April 11, 2012
Religion In Your Schools
Religion, whether we realize it or not, is a major element of American society (and also worldwide history). For many, religion is a significant part of their cultural identity. Religion plays a part in all levels of politics and is often an aspect of community events and organizations. Everyday, we all interact with people who have different religious backgrounds and personal beliefs. Children born into religious families are very connected with their religions from birth and this affects the way they will see the world for the rest of their lives. Even those who later explore other faiths or convert to other religious ideas will be affected in subtle ways by their family religion. We are a product of our upbringing, no matter how our later life experiences or how the state may change us. Besides on a personal level, there is a consistent debate on whether religion should be present in the public school systems, or if it is against the state. A philosophical quote by Pope Benedict XVI (born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger) in an interview on religion versus the state includes, “A just laicism allows religious freedom. The state does not impose religion but rather gives space to religions with a responsibility toward civil society, and therefore it allows these religions to be factors in building up society” (Ratzing). Though this may seem like an inspiring idea, there are still debates on the subject. Some may argue that the teaching of any religion in public schools is unnecessary and unethical, as not everyone shares the same religion. The other side of the debate is that religion is an important part of not only American history, but world history as well. Evangelical minister Peter Marshall agrees in an interview with ABC News with the idea that historical religion is very important for education. "The foremost problem that I see is that there is not nearly enough emphasis or...