https://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6578096/
A teacher was banned from giving his fifth grade students a copy of the Declaration of Independence because of it's referrel to God.
There has been a lot of instances in the past forty years of materials or practices of the Christian faith being taken out of public school systems. Prayer was banned, then not too long ago, prayer at sporting events and graduation ceremonies was banned. (Though many still practice them.) There was also an atheist who tried to go to the Supreme Court to have the phrase "One nation under God" taken out of the Pledge of Alledgance.
How far is too far? Personally, this agitates me. Christianity is a part of our nation's history. There is nothing wrong with teaching ABOUT it as long as a teacher does not ingringe upon somebody else's belief adn starts preaching about it. The Christian in me wishes that teachers could speak openly about God in a more personal sense, but the teacher in me realizes that it would offend students.
Now, however, I would be offended if I were still a student in the public school system. Students are being cheated out of their education because there may be a reference to God in an item. So, are we just going to take American History out of our school systems because our countries history deals with Chrstianity?
**takes deep breath** This is a huge soap box for me.
Any other thoughts on this matter?
I share your views on this topic Ambria. As a child I went to Presbyterian schools and Bible teachings were a big part of our curriculum. We also incorporated other religions because we had a fair number of Hindus and Muslims that went to the school. There was never a question about including religious studies because everyone knew this was a religion-based school. As for the declaration of independence, this country was founded by people who were very religious and expressed those views openly. Until a child is old enough to say whether they want to know about religion or not, it should still be included in the curriculum, and parents need to be more open-minded about it. If my child were to learn about Hinduism or Islam in school, I would be very open to it, because I think it helps them understand other cultures. It is my duty as a parent at home to teach whatever religion I believe in, but in school, let the kids be exposed to all different religions; it can only help them in the long run.
International Level: Envoy / Political Participation: 241 24.1%
In fact, at least one of the "Founding Fathers" of our nation specifically pointed out in other documents that the Constitution would only work in a God-based, faith-based nation. The ideas of morality and ethics are inherent in our belief in God. If we become a non-believing people, if God is rejected, our nation will fail.
These things need to be taught in our schools.
IMO
Roz
International Level: Ambassador / Political Participation: 595 59.5%
I think it is important to learn the history of any country. I alos believe that if GOD is used in the development of history, why would someone exclude it.
I also think that if someone does not agree with say a religion, or any other idea of general living, that should not stop them from knowing it and accepting it as someone else's belief.
International Level: New Activist / Political Participation: 14 1.4%
It sounds like someone just needs to smack some common sense into people. Extremists bother me, especially those involved in the government and education system. The Declaration of Independence is a very important part of US History and if US History is what you're trying to teach, then I see no reason to exclude one of the country's most important documents.
I am a firm believer of the separation of church and state in all matters, but this is simply ridiculous. I'd like to know what precedent the principal used in making her decision.
At the same time, I am somewhat hesitant to jump onto any soap box; we have been given only one point of view. We weren't there. For all we know, the teacher could have been shoving the material down students' throats for the sole purpose of trying to show them that the founding fathers were, for the most part, religious men. The article makes reference to other documents that were censored and we know that the case made against the principal is that she is targeting anything that refers to Christianity, but we still don't know the whole story.
As for the subject of the Pledge of Allegiance that the article brought up, I find it funny that people are quarreling over a line that wasn't even part of the original pledge; it was added in 1954, thanks to a campaign run by the Knights of Columbus that was inspired by anti-Communist sentiment.
Religion is an important part of the history of civilization and there's no denying that. I'm agnostic, but that doesn't mean that if I had a child in school that I wouldn't want them to know the truth. I wouldn't want them to have the information drilled into their mind, but I would like them to know about it. The whole issue just goes back to religous tolerance.
QUOTE |
The ideas of morality and ethics are inherent in our belief in God. If we become a non-believing people, if God is rejected, our nation will fail. |
The basis for the formation of the government of the U.S. is Christianity, although, of course, freedom of religion was the spark that ignited the Revolution. Therefore, those Founding Fathers built into the Constitution freedom to worship as our own conscience dictates.
QUOTE |
Human government is more or less perfect as it approaches nearer or diverges farther from the imitation of this perfect plan of divine and moral government. John Adams, draft of a Newspaper Communication, Circa August 1770 |
QUOTE |
It is the duty of all men in society, publicly, and at stated seasons, to worship the SUPREME BEING, the great Creator and Preserver of the universe. And no subject shall be hurt, molested, or restrained, in his person, liberty, or estate, for worshipping GOD in the manner most agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience; or for his religious profession or sentiments; provided he doth not disturb the public peace, or obstruct others in their religious worship. John Adams, Thoughts on Government, 1776 |
QUOTE |
...fear that Godless people would rise up and, in their lack of good morals and values, ruin the entire country... |
QUOTE |
We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. John Adams, Address to the Military, October 11, 1798 |
International Level: Ambassador / Political Participation: 595 59.5%
QUOTE |
The basis for the formation of the government of the U.S. is Christianity, although, of course, freedom of religion was the spark that ignited the Revolution. |
QUOTE |
Exactly. If our nation of people turn away from God (or their Supreme Being, whatever they may call Him), our nation, as we know it, will fail. |