truth, part of which is assessable to human reason and part of which requires faith” (Moore & Bruder, 2008. pg. 92). We need to take both secular and biblical views into account in the classroom. For example, if a class were discussing in

World Religions should not be taught to students. Teaching World Religions brings many problems to mind, the main one in our modern society being an unequal amount of work or thought put into the course. Many religions, like Christianity or Islam, could have more coursework or detail put into them than others like Buddhism or Hinduism. Young adolescents could be indoctrinated to believe religions, and with the way our society sees certain religions today, they could very well be taught religions that are worse than others. Social Studies or other classes may only teach portions of certain religions, clouding thought of others or ignoring others all together due to time constraints. Many in our world today think of themselves as higher or dictators

Incorporating religious education into the public school curriculum was once a main staple of American education. School days started with prayer and students were taught about religious influences as it pertains to American history. The constitutional views on the separation of church and state and the 1962 court case where the United States Supreme Court decided that teaching religion in public schools violated the First Amendment by constituting an establishment of religion caused Americans thoughts on including religion in public schools to change. Without religious education comes religious ignorance and with religious ignorance comes religious intolerance. Religious intolerance is a huge problem in the United States right now with prejudice and misunderstandings, sometimes leading to violence, happening between U.S citizens of different religions. Religious education should be taught in public schools because it will allow for a positive impact on religious tolerance.

I am very grateful to God for providing the Interpreting Scripture Course with Dr. Norris. I serve our Lord as Director of Ministry to Women and Children at Trinity Church alongside a team of pastors reporting to the Senior Pastor. I have served in full-time in ministry for nine years, with the first five years in another area church. Prior to full-time ministry, I held a 21-year long business career as a top executive and served the Lord in church lay leadership. I consider God’s call on my life to use the experience He developed in me during the business years to now use it to edify His church in growing believers while reaching out to the community in need of a Savior.