Should teachers wait until the students bring up the question of religion?
477091
No the teacher should not wait for the student to bring up the question on religion. Even though it is an issue that is really not brought up in class, the teacher should be prepared for it. The teacher should start off with recognizing the differences in every student and cover the basics on cultural backgrounds. therefore the students will not be doubted.
674986
religion doesn't belong in school
765273
You certainly may, very polite question, so I will give you a very polite answer.\nI know as an atheist that I have more understanding of relgion than most religious folks do, (no intention of boasting here)!\nMy motive in asking a religious question here is not to find the answer,( because I already know the answer), my motive is to try and point out to whatever religious group that their answers all differ, some are so far out that its unbelievable.\nJust as an example, ask a Christian "What must you believe to be called a Christian"?  Simple enough question isnt it? How many know the answer? So my motive is to hope they all see the different answers and a few may realize something is amiss here. ( It hasnt worked yet)\nMy aim is not to try and get people to agree with me that  there is no God, my aim is to prove that there is no need for religious groups, by all means pray and worship whatever you choose, you just do not require teachers and leaders to do it, or to tell you that other religions are sinful etc.\n.
665073
I think that Kathryn is right in that if parents want their children to have a religious education, they should have that right in a private school.  After all, if it's okay to homeschool kids, why can't you have schools that teach the same values there?  It's not state supported, and the parents pay for the privelage.  Of course, it's harder on poor students, but I don't see too much way around that.\n\nPublic schools, however, should not be a place for teaching religion, unless perhaps as a neutral 'World Religions' class.  This is because we want to promote the idea that everyone has the right to their own personal beliefs.  Furthermore, if one specific religion is taught in a public school, the state is promoting that one over any other - not only through speach, but also with money.  By promoting one, it is essentially repressing the others, possibly even promoting prejudice towards the followers of that religion.  Schools should not repress religion - it should be okay to write a paper on a religion topic if you should so choose and have it treated as any other, for example - but neither should it be promoted.  \n\nNon-believing, i.e. atheism, is not neutral.  Choosing to definitively NOT believe in God is just as much a personal, unprovable belief as definitively choosing TO believe in God.  Teaching atheism is therefore also unacceptable.  Schools should try to avoid the topic entirely, and leave it to the private sphere.
964817
Educate their children.  \n\nWe're doing that now, and it's only a matter of time.  I quite honestly see the end of religion within the next 100 years.\n\nRichard Dawkins was saying something similar just the other day.  I think it was in the Washington Post.  He is of the opinion that the majority of educated people in the US, even those that attend church, are really atheist/agnostic.  They just don't put much thought into it, and/or don't want to admit it, due to the social stigma surrounding it.\n\nI think that's entirely plausible.  But regardless, as our children recieve better education, and the generations continue to grow intellectually, eventually, people will simply be too embarrassed to continue to believe in a god.
931957
A very good question.\n\nI don't see any problem with parents teaching children their religion.  I would be very upset if someone told me I couldn't teach my children Wicca.  This actually happened to two divorcing Wiccans out in Indiana.  A judge decreed it wasn't "mainstream" so they couldn't involve their son in any of their ritual work or teachings even though both parents were Wiccan and neither of them said anything about their religion.  The son was too young to participate anyway, so the parents hadn't been involving him in ritual work, but the judge didn't care.  Fortunately it was overturned, but guess where I'm never moving!\n\nTeaching religion in school is a completely different thing.  Children shouldn't be ostracized or made to feel "wrong" because they don't follow the majority religion.  I know a lot of Christians (sorry, not trying to pick on them, but they do seem to be the squeaky wheels) object to prayer and God not being allowed in schools, but I don't think many Christians would be comfortable with their children taking classes in the significance of stones, crystals, candles and herbs for the use in ritual magick.\n\nSo, I have no problem with people teaching their children what they believe.  It shouldn't be allowed in school, however.\n\nBlessed be!\n)O(
691872
I agree with the person who said your teacher was wise.\nThere is nothing in this statement that does not agree with separation of church and state.\n\nI think it's probably very difficult to be a teacher when students ask questions regarding religion.  This was a good response, that is obviously well thought out and good for all those listening.  The statement does not take a side, other than to point to church does have a purpose; fill a need.  The way the student choose to interpret the response is all up to them.  It is so wise.  Bravo to your teacher.\n\nPersonally there are times I need church more than others.\nAnd God knows.
455628
There are no good aspects to be argued that support requiring prayer in schools. Schools are public property supported by all taxpayers, and should not be used to proselytize or promote any religion.\n\nIt sounds like your report is supposed to be based on propaganda, not facts.\n\nAnd, if that's the case, make up whatever lies you want since facts aren't of any concern.
875020
Unless this is a private school, you shouldn't say any prayer.  That's liable to get you fired.  If it is a private school, then nevermind.\n\nWait.... are you a student or teacher???  Judging from some of your other questions, I'm guessing now that you are a student.  Maybe you should pass this information on to your teacher.
96729
While it is true that teachers are human and may not word a question exactly right that makes it clear, they do not ask the "wrong" question.  They are asking the student what they believe is important for the student to learn and know.  If you pay attention in class, the teacher usually gives out clues during lectures as to what they think is important for you to know; also when they point out certain readings, that is usually important material to know.
708040
Because the atheists would be offended, the very concept of God seems to offend them.\n\nPersonally, I think it couldn't hurt.  If someone just said a prayer, it might be a bit more difficult to pull a drive by shooting after school.  Wouldn't stop drive-by shootings, but might make a few of these kids think first and may not do it.
486054
given the above, you probably give sunday school teachers a run for their money. if you actually read the bible, you'll notice alot of loopholes and contradictory statements. christians view these statements as a test of faith.
586678
Religion is not taught in schools.  We have separation of church and state, meaning that you have freedom of religion and the government won't force a belief on you.  That's why religion is not taught in school.
499798
Yes, but not with the intention of forwarding the cause of any religion in particular.  It is important to understand the backgrounds of people around the world, because in the US the people from around the world live in our neighborhoods.  I'm all for broadening the views of our society.  I do not, however, favor the teaching of things like Creationism in science classes.  I think that if religion is to be taught it should be taught in the context of religious history.
439159
I think it would be fine to have a voluntary comparative religion class in schools. I think it might create more understanding and tolerance between followers of different religions.\n\nHowever, I don't think it would have much effect on the religion a child would choose. I have observed many times throughout my life that when someone asks a child (under the age of, say, 13) his or her opinion about something like religion or politics, the child will nearly always give the same opinion they've heard their parents give. That's just how kids are.\n\nSince we can't expect parents to avoid exposing their kids to their own religion until the kids are teenagers, I don't think that teaching religion in school would really help kids choose a religion.
1156077
NO.  People should talk about their beliefs.  By teaching others and learning from those people that we teach, we become more tolerant and accepting.  The only way we can live together as a people and grow as a nation we must continue to communicate.
530994
I am a teacher (actually a university professor). My *job* is to teach people and I enjoy it. I want to promote a world where people think for themselves rather than take whatever those in power tell them. I believe this will make the world a better place not only for me, but for my daughter and others that I love. When I find someone that has misunderstandings about basic things like atheism, or mathematics, or evolution, or history I try to teach them if I can. Seek the truth and it shall set you free.