Religion In Public Schools

Tentative thesis statement: It seems that anything can create conflict these days, religion is included in that, with the whole debate of separation of church and state, the question now is teaching about different religions in public schools.

C: Claim: Due to some conflict that was brought to court, religious instruction has been banned in public schools but religious instruction is different than teaching about religion, many people aren’t aware of the difference though. E: Establish Evidence: “In the early 1960s, the US Supreme Court pronounced devotional practices in public schools unconstitutional.” “However, the Court made clear that study about religions - as distinguished from religious indoctrination - is an important part of a good education.” (“Study About Religions”) E: Evidence: Programs that teach about religion are meant to “instill understanding, tolerance and respect for a pluralistic society and when discussed in this context, religion must be discussed in a neutral, objective, balanced and factual manner.” (“Religion

in the Curriculum”) A: Analysis: This shows that although religious instruction was banned in public schools it doesn’t mean that religions all together is not allowed to be taught, just that it can only be taught in a secular, neutral manner.

E: Establish Evidence: “Schools may teach about religion, explain the tenets of various faiths, discuss the role of religion in history, literature, science and other endeavors, and the like, as long as it has a secular purpose to promote educational goals and there is no effort to promote or inhibit any religious belief.” (NCAC) E:

Evidence: “The Historical approach, this study reveals political and cultural influences that are often related to religion.” (Wicht) This approach is important because it shows how religion has affected today’s events and such and continues to do so. A: Analysis: Teaching about religion in a historical or literary context is very different than in a devotional manner. L: Link: As you can see, there is a difference between religious instruction and teaching about religions to educate students, not to proselytize to them.

C: Claim: Conflict about whether or not a religions class should be taught in public schools still remains with people arguing both in favour and not. E: Establish Evidence: Many people believe that it is important that public schools teach about religions and their importance to history, literature and culture. Being educated in the many different religions in this world will help students to be more prepared for the different diversities that they will face in their lives. E: Evidence: Rev. Mark Fowler and Marisa Fasciano believe that “if students are to function as globally competent citizens, they need to understand religion’s profound impact on history, politics, society and culture.” (qtd. in Jackson) A: Analysis: Teaching about religion will help students to become understanding and educated citizens and that is why people argue in favor of religions being taught. E: Establish Evidence: With educated students they’ll become educated citizens who are able to differentiate between religions and their core beliefs and values. They will know what is appropriate and correct and what isn’t. E: Evidence: Kids need to be educated about religious and cultural diversity because “jokingly asking: ‘Do you have a bomb in your locker?’ to a 6th grader of Muslim faith.” (Brown). A: Analysis: We will have a new generation of tolerance and knowledge if we educate our current students about different religions. L: Link: Ultimately, teaching about religions is a good and important thing for us to do since it will teach tolerance and make educated citizens.