Should Religion Be Taught In Public Schools?

The question of whether or not religion should be taught in public schools has been an ongoing debate among parents and teachers for decades. In the article “Religion and Education: The Pitfalls of Engaging a Complex Issue” Martin E. Marty and Jonathan Moore express their views on the matter. They express that religion in public schools could potentially bring conflict to families. They also support the other scenario that religion classes would inform students of the different beliefs of the people they will meet throughout their lives. Religion in the public school system is still an ongoing debate, one that needs to be resolved. The children that will be affected by the outcome of this debate are the future leaders of America, therefore, we should not take this decision lightly. Children everywhere and in all schools need to be taught about different religions so they can make a firm stand for what they believe in.

In schools, the place where Americans first learned critical fundamentals and values of freedom, religion is separated from home life to school life. In the United States, 89% of public school teacher’s cannot lead a class in prayer, 36% can teach a class comparing religions in different countries, and only 23% can read from the Bible for examples of literature (citation). Without religious instruction in schools, students are not granted with the option to display their faith and practice their religion in a school setting. Despite the advantages, some Americans argue that teaching religion in public schools can be dangerous and harmful to students. Schools disapproving of students practicing

Issues involving public schools and religion have been topics involving intense debate. It is difficult for the government to elucidate the appropriate boundaries of religion in the public schools. It is true that teaching about religion is permitted in the public education systems, but the real question is where the margin should be set between teaching religion and simply teaching about religion. It is almost impossible to teach about the history of the United States without teaching that religious beliefs associated with the history, artwork, and literature. More than the public is lead to believe, The Constitution permits religious activities in and around public school buildings. It is unfortunate that the

“Our government has been based on religious principles since the very beginning. The Declaration says,” We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by certain unalienable rights…”.” This shows that our constitution, made for independence, wants the American people to keep God with them in everything they do. Even George Washington declared that U.S. citizens need to obey God and his will. George Washington was the first president of the United States. If he wanted the people to listen to God and obey his will, why change that now? Religion in school is not harmful in anyway. People can get talked about and bullied for their religion they practice. That is life and no one should be judged because of their religion they practice or live with. This is a free country and religion in school would not only help the students and teachers, who do not know much about religion but help people to have a better understanding and respect for other people's culture. Maybe, some people prefer not to pray at school, which is not a problem. Prayer would not be mandatory. Everyone's prayers are different; students would not be forced to say their prayer. Only if they want to. “...the supreme court did not “remove prayer from public schools.” The court removed only government sponsored worship (“Ten Reasons”

Religion is private, and schools are public, so it is appropriate that the two should not mix. To introduce religion in our public schools builds walls between children who may not have been aware of religion differences before (Brochure produced by the Freedom From Religion Foundation).

Freedom of religion, anyone’s can freely express ones religion. This prohibits the government from establishing a religion. Or to favor a religion over another. The Government cannot mandate what we should believe when it comes to religion. Public schools are run by the government which must obey the Fist Amendment. They may teach literature, history and how religion took part in history but may not promote, recommend or practice any religious beliefs as part of any curriculum. The freedom of religion excuses any student from activities that may interfere with their religion. We have the right to practice any religion or no religion at all that is a guaranteed freedom by the bill of rights. Government officials may not obstruct any religious practices, unless it could potentially be a threat to the welfare and well-being of others.

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

The Amendment given to us by the U.S has granted us freedom of religion, but yet religion is not given an option to learn about in schools. Students in public schools should be given the option to learn religion as an elective. It should not be forced to be taken in school, but it should be a choice to take so the kids and young adults of today’s generation can be literate of religion and have a choice that will impact their lives heavily.

In the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution public schools are forbidden from starting an authorized religion, it also gives security to the right of students to express their religious opinions.

In an article called “A (Friendly) Conversation About Religious Freedom”, it says, “Religious Freedom means an individual has an absolute right to express their beliefs…” This proves that students can talk about and express their beliefs because they have the right to. In an article by Olivia Godfrey called “Why Religion Should Not Be Taught in Public Schools” she says, “For example, many people who do believe religion should be taught in public schools argue that they have ‘freedom of speech’...”. Many people believe this because it is granted to them by the first amendment.

However, it would be more beneficial for schools to include religion in their curricula, for it prepares children for their futures. Since there are various religions in the United States, none of which are limited to a certain area, students are bound to come across someone who practices a different faith in their lifetimes. If public schools were to include theology, children would be more open-minded, aware, and tolerant of these religions, thus preventing discrimination, prejudice, and even violence and acts of targeted terrorism in the future because of these differing beliefs. Religious education would benefit children of all ages, religions and cultural backgrounds, as it would provide them with a better understanding of one another, and a sense of companionship and acceptance from their

I believe religion should not be taught in public schools because it brings all sorts of problems. Religion should be taught only in religious schools because the children who attend that religious school are sponsored by their parents. They are allowed by their parents. If teachers teach religion in public schools some students may not seem to care and take it offensive because it’s going against their free will and going against their parent’s statement.

I also do not understand why a Christian religion is ignored in schools to the extent. American history of origins of freedom of religion and how it influenced the society should be included in curriculum and in my opinion, celebrated. The Bible is a fundamental document in American history, it had a great impact on Founding Fathers, for instance, one of the Founding Fathers and educator Noah Webster (1758-1843) had this to say: "The moral principles and precepts contained in the scriptures ought to form the basis of all our civil constitutions and laws. All the miseries and evils which men suffer from vice, crime, ambition, injustice, oppression, slavery, and war, proceed from their despising or neglecting the precepts contained in the Bible."

The separation of church and state has been pushed upon people for a very long time. Today, it is very, very unlikely to find a school where you can discuss religion. Although it seems that the majority believes that both state and church should be separated, there are more people that feel religion should be allowed in schools. If religion were allowed in schools, the children of America would have a better understanding of religion and of God.

Religion in Schools has proven to be a very controversial matter as of lately. Even though teaching about religion is allowed in public schools, there are still many questions that are being asked in order to provide a basis of what is appropriate for school, and what is inappropriate. The first amendment to the United States Constitution says that 'congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof' which implies that you have the choice of exercising your own religion, no matter what it may be. However, this poses an interesting argument within the public schools of America because we have such a diverse population with