Religion in Schools: A Brief Overview

American public schools have a responsibility to teacher children to be good and moral people; but does that responsibility include teaching religion?  In colonial times, schools were mostly private and religious in nature.  Today, education is more public, secular and universal in scope.  The purpose now seems to be on vocational training, knowledge and enrichment and educating students for life outside the classroom. 

But, outside the classroom students are exposed to a world wherein religion plays a major part in the development a human's character.  So, why does religion take a back seat to reading, writing and arithmetic?  The answers are not easy to come by.  Now more than ever, the mention of religion in schools raises some eyebrows.

There is no doubt that reading, writing and counting are important in life after school.  These values help one in his/her daily work.  To perform reasonably, a person must be able to communicate, to focus on the task at hand and to discipline themselves to work with others.  These are all qualities that public schools incorporate to be sure the student grows up with a sense of purpose. 

Furthermore, the fields of literature, history and science expose students to a vast array of knowledge, which, in turn, helps them to discover what it is they want to do with the rest of their lives.  It is the aim of these endeavors to allow students to become collective participants in the shaping of society at large.  Public education must also teach students to be honest and respectful.  In order to accomplish this without the help of religious teaching can be a tricky endeavor.  But, not an impossible one.

So, how does religion fit in today's curriculum?  We are all aware that religion has played a fundamental part in shaping our culture since nearly the beginning of time.  Furthermore, to study a particular culture without studying its religious beliefs would be incomplete and empty; for, religion plays a serious part in why humans do what they do.  That is to say that many, many people past and present have drawn upon religion to determine what is moral, just and right.  If public educators omit religion, this may incline students to believe it is unimportant for living.

As is now common knowledge, prayer in school is seen as a thing of the past.  But, why does this have to be?  We still observe prayer at public events and ceremonies to bless political figures, athletes and citizens alike.  And our classrooms should be a reflection of our society, right?

A note on prayer:  Some schools observe a moment of silence wherein prayer is encouraged but not required.  Generally, a moment of silence is used for prayer, reflection or meditation; but if a student wishes to muse about last night's party, no one will hardly notice.  Many parents believe that a moment of silence should be observed at graduation ceremonies because these events represent profound moments in the maturity of their student.

One way to educate students on various religions is to have students participate in various rituals.  Of course, the teacher must be very careful to never endorse certain religions over others, according to the Supreme Court.  But the exclusion of religion in schools is often an over-site.  Again, if our schools are to reflect our society at large, should it not endorse church, prayer and the belief in God?  After all, that is what America was founded on.  If schools are going to teach ethics and morality, it will certainly overlap with the fundamental ideas found in most religions.  But as things stand, most folks fail to see the connection.