Religion classes in school - Megathread

Jason Ortiz5 said:Two hours. That's what we're talking about. An "elective" course that gets special treatment compared to everything else on the schedule.

The government is meant to be a community for EVERY resident, and its whole job is to guarantee equality for ALL citizens. That's literally what the Constitution says. Also, having a personality doesn't mean you're being "hidden" just because you aren't shoving it in everyone's faces or being loud about it. Why would faith be considered hidden if people practice it in churches or mosques? It's like saying someone is hiding their love for fitness just because they go to a gym instead of working out at City Hall.

I think we've finally hit the core issue here—what we actually mean when we say "equality."
Are you seriously suggesting we achieve equality by just erasing or hiding away... every single difference?

Look, working out or praying isn't "hidden" just because it happens at a fitness center or a church. But the real question is: why limit those things strictly to those specific places? I don't get it. Who is religion or exercise actually bothering in a public space if it’s done respectfully and in moderation, especially if nobody's getting offended?

Susan James said:Most of our holidays are really just excuses to get a day off work.
I mean, what are we actually celebrating on December 26th? Is it just a day to celebrate gift receipts?
And what about the Fourth of July? Usually, it’s just a reason to head to the coast and combine it with a long weekend to clean up the beach house.

Regarding school assemblies, I’m not really a fan of them at all—they always feel a bit tacky to me. Back when my kids were in preschool, we didn't do any of that.🙏 🙏 🙏

A school could easily organize an event for "School Spirit Day," which they pick themselves, maybe based on the school's name or some local history that isn't tied to religion or war.
They could also celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day, which is also secular.
Or they could highlight student competitions and achievements, provided those successes aren't tied to anyone's faith or their family's service during the American Civil War.
I’d actually love it if schools celebrated Labor Day properly too.

For all those kinds of events, you don't need Jesus to show up and bless the teachers' hard work or the students' success. Those things depend on skill, motivation, and effort, not faith.
Setting up a Nativity scene, acting out the birth of Jesus, or doing a Three Kings procession... that isn't really something a school should be putting on for an audience. I think those things are perfectly suited for churches and family gatherings.

Decorating trees or dyeing Easter eggs isn't strictly a religious requirement, either.
But I suppose most practicing Catholics know that.🥳

Personally, I think it's fine if a school puts up some lights or lets kids do crafts to help develop their fine motor skills and teamwork. We want school to be more than just endless memorization and misery.
And all of that can happen without having children blessed inside the school building.
While I personally find blessings to be quite lovely and appreciate that expression of faith, I just don't think the school setting is the right place for it.

That sentence is highly indicative.

decorating trees and dyeing eggs isn't exactly a Christian tradition.
but I guess the Catholics in the room know all about that. 🥳

Fun fact: atheists actually picked up those customs from the ancient Germans and their deep cultural roots in Western civilization.
😁

Alexander Ortiz3 said:So, what you're saying is public schools shouldn't observe federal holidays at all? Should they just go out and invent their own arbitrary days off instead? I don't see any issue with having a blessing for students and faculty during a school assembly held for a religious holiday, provided that attendance isn't mandatory for anyone involved.

So, if the blessing happens right in the middle of the ceremony, kids basically face a choice: attend the program with the blessing, or don't attend at all. When I read about this supposed "generosity" and how we have to be so careful that no child feels left out or excluded from a school program—which, mind you, is supposed to be for everyone—I really can't say I'm surprised anymore by our society. We've become so narrow-minded and exclusive, living by that constant mantra: "If you don't like it, there's the door."

Alexander Ortiz3 said:So, what you're saying is public schools shouldn't observe federal holidays at all? Should they just go out and invent their own arbitrary days off instead? I don't see any issue with having a blessing for students and faculty during a school assembly held for a religious holiday, provided that attendance isn't mandatory for anyone involved.

Well, at least give us a heads-up about that whole mumbo-jumbo affair so the people who actually want a blessing can participate. Whether it’s a prayer or some voodoo ritual, it’s all the same to me, and I definitely don't want that for my kid.

Respect goes both ways. Michelle Nelson4 already laid it all out for you, so there's no need for me to repeat myself. And just because something happens in public doesn't mean it's happening everywhere. That's just common sense.

Jacob Lewis5 said:I think we've finally hit the core issue here—what we actually mean when we say "equality."
Are you seriously suggesting we achieve equality by just erasing or hiding away... every single difference?

Look, working out or praying isn't "hidden" just because it happens at a fitness center or a church. But the real question is: why limit those things strictly to those specific places? I don't get it. Who is religion or exercise actually bothering in a public space if it’s done respectfully and in moderation, especially if nobody's getting offended?

That sentence is highly indicative.

decorating trees and dyeing eggs isn't exactly a Christian tradition.
but I guess the Catholics in the room know all about that. 🥳

Fun fact: atheists actually picked up those customs from the ancient Germans and their deep cultural roots in Western civilization.
😁

Equality doesn't mean everyone has to be identical. It means everyone gets the same treatment and the same rights, without one group being elevated over another (and let's not go down the rabbit hole of debating minority rule over the majority again).

I would love to get one single, meaningful, logical, and well-reasoned answer: what exactly do religious parents lose in their children's upbringing if religious education moved back into the churches? And please, don't just say "convenience." ☕

Susan James said:Well, if celebrating a religious holiday ends up discriminating against certain students, then yes, it shouldn't happen.
On top of that, I worry that celebrating Christmas in schools has turned into nothing more than consumerism and tacky parades. That true spirit of togetherness—which is really about family anyway—seems to be getting lost. If even believers aren't feeling it, why bother bothering atheists, right?

And schools shouldn't be inventing holidays; they already exist.
If a school feels the need to hold assemblies, they should be related to the school itself, not the church.
Plus, they ought to include all the students at the school.
(By "include," I mean some kids can sing or dance while the others watch. Not everyone needs to have a performance part.)

Teacher Appreciation Day should be celebrated properly because teaching is such a vital profession, and it's an important date for both the students and the staff. I'm not sure if a church would even organize an event like that? Or maybe they already do somewhere?

The same goes for the birth of Jesus; that is celebrated in church, so I don't see the need to double up by celebrating it at school too. We don't hold celebrations for the births of Shakespeare, Sena, Ue, or Draskovic, so if a school happens to be named after one of them, why wouldn't the students organize a little commemorative assembly?
I'm not sure how they would celebrate a school anniversary at Lincoln Elementary School in Brooklyn, but I'm sure they have a specific date that matters to them—one that their local parish won't be marking, and one that not every single student will show up for.

Who exactly is being discriminated against by a school assembly held for a national holiday in a public school?
There is absolutely no reason why we shouldn't also celebrate Teachers' Day, the school's founding day, or the birthdays of Gundulic...

Michelle Nelson4 said:So, if the blessing happens right in the middle of the ceremony, kids basically face a choice: attend the program with the blessing, or don't attend at all. When I read about this supposed "generosity" and how we have to be so careful that no child feels left out or excluded from a school program—which, mind you, is supposed to be for everyone—I really can't say I'm surprised anymore by our society. We've become so narrow-minded and exclusive, living by that constant mantra: "If you don't like it, there's the door."

I honestly don't understand who has such a hard time respecting others and their faith. Why would anyone feel excluded by someone else's religious traditions if they are actually being welcomed? If the entire assembly is centered around a religious holiday, why is having a blessing during the event even an issue? That's literally the whole point of a holiday. It would be terrible and totally unacceptable to bar anyone from attending the ceremony. But if certain narrow-minded people can't accept those who are believers, why force them to participate in something they find objectionable?
Or should the majority just abandon their own convictions just because someone might feel discriminated against? On the flip side, believers aren't bothered by atheists or people of other faiths; nothing is being forced on anyone, and everyone is welcome if they want to join. Likewise, if they don't want to come, they are perfectly free not to show up. Should we really be forcing people to do things against their will?

Jason Ortiz5 said:Equality doesn't mean everyone has to be identical. It means everyone gets the same treatment and the same rights, without one group being elevated over another (and let's not go down the rabbit hole of debating minority rule over the majority again).

I would love to get one single, meaningful, logical, and well-reasoned answer: what exactly do religious parents lose in their children's upbringing if religious education moved back into the churches? And please, don't just say "convenience." ☕

I honestly don't get it. I don't see any "dominance," any special privileges, or anyone getting a leg up at someone else's expense. What's this talk about different rights or better treatment? If the rules are actually the same for everyone and nobody is being forced into anything, then there’s no issue here. Period.

Look, believers aren't losing a thing by keeping religious education in schools. I’m a regular at my local church myself, and honestly, what's the harm?
So, here’s my take on this one: Who would actually lose out if religious education stays in public schools? Honestly, I think the biggest loser would be the students themselves. It’s not even about whether you believe in God or not—it’s about the conversation. If we strip that out, we’re basically cutting out a massive chunk of history, art, and culture that shaped how people think and act. You can't really understand Western civilization without understanding the stuff that drove it. I remember back in high school, even though my family wasn't exactly "church-going," those classes gave us a window into why certain traditions exist and how they influence everything from politics to literature. Without it, school starts feeling a bit more like a sterile factory and less like a place where you actually learn how the world works. It’s a loss for critical thinking, too. Being able to engage with different belief systems—even just academically—helps kids develop some perspective. Take it away, and you're just narrowing the scope of what they're allowed to ponder. To me, that feels like a step backward for a well-rounded education.

Jacob Lewis5 said:I honestly don't get it. I don't see any "dominance," any special privileges, or anyone getting a leg up at someone else's expense. What's this talk about different rights or better treatment? If the rules are actually the same for everyone and nobody is being forced into anything, then there’s no issue here. Period.

Look, believers aren't losing a thing by keeping religious education in schools. I’m a regular at my local church myself, and honestly, what's the harm?
So, here’s my take on this one: Who would actually lose out if religious education stays in public schools? Honestly, I think the biggest loser would be the students themselves. It’s not even about whether you believe in God or not—it’s about the conversation. If we strip that out, we’re basically cutting out a massive chunk of history, art, and culture that shaped how people think and act. You can't really understand Western civilization without understanding the stuff that drove it. I remember back in high school, even though my family wasn't exactly "church-going," those classes gave us a window into why certain traditions exist and how they influence everything from politics to literature. Without it, school starts feeling a bit more like a sterile factory and less like a place where you actually learn how the world works. It’s a loss for critical thinking, too. Being able to engage with different belief systems—even just academically—helps kids develop some perspective. Take it away, and you're just narrowing the scope of what they're allowed to ponder. To me, that feels like a step backward for a well-rounded education.

The rules aren't equal for everyone, though. They'd only be "equal" if little kids from religious families spent two hours a week wandering the hallways while kids from non-religious families sat through an hour of lessons on why God isn't real or why faith is pointless—all wrapped up in this condescending tone that makes believers feel second-class. But atheists don't want that. Atheists just want schools to stay places where we teach scientifically proven facts. Personal beliefs? Those belong in their own space.

Keeping religious ed in our public schools actually hurts human rights—specifically children's rights and basic values. Who loses? Everyone who is tolerant, reasonable, and civilized. People who believe in respecting others rather than forcing their views on everyone else. You said it yourself: believers lose nothing by keeping their religious studies in the church. So, if that's the case, what's the point of having it in schools other than just imposing it on people?

Jacob Lewis5 said:I honestly don't get it. I don't see any "dominance," any special privileges, or anyone getting a leg up at someone else's expense. What's this talk about different rights or better treatment? If the rules are actually the same for everyone and nobody is being forced into anything, then there’s no issue here. Period.

Look, believers aren't losing a thing by keeping religious education in schools. I’m a regular at my local church myself, and honestly, what's the harm?
So, here’s my take on this one: Who would actually lose out if religious education stays in public schools? Honestly, I think the biggest loser would be the students themselves. It’s not even about whether you believe in God or not—it’s about the conversation. If we strip that out, we’re basically cutting out a massive chunk of history, art, and culture that shaped how people think and act. You can't really understand Western civilization without understanding the stuff that drove it. I remember back in high school, even though my family wasn't exactly "church-going," those classes gave us a window into why certain traditions exist and how they influence everything from politics to literature. Without it, school starts feeling a bit more like a sterile factory and less like a place where you actually learn how the world works. It’s a loss for critical thinking, too. Being able to engage with different belief systems—even just academically—helps kids develop some perspective. Take it away, and you're just narrowing the scope of what they're allowed to ponder. To me, that feels like a step backward for a well-rounded education.

Well, I figured I’d weigh in too. You lose about two hours a week per classroom when you factor in subjects like math or English... not to mention that time could be used for something like computer science, which is also an elective, right? I’m just glad my kid doesn't spend those hours wandering the halls since their class has religion as the very first or last period, but I know some families aren't as lucky. This year, we had a first-grade class with 21 students, and 14 of them chose NOT to take the religion course. And no, they didn't move the class to accommodate the majority; it stayed right in the middle of the schedule. So much for equality, I guess... It would have been easier if those seven kids could just switch to the other school shift, but of course, that's not how it works...

Alexander Ortiz3 said:Who exactly is being discriminated against by a school assembly held for a national holiday in a public school?
There is absolutely no reason why we shouldn't also celebrate Teachers' Day, the school's founding day, or the birthdays of Gundulic...

It's regarding a national holiday and things that affect everyone, so nobody is being discriminated against. I'm not quite sure what you were getting at there 😕

Jacob Lewis5 said:I honestly don't get it. I don't see any "dominance," any special privileges, or anyone getting a leg up at someone else's expense. What's this talk about different rights or better treatment? If the rules are actually the same for everyone and nobody is being forced into anything, then there’s no issue here. Period.

Look, believers aren't losing a thing by keeping religious education in schools. I’m a regular at my local church myself, and honestly, what's the harm?
So, here’s my take on this one: Who would actually lose out if religious education stays in public schools? Honestly, I think the biggest loser would be the students themselves. It’s not even about whether you believe in God or not—it’s about the conversation. If we strip that out, we’re basically cutting out a massive chunk of history, art, and culture that shaped how people think and act. You can't really understand Western civilization without understanding the stuff that drove it. I remember back in high school, even though my family wasn't exactly "church-going," those classes gave us a window into why certain traditions exist and how they influence everything from politics to literature. Without it, school starts feeling a bit more like a sterile factory and less like a place where you actually learn how the world works. It’s a loss for critical thinking, too. Being able to engage with different belief systems—even just academically—helps kids develop some perspective. Take it away, and you're just narrowing the scope of what they're allowed to ponder. To me, that feels like a step backward for a well-rounded education.

Well, there's the loss to the federal budget, since we have to pay those instructors (and we certainly don't have extra funds for teaching assistants), plus the cost of hiring an additional teacher to supervise the non-religious students during those hours (if we can even manage to organize it).
Then there's the loss of time; if it isn't scheduled as the first period, kids end up with a gap in their schedule and have to stay at the facility longer than necessary.
Plus, you mentioned yourself that believers wouldn't lose anything by moving religious studies to the church, so I'm not entirely sure where the issue lies for them.😕

Jerry Anderson87 said:Well, I figured I’d weigh in too. You lose about two hours a week per classroom when you factor in subjects like math or English... not to mention that time could be used for something like computer science, which is also an elective, right? I’m just glad my kid doesn't spend those hours wandering the halls since their class has religion as the very first or last period, but I know some families aren't as lucky. This year, we had a first-grade class with 21 students, and 14 of them chose NOT to take the religion course. And no, they didn't move the class to accommodate the majority; it stayed right in the middle of the schedule. So much for equality, I guess... It would have been easier if those seven kids could just switch to the other school shift, but of course, that's not how it works...

It's funny, isn't it? It's apparently a much better option to have those seven little first-graders commute on a different shift—meaning they cross busy American streets twice as often—rather than having someone sit in a hallway doing homework🤣 because their parents won't allow their kid to watch cartoons or listen to stories that they personally deem to be "nonsense"... even though reading fairy tales and watching cheap, violent cartoons every single day is considered absolutely essential for them....
If these people are going to complain, why are they complaining about religious studies being in the middle of the school day instead of playing the role of moral guardians and putting pressure on the kids who don't share their views? Do they really not care that forcing kids to travel to school twice a day increases the risk of accidents on the road? Or is it just that everything has to go exactly their way...🤣 because the only thing that matters is "my child," while everyone else can just fend for themselves?😲....

Sure, religious studies eats up two hours a week that could go toward math or English, but it doesn't eat into the PE time they have scheduled three times a week—well, actually, there's no room in the gym for all three sessions, so they have to settle for just once a week...🤦The other two hours where kids are basically drifting through the classroom? That doesn't count as wasting time, right?

Sorry, but reading this thread, the only question popping into my head is, "My goodness, people, can you see anything past the end of your own noses?" Seriously, before you start pushing your "ideals" so hard, do you ever stop to think about the actual consequences your actions cause? Or is your only goal just to get your own way?

By the way, regarding computer lab in first grade—do you honestly believe a seven-year-old is going to find learning about software, hardware, or what a byte is super thrilling...
Look, this is literally what they teach in the first year of computer class...
-identifying and naming computer parts and input/output devices and what they do
-naming the workspace
-how to properly turn a computer on and off
-how to use a mouse correctly
-knowing how to use certain keys on the keyboard
-properly using and caring for the CD/DVD drive
-taking care of input/output devices
-recognizing user interface elements and their functions
-working with windows
-understanding terms like quick menus and drop-down menus
-running programs like Art and the Recycle Bin
Do you really think kids who have computers at home don't already know this? Or do you think this stuff is somehow "challenging" material for first graders who don't have access to technology at home? Do you honestly think a seven-year-old finds any of this interesting?

Look, we all know religious studies ended up in the school curriculum as a political compromise with the government. It’s common knowledge. I personally took my religion classes at church, and honestly, I didn't miss having them at school one bit... I already had plenty of other subjects and homework to deal with. And frankly, there's a whole different conversation to be had about how some parents get incredibly lazy, basically outsourcing their responsibility for religious upbringing to the school system. You only have to look at the percentage of parents who actually attend service with their kids on a regular Sunday—not just on Christmas or Easter—to see what I mean. And let’s be real, not everyone is working shifts at Walmart that force them to work on a "holy" Sunday. The core question in this PDF remains the same: why does religious studies get such preferential treatment compared to other elective courses, where kids actually have to trek across town to a different campus just to attend? ;-)

Lawrence Torres56 said:It's funny, isn't it? It's apparently a much better option to have those seven little first-graders commute on a different shift—meaning they cross busy American streets twice as often—rather than having someone sit in a hallway doing homework🤣 because their parents won't allow their kid to watch cartoons or listen to stories that they personally deem to be "nonsense"... even though reading fairy tales and watching cheap, violent cartoons every single day is considered absolutely essential for them....
If these people are going to complain, why are they complaining about religious studies being in the middle of the school day instead of playing the role of moral guardians and putting pressure on the kids who don't share their views? Do they really not care that forcing kids to travel to school twice a day increases the risk of accidents on the road? Or is it just that everything has to go exactly their way...🤣 because the only thing that matters is "my child," while everyone else can just fend for themselves?😲....

Sure, religious studies eats up two hours a week that could go toward math or English, but it doesn't eat into the PE time they have scheduled three times a week—well, actually, there's no room in the gym for all three sessions, so they have to settle for just once a week...🤦The other two hours where kids are basically drifting through the classroom? That doesn't count as wasting time, right?

Sorry, but reading this thread, the only question popping into my head is, "My goodness, people, can you see anything past the end of your own noses?" Seriously, before you start pushing your "ideals" so hard, do you ever stop to think about the actual consequences your actions cause? Or is your only goal just to get your own way?

By the way, regarding computer lab in first grade—do you honestly believe a seven-year-old is going to find learning about software, hardware, or what a byte is super thrilling...
Look, this is literally what they teach in the first year of computer class...
-identifying and naming computer parts and input/output devices and what they do
-naming the workspace
-how to properly turn a computer on and off
-how to use a mouse correctly
-knowing how to use certain keys on the keyboard
-properly using and caring for the CD/DVD drive
-taking care of input/output devices
-recognizing user interface elements and their functions
-working with windows
-understanding terms like quick menus and drop-down menus
-running programs like Art and the Recycle Bin
Do you really think kids who have computers at home don't already know this? Or do you think this stuff is somehow "challenging" material for first graders who don't have access to technology at home? Do you honestly think a seven-year-old finds any of this interesting?

And just look at these brilliant alternatives! Instead of risking anything on the road, they could just sit comfortably in a hallway and churn out homework until their class starts. I suppose that’s what hallways are actually for—providing a place for kids to sit on the floor and write assignments.🙂
We certainly wouldn't want to selfishly deny children attending religious studies that modern pedagogical standard applied to the 21st century. Sitting at desks and chairs is such an outdated concept, isn't it?😬

Jerry Anderson87 said:Look, we all know religious studies ended up in the school curriculum as a political compromise with the government. It’s common knowledge. I personally took my religion classes at church, and honestly, I didn't miss having them at school one bit... I already had plenty of other subjects and homework to deal with. And frankly, there's a whole different conversation to be had about how some parents get incredibly lazy, basically outsourcing their responsibility for religious upbringing to the school system. You only have to look at the percentage of parents who actually attend service with their kids on a regular Sunday—not just on Christmas or Easter—to see what I mean. And let’s be real, not everyone is working shifts at Walmart that force them to work on a "holy" Sunday. The core question in this PDF remains the same: why does religious studies get such preferential treatment compared to other elective courses, where kids actually have to trek across town to a different campus just to attend? ;-)

Great, so if we all know that, why on earth are these political nebulas trying to mess with the lives of kids who have absolutely nothing to do with this?
And who exactly is "shifting" their duty of religious upbringing onto schools? As far as I can tell, taking religion classes in school has zero connection to practicing faith in a church... the whole point of religious studies in school is just to learn about the faith, right? It doesn't mean someone automatically becomes a believer just because their kid sits through a class... it's just like how math class is about learning mathematics, not an indication that everyone is a mathematician...
Also, it's not like everyone needs to be working at Walmart to lack the time for Sunday service... nowadays, a massive chunk of people are grinding from Monday to Friday... and the only thing they have left is that weekend which only lasts 48 hours... are they going to go to church, or hit the movies, or visit a museum, take a walk through town, or just stay in bed and veg out? That's their choice, isn't it? And since when do we have the right to stick our noses in, to judge? Why is there even this desperate need to meddle in other people's business and try to dictate what they should be doing🤷?

Cutting two hours of religion a week from the schedule and replacing it with three hours of computer science doesn't mean kids will have less to study... in religion class, you aren't really expected to memorize things for tests, whereas in computer science, rote memorization is practically mandatory... so, are we actually lightening their load here, or just piling more on them?

Jerry Anderson87 said:Well, I figured I’d weigh in too. You lose about two hours a week per classroom when you factor in subjects like math or English... not to mention that time could be used for something like computer science, which is also an elective, right? I’m just glad my kid doesn't spend those hours wandering the halls since their class has religion as the very first or last period, but I know some families aren't as lucky. This year, we had a first-grade class with 21 students, and 14 of them chose NOT to take the religion course. And no, they didn't move the class to accommodate the majority; it stayed right in the middle of the schedule. So much for equality, I guess... It would have been easier if those seven kids could just switch to the other school shift, but of course, that's not how it works...

I heard that you need at least 7 students to run an elective course, so maybe they could just persuade one or two more parents from that group of seven to opt out of the religious studies class? That might actually solve the scheduling headache 👍 Besides, if they represent the clear majority, they should be able to have their way, shouldn't they? ☕

I'm still sitting here staring at my screen, trying to wrap my head around how we even got to this point, you know? It feels like everyone is just shouting into the void without actually listening to a single word anyone else is saying. Is it just me, or has the whole conversation completely lost its way? We used to have these deep, nuanced discussions, but now it’s all just surface-level noise and instant reactions. I mean, seriously, does anyone actually care about the substance anymore, or are we all just performing for an audience that isn't even paying attention? It’s honestly exhausting to watch. kaže:
Check out these brilliant ideas—I mean, instead of actually risking their lives out in traffic, why not just have them sit right there in the hallway and grind through their homework until religion class kicks off? I mean, isn't that what hallways are even for, right? Just sitting on the floor doing schoolwork in the middle of the hall? Truly visionary stuff. 🙂
Look, we absolutely cannot be selfish when it comes to our kids, right? We really shouldn't deny them access to religious education classes because, honestly, that whole pedagogical approach is exactly what we need for the 21st century. I mean, let's face it, we’re living in an era of digital fluency and evolving social landscapes, not some outdated world defined by just desks and chairs. That old-school way of thinking is totally prehistoric—it's a completely obsolete concept if you ask me. 😬

Yeah... seriously, just look at these "brilliant" ideas they're throwing out there.😁We’re constantly obsessing over hallway space and classroom layouts like it’s some kind of grand architectural crisis, and God forbid anyone actually brings up the religious education classes—heaven forbid we even think about them! I mean, seriously, imagine if someone had the audacity to suggest that kids should just sit at their desks and finish those assignments while they're already in class... can you even picture that? Especially for the little first graders who can barely hold a pencil, let alone juggle extra subjects on the fly? It’s honestly laughable. And don't even get me started on the idea of actually sending a formal complaint to the Department of Education, demanding they reschedule those religion periods to the first or last bell, or telling them to just hire another instructor if it's such a logistical nightmare... why would we ever do that? Why bother making noise about the curriculum when we can just scream about hallway congestion instead and pretend we couldn't care less about our own core values when it comes to our kids?🙏

FFE said:Religious education belongs in a church; if you want it, go there. It has no business being forced into public schools or daycare centers. I have zero patience for those "Catholics" who try to shove their faith down the throats of non-believers.🙄 If you’re a person of faith, just leave everyone else alone.

I couldn't agree more.👍

Lawrence Torres56 said:Great, so if we all know that, why on earth are these political nebulas trying to mess with the lives of kids who have absolutely nothing to do with this?
And who exactly is "shifting" their duty of religious upbringing onto schools? As far as I can tell, taking religion classes in school has zero connection to practicing faith in a church... the whole point of religious studies in school is just to learn about the faith, right? It doesn't mean someone automatically becomes a believer just because their kid sits through a class... it's just like how math class is about learning mathematics, not an indication that everyone is a mathematician...
Also, it's not like everyone needs to be working at Walmart to lack the time for Sunday service... nowadays, a massive chunk of people are grinding from Monday to Friday... and the only thing they have left is that weekend which only lasts 48 hours... are they going to go to church, or hit the movies, or visit a museum, take a walk through town, or just stay in bed and veg out? That's their choice, isn't it? And since when do we have the right to stick our noses in, to judge? Why is there even this desperate need to meddle in other people's business and try to dictate what they should be doing🤷?

Cutting two hours of religion a week from the schedule and replacing it with three hours of computer science doesn't mean kids will have less to study... in religion class, you aren't really expected to memorize things for tests, whereas in computer science, rote memorization is practically mandatory... so, are we actually lightening their load here, or just piling more on them?

*If we cut those two hours of religious studies, maybe Tuesday and Friday schedules could drop from six-hour days to five-hour days. That would prevent some kids from sitting in the hallway for an hour, and they'd get home earlier to finish homework, play, or read...

Jason Ortiz5 said:The rules aren't equal for everyone, though. They'd only be "equal" if little kids from religious families spent two hours a week wandering the hallways while kids from non-religious families sat through an hour of lessons on why God isn't real or why faith is pointless—all wrapped up in this condescending tone that makes believers feel second-class. But atheists don't want that. Atheists just want schools to stay places where we teach scientifically proven facts. Personal beliefs? Those belong in their own space.

Keeping religious ed in our public schools actually hurts human rights—specifically children's rights and basic values. Who loses? Everyone who is tolerant, reasonable, and civilized. People who believe in respecting others rather than forcing their views on everyone else. You said it yourself: believers lose nothing by keeping their religious studies in the church. So, if that's the case, what's the point of having it in schools other than just imposing it on people?

This is total nonsense. By that logic, every job interview, government contract, college entrance exam, or corporate hiring process is basically fascism and discrimination because we don't just hand out jobs or university spots to everybody—we pick people who actually meet the qualifications.

Equality means giving everyone the same rights and equal standing under the law. It doesn't mean handing everything to everyone right this second. If enough students sign up for an atheist philosophy elective, they'll get that option, just like any other religious group gets their choice. Religion classes teach about faith and values; they don't teach anything "wrong" or "bad."

Jason Ortiz5 said:The rules aren't equal for everyone, though. They'd only be "equal" if little kids from religious families spent two hours a week wandering the hallways while kids from non-religious families sat through an hour of lessons on why God isn't real or why faith is pointless—all wrapped up in this condescending tone that makes believers feel second-class. But atheists don't want that. Atheists just want schools to stay places where we teach scientifically proven facts. Personal beliefs? Those belong in their own space.

Keeping religious ed in our public schools actually hurts human rights—specifically children's rights and basic values. Who loses? Everyone who is tolerant, reasonable, and civilized. People who believe in respecting others rather than forcing their views on everyone else. You said it yourself: believers lose nothing by keeping their religious studies in the church. So, if that's the case, what's the point of having it in schools other than just imposing it on people?

Repeating a lie a thousand times doesn't make it true. Religious studies isn't being forced on anyone. Reasonable, tolerant, good-hearted people don't care about having it as an elective. People who actually teach their kids to embrace diversity, accept differences, and live peacefully with others won't have an issue with a religion class, whether it's for atheists or believers. It's just the people full of prejudice and zero arguments who keep trying to force their narrow views on the vast majority of Americans.

http://www.foxnews.com/us-news/religious-education-debate
http://www.nytimes.com/topic/religion-in-schools
http://www.wsj.com/articles/faith-based-learning-impact

Are we actually seeing any real impact from religious education in schools?...