Fortunately in the USA we have had absolutely clear law from the beginning of the country – the government cannot force people to follow the Christian religion. So, the courts have decided over and over again that the Bible cannot be used in science class. The last important case was just last year when a Conservative judge appointed by President Bush chewed out some fanatical Christians for trying to sneak anti-Evolution into Pennsylvania public schools. Pennsylvania, like almost every state, has its own statewide scientific literacy standards that require the teaching of important scientific ideas such as macroevolution. These standards are designed and supported by the overwhelming majority of the biological science community, including biologists of all faiths and philosphies. There is no significant scientific organization that supports either creationism or intelligent design as a scientific concept.

There is nothing in the law that prevents the Bible being used as a supplemental text in literature class.

The country is 80% Christian by the loosest definition possible. Only 60% are absolutely certain that God exists, and even fewer attend church regularly. So let’s not assume that the Bible is a national book. If the Bible is taught in our schools, then it’s only fair to also bring in the other sacred texts as well.

As for evolution, it’s not a text and as such isn’t really competing with the Bible. In fact, it’s a perfectly valid viewpoint to say that God created the evolutionary system (if the best creatures are the ones who are able to adapt, why wouldn’t God be smart enough to think up that process himself?). So we’re not necessarily talking about an either/or question.

As a Christian, this may sound like a surprising thought to many, but I don’t want religion on school simply because I feel that it is the responsibility of the parents to teach children and let them nurture them from a religious standpoint. In terms of evolution, it is a theory and therefore may need to be put in the science curriculum, no one is teaching it as fact. Honestly it doesn’t matter what the teacher says, your children should consult you in terms of their beliefs. I don’t think evolution confuses anyone if the parents have done what they are supposed to do at home. My reason for not wanting religion in the schools is because there will be a public outcry and the ACLU will get involved, and it will be removed, OR everyone will be able to “worship” and use their “religions” in school. School is an academic institution, and should be used shape children for college. Now, what I DO think is a good idea is religious classes that are used for educational purposes. I have attended schools that have Old/New Testament classes that are used for educational/historical purposes. I don’t force my religion on anyone and neither should anyone else.

Understanding of the Bible is essential for understanding Western literature and Western civilization as well as the basis for our laws and government. So, yes, I think the Bible definitely should be taught to everyone.

Prayer is a different matter. While I think biblical prayer would be beneficial, I wouldn’t want children being subjected to prayers to pagan deities. A recitation of the Lord ’s Prayer to begin and/or end the school day would be acceptable. Students could opt-out of participation if their families didn’t want them to pray.

You didn’t define evolution so I need to do that before answering. Many people consider two types of evolution: macro (“goo” to “you” in millions of years) and micro (genetic variation within kinds or species). I don’t have any problem with macroevolution being taught AS LONG AS alternative ideas such as creation and intelligent design are equally presented. This is the only intellectually honest way to go about teaching origins since belief in macroevolution is very much faith-based. Yes, teach macroevolution IF the others are also taught as equally valid explanations and students can choose. Microevolution is seen all around us and is undisputed. It must be taught in science, but calling it “genetic variation” would be more descriptive, since the term “microevolution” is usually misunderstood.

Quite personally I think religion has absolutely no place in public education. Religion is something that is the prerogative of parents to teach their children, and should be done outside of school. If you really have a problem with evolution, then put your children a private school where they can learn intelligent design and study the bible … don’t make everyone else’s children conform to your religious beliefs.

Evolution is scientific so its far more objective than religion … even if you don’t agree with it wouldn’t you want your children to be exposed to differing viewpoints. In the end they’re going to make up their own decisions when they get old enough. Science is also empirical … something religion cannot say.

Furthermore, if we were to allow the Bible to be taught in public schools then what interpretation/sect should be taught. Should be teach the Catholic version, the Episcopalian version, the Quaker version, the Mormon version, the Evangelical version, the Baptist version, etc …? Do you see where this is going …? If you force teachers to teach religious principles you are, in effect, making them preachers, and that is not their place, nor should it be their function.

As for prayer in public schools I have the same problem. What type of prayer are we going to have? For instance, there are many Christian sects who have a problem with memorized prayers (like the ‘Lord’s Prayer). Forcing these students to say such a prayer would be akin to challenging their religious rights. Then there’s also the question if you have Jews, Muslims, or Buddhists in your class — they each have a different way to pray. Forcing one type of prayer for all just ethically reprehensible, and allowing each time and space to pray in their own way is unrealistic and impractical (for instance Muslim are required to pray five times a day on a mat facing east, remove their shoes, and prostrate themselves repeatedly). Once again I say religion has no place in public schools … if you religious views are really so incompatible with secularism and science then put your kid in a private school where they teach what you do like.

How hard is it for parents to sit down with the children, and teach them watch they want them to know if they disagree with school curriculum? Its easy … my parents would just sit me down and explain “School teaches you about evolution, but our religion teaches us this … ”

I think thats the way it should be …

Okay, hot topic. I think prayer and the bible belong in a church, not a school. The teaching of

evolution should be taught as a Science not as a faith. If we open our schools to allow religion then

we MUST teach all religion. After we cover all of the religions there won’t be any time left for Reading, Math, Science and so forth. Bringing in religion will just bring a ton of other problems that will get in the way of education. I feel it is best to leave faith up to the individual and leave it in a church where it belongs, available to anyone who wants it.

Both.

You can’t realistically teach Science or History or Literature without mentioning Christianity or God or the Bible. We are supposed to be *teaching* – this means all theories, beliefs, etc. so that the children can become informed, thinking, responsible, contributing members of society. We are not to be censors or to tell them what to think. Granted, the *when* is debatable; I would suggest high school, after they are old enough to make those decisions.

Because of the differences in religion I think it should be taught at home. On the other hand, schools need to find a way to incorporate tolerance into the curriculum. Evolution is a scientific theory, it would be silly to ignore it.

i do no longer think of your bible proves a ingredient. consistent with probability you may desire to evaluate that the bible is a load of bull crap written in the previous we understood the international by way of technological understanding. There consistent with probability alot of Christian in u . s . a . yet that doesn’t propose it truly is a Christian usa. Our founding fathers separated church and state for a robust reason. this provides us the liberty to worship despite we desire and to no longer could desire to worship something. Bible study in public college could be an instant violation of the form. Evolution is taught in faculties using fact there is excellent quantities of information that help it. Your bible has no information to decrease back it up. Thats why they call it faith.

Both, along with other beliefs of creation. This is the best way to produce well rounded citizens in my opinion.