After reviewing the article Religion in Schools Debate Heats Up, I feel as though those who have no faith want to exercise their right to criticize those who do. The Separation of Church and State is always a public debate. This nation was founded on freedom and I believe the forefathers of this nation did not intend on any person being ridiculed for exercising their faith in public. Their idea of separation of church and state had more to do with the controlling power of religion and how it had been used to manipulate people and government in the history of the world. Furthermore, how could all men be equal if they were judged by their faith?
My personal faith leads me down a more inclusive path that says respect the views of others, which I feel a moment of silence does in schools. A silent moment can be used for anything and that at its core is where the beauty lies. I do not think religion should be woven into the curriculum of school, but I do not think we should limit the way people express their faith either. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states in Articles 17 and 18 “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance. Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” (1948). These are personal rights displayed in a public forum.
We talk about the differences in ethnicity and culture being respected and celebrated in schools. Yet we suppress the idea that it is okay to have differences in religion. The law makers have taken a broad look at this issue and blanketed the entire nation with rigid regulations that limit our freedoms as students and teachers. Many cannot be themselves because expressing their faith is part of who they are. Their faith shapes their values and philosophies. I think the focus is askew. We really should focus less on shutting up the religious and more on respecting the differences we all have. Our rights are to be different and be able to express those openly with regard to the rights of others.
Ultimately the big debate for many is prayer in school. The Supreme Court decided that it was wrong for school administrators to write and read prayers over the intercom in 1962. (Nettlehorst). Well I can say as a Christian and an American that I agree with this decision. I do not want just anyone influencing my children about religion. A good example is the prayer that was recently prayed at the Nashville Superspeedway by Joe Nelms. (Inav, 2011). While I am certain that there were many who found it funny, in my opinion his prayer was irreverent and I certainly would not want him influencing my children’s faith in jest, in school, at the race track or anywhere. This is a healthy boundary of freedom and a great example of why we need some boundaries.
There is always a spectrum of thought when debating a topic. You have those who are far in one direction or the other. Really the best representation is somewhere in between the two groups. You can look across history and see many who valued the separation of church and state with deep understanding and moderation. During the State of the Union Address to Congress in 1875 Ulysses S. Grant made a point of stating (as cited in Nettelhurst), “Declare church and state forever separate and distinct, but each free within their proper spheres…” (1897, pp. 4310). I possess the same opinions and I am entitled to my moment of silence. It will likely be the only moment of silence I get all day. It will make me a better teacher.
Resources
Calefait, J. (2009). Religion in Schools Debate Heats Up. Retrieved from US News. Retrieved from https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=2975445&tId=19133302.
Inav, T. (Poster). (July 23, 2011). NASCAR Pastor Prayer. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E8EYTyACQk.
Nettlehorst, R.P. Notes of the Founding Fathers and the Separation of Church and State. retrieved from Quartz Hill School of Theology. Retrieved from http://www.theology.edu/journal/volume2/ushistor.htm
United Nations General Assembly. (1948). The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved from United Nations Organization. Retrieved from http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/.
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