Blog #2 Religion in Schools

Religion has been debated in schools since the beginning of school in the United States.  In the 19th century it was debated between the Protestants and Catholics which form of the Bible to use (www.religioustolerance.org).  In the 1960's judicial decisions began to be made about the separation of the church and state (www.ajha.org).  There has been a fight ever since to have religion completely removed from schools.

In Religion in Schools Debate Heats Up we see how the debate continues on today. I remember prayer in school changing as I attended grade school and middle school.  In grade school we were allowed to pray and even had classroom prayer before lunch everyday.  As I got older and moved to middle school the "moment of silence" was incorporated.  Now even that moment to pray or reflect is being challenged as a breach of the separation of church and state.  Personally I think it is clear that the "moment of silence" can be used or not used at all by the student and it is totally a choice.  It seems that the only reason it is questioned today is that there is still a personal option to choose to pray and therefore an assault on religion.

The second issue in Religion in Schools Debate Heats Up is science curriculum.  The debate centered around the Theory of Evolution.  One side wanted weaknesses in the theory to be discussed while the other did not think it was appropriate.  As a person who enjoys science I always question the hypothesis and theories in order to understand it better so I agree that strengths and weaknesses of any theory should be discussed.  It is not a religious debate, but a debate of understanding. 

Should religion be a part of schools?  I don't know what is best for our students in schools.  On the one hand schools seemed safer when God was a part of the day.  On the other hand, we need to be respectful of all religions and those who choose not to believe in anything.  Are we moving towards a country that will soon outlaw any belief.  Perhaps understanding different religions or the lack of belief in anything should be a part of curriculum in order to better understand our world.  However, religious belief is a personal choice.  We can only teach understanding and tolerance.


http://www.religioustolerance.org/ps_pra9.htm

http://www.ajha.org/the-history-of-religion-and-schools.htm

Calefati, J. (2009).  Religion in Schools Debate Heats Up.  On Education US News and Staff.