Religion in Schools
Introduction
The presence of religion and the extent into which it should be taught in schools and especially in public schools is one of the contentious issues affecting the church and education. This is because sometimes it becomes difficult to draw a distinct line on how much information about ones religious beliefs should be made public. The nature of issues affecting the church and curriculum are at times too complex for the main characters in either sector identifying the boundaries. With some people arguing that lack of religion in schools is equal to secular humanism on the other hand there are those who are emphasizing on increased religious content in the curriculum to improve the morality of the students. Clear guidelines should however be provided to prevent conflicts among religious groups from different camps as the views of the teacher and students may differ.
Discussion
The proper role of religion in schools
One of the most crucial roles of incorporating religious education in schools is as a way of instilling moral values to the students. Research has shown that students who attended schools which taught more lessons based on religion had developed good morals as compared to those who schooled in anti-religious schools. Cases of children getting involved in juvenile criminal activities such as issuing threats and swearing are common in children who are not religion as part of the curriculum. Thus, by incorporating religion as part of learning the students are taught valuable life lessons on behavior as well as respect for their peers and elders. The teacher who is instilling information about religion should be a staunch believer of that religion so that they may be proper role models to the learners (Murray, 2006).Other than instilling good morals in the learners, religion has a greater role in ensuring that children are able to embrace at least one religion so that if they come from pagan backgrounds where religion is not appreciated, they get a feeling of belonging. Virtues and hope in life are fundamental aspects of most religions such that when learners are introduced to the aspects of religion at an early age, they are able to plan their lives well in accordance to the ideas learnt in religion. Young learners are able to formulate attainable goals which will not lead to self-destruction such that they are not the sole beneficiaries but their entire family and society will benefit (Austine, 2008).
Areas of the curriculum which should include religion
Some areas of the curriculum such as science should never include religion due to the contradicting ideologies such as the theory about creation and the universe. The various theories that explain the origin of the universe and all living things pose a lot of conflicting ideas as scientists do not believe in supernatural powers while religion lays more emphasis on a Supreme Being. Learners may end up being confused when they learn that their teachers is talking of God as being a creator and at the same time other forces are accredited for the same activity in creation (Dean, 2010).The other aspect of religion that should never be included in the curriculum is branding of various religions as being better than others. Teachers should also avoid taking sides in such discussions to avoid conflicts concerning the topic (Dean, 2010).
Revelation of religious beliefs
Teachers should never reveal their religious beliefs to students especially in a classroom setting. This is because religion is a personal affair which comprises of the believer and who they believe in without inclusion of a third party. Religious opinions should also be kept private to avoid conflicting opinions which may lead to disagreements. The only exception is when one is asked to reveal their religious beliefs in church. This is an exception as the setting is in a church and not in class (Murray, 2006).
The teacher’s reaction to a student who shares their religious belief in class
The teacher should respect the religious beliefs and opinions of students who are wiling to share what they know about their religion in class. However, the ideas and opinions should not be used to criticize the professed religion because everyone has a right to air their views about what they think. Consequently, the ideas could be used as a basis of a discussion although the teacher should not take sides with either group airing different opinions (Dean, 2010).
Conclusion
Religion has a very great impact on the general behavior and conduct of students who are exposed to it. Alternatively, teaches who teach religion have an even bigger role in helping the learners develop a positive attitude towards religion. The task of identifying the correct time to reveal the religious belief of student’s lies upon them as well as preventing conflicts associated with religion.
References
Austine, Chine, Religion in public schools-role and place of religion in public schools. 2008, atheism guide
Dean, Levick, religion in schools-does it belong or not? 2010. suite101.com
Murray, Robert, T. religion in schools: controversies around the world. 2006. Greenwood Publishing Group.
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