In this cover article for Time Magazine, David Van Biema looks into the highly debatable issue of using the Bible in a public school classroom. The majority of Van Biema's report is about his experience shadowing a teacher, Miss Kendrick, at a public high school in Texas. Miss Kendrick teaches a Bible-literacy class that is open, voluntariy, to all students at the school.
Van Biema reports that the number of classes involving the academic use of the Bible are slowly increasing in the United States. Teachers and Supreme Court judges are steadily learning that there is a difference in "teaching religion" and "teaching about religion." While controvery still exist (and probably always will exist) in having the Bible in the classroom, Van Biema claims it needs to be because it its historical importance and influence on many Americans' lives. Of course, he writes, the key is make sure that all religious text and faiths are taught equally; if not one can find establishment within the school and a violation of the First Amendment. Of course, some teachers are not prepared to teaching religion and many groups from the secularist to the religious fundamentalist fear that the teacher will misrepersent or promote one text over the other. Hence one of many reasons why the movement is only slowly growing instead of steadily.
As a future high school social studies teacher, I feel the Bible and other religious text have a proper and necessary place in the schools. In the global age we live in, it is ignorant and unprofessional for an educator not to teach these text that have such an impact on our lives. I understand the legal hoops and roadblocks that hinder the education of these topics, but separation religion and faith from American life is very hard to do. If the role of an educator is the create informed citizens ready for the world, then a basicaly knowledge of the major world religions, their text, beliefs, history, etc are all vital to this process. The courts and school boards must find a way to get around what some might consider unconstitutional and make it so that students can obtain the knowledge that has been absent from the classroom for too long.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
1 comment:
The First Amendment gives those holding religious views as well as those who think all religion is harmful the right to their own views. It is, however, not a license to force one's views on others not holding their religious view.
Put another way, the First Amendment gives the right to worship or not worship as one will. Furthermore, the Constitution clearly states that religious belief is not a prerequisite to holding public office, but try stating honestly that you are an atheist and Good Luck getting elected. In fact, in some parts of America, it can get you killed.
As for teaching about Christianity in school, it would be acceptable if you also teach about other world religions and no religion at all. We live in a world with many cultures and religions, so to avoid mentioning religion (or no religion) would undermine a student's knowledge of the world beyond his/her experience and borders.
Post a Comment