As seen throughout the United States, religion in the schools has been a heated debate every since it was created in the Amendment because of how personal and sensitive the topic is. No matter what country you live in or how religion is to be seen in the eyes of the public or parochial sector, it is a part of our history, our present, and our future which cannot be denied. We are a world built upon religion, even if we choose no religion at all, in one form or another. Religion has been and will always be a sensitive issue. Whether our opinions of various religions are our own or shared by those around us; issues that are not of our own religion must be respected for a population of well-rounded, open-minded, tolerant, and informed leaders and citizens to emerge.
Political and religious struggles within the school system are inevitable as the population becomes more diversified. If the government, the school systems, and the people can find a balance as to how religion plays into that system, display more tolerance of different religions, become more adaptive, and respect values and tradition then the sensitivity that attaches itself to this issue may not be only lessened on the controversial side, but it may bring back and build upon the traditions that these countries were built upon.
So is this the end of the debate or will it once again continues to change over time? Should religion be a part of the school system? This is for each individual to decide but here are some thoughts to ponder. No school system can recognize all religions in every aspect of the day or calendar year. Schools will never be seen as just and fair because of accusations of singling out one religion over another, religious intolerance, and accommodating one’s own pride and personal convictions. If you celebrate one religious holiday why shouldn’t you celebrate all the others? How do you go about choosing which one to celebrate and what happens if your school diversity grows and you don’t celebrate that particular religious holiday? Does the First Amendment pertain to religious holidays? Are we as a society disrespecting religious cultures by not recognizing or celebrating their traditions? Are we denying our heritage?
Take a closer look at your own personal beliefs. What is your personal opinion about religion in the United States schools and abroad? Based on religious or irreligious beliefs would you place your child in a public school without a bible history class, with a bible history class, or place him/her in a parochial school? Did the myths help bring some clarification to some of the issues of Religion in the Schools? Are you for or against religion in the school system?