jennled asked this question on 5/11/2000:

I was just wondering if I was the only person in the world that believes that church should not be brought into the classroom. This means school prayer!!

This country was founded on the right to choose your religion. Now everyone is trying to force their religion onto our children. Well not all religion, just christianity.

I don't have a problem about the teaching of religion backgrounds but I do however have a problem with a teacher trying to force their religion on my children!

I was just wondering what your views are. If you agree with me, how can we get it through the hard heads of everyone else that this is not a good idea! I live in the bible belt where this is the worst!!!!!!!!

Thanks for your opionion (ok I know i just spelled that wrong!)

Jennifer

The_Philosopher_King gave this response on 5/11/2000:

Hi Jennifer,

Yes, I am totally against this "prayer in school" movement and religion in school. It is very dangerous in my opinion.

And you are correct, when they say they want religion in school...they don't mean Hinduism!

I don't know the true motives for wanting Christianity in the public schools. I think there may be a sinister purpose behind it. I think such people use the argument that the US Constitution has some reference to God and the Declaration of independence. But the type of God the founding fathers believed in (Deism) is not necessarily the same brand of religion that Christians believe in.

I am also against religion in public schools because its proponents seem to believe that religion is the only vehicle to transmit "good" values. If anything religion by NECCESITY promotes intolerance because each religion believe its way is the right way and the only way. In fact religion is a major cause of wars and conflict (Ireland [Catholics and Protestants], Pakistan and India, etc)

There are many other ways to teach community values and ethical habits than with Christianity. I think Steven Covey's book the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and Dale Carnegie's book how to win friends and influence people are just as good if not *better* than having prayer in school.

I do believe that religions should be taught in the public schools. Children should be aware of the various belief systems that shape our world. They should know the history, origins, major beliefs, holidays, etc. BUT they should also hear the criticisms against such religions so as to promote critical thinking and offer a balanced view.

What can we do about this? Well I was thinking of launching a campaign against the movement, but it depends on who else is interested in doing so. I could create an essay or presentation, but I would need some help with the research.

Are you interested?

TPK

The average rating for this answer is 5.

jennled rated this answer a 5.

yes I would be very interrested!!! Right now I am a senior math education major. I have had many classes in the education field and every professor believes the same way I do. I guess I have kinda picked this up as my "pet peive". I can go on for hours about it!

My email is jennled@bscn.com if you need to contact me!

thanks for your answer and views on the subject!