Religion Has No Place in Public Schools Essay - 1020 Words

The constitution is a set of laws set by the government to protect the nation’s rights. One of those rights is the First Amendment which discusses the prohibition of an established religion and allows the free exercise of religion. Thomas Jefferson had written a letter discussing the separation of church and state, which has resulted in many debates over the limitations of religion in the public schools (Hamburger). There is research that supports both the arguments that students can benefit academically from the influence of religion and from keeping religious teachings separate from public schools. Early in Americas history, when it first became a country, public schools were administrated by Protestants. As a result, Protestant†¦show more content†¦A major argument for this to occur is that there is a direct relationship between religious involvement and educational attainment. In addition, that religion strengthens values that contribute to academic excellence (King 197-204). Some of those principles that may be reinforced by religion are integrity, good work ethic, discipline, respect for others, self-esteem, and being involved. There is also research giving evidence that religious morals would lead to a decrease in school shootings, drug and alcohol abuse, and teen pregnancy, issues that students struggle with and are common today (Marzilli). It is believed that teachers should do more than nurture academically; they must also build character. Furthermore, it is believed religious teachings in the public schools would increase the amount of learning that occurs outside of the classroom because a part of religious practices includes educational activities, including reading and analyzing the Bible and other resources. These activities train and motivate students to explore, memorize, examine, and reflect on religious and nonreligious texts (Irvine). Personal accountability and identity formation are also crucial and are supported through spiritual practices. Students who take part in religious practices are encouraged to do well; not only by their own determination, but also by their connection to others who expect it (King 197-204). Those that want more religious integration in schools believe that it wouldShow MoreRelatedReligion in School: Publicized or Privatized? Essay example1353 Words   |  6 Pagesmay follow a religion or worship a higher power. Not everyone follows the same religion as there are twelve major rel igions and over 1,200 around the world (Wilson, 2006, p.11). Having religion included in the public school system is one of the most difficult issues to debate. When should the separation of church and state come into play? The fact that not everyone holds the same religious faith brings up the question of whether religion should be either public or privatized in schools. This essayRead MoreWhy Religion Should Be Kept Out of Sublic Schools1334 Words   |  6 PagesJeff Perman English 093 – 10B Sept. 20, 2011 Argumentive Essay Introduction Why Religion Should Not Be Allowed In Public Schools The question of religion in public schools goes all the back to 1948, where a case in Champlain, Illinois was heard regarding a sectarian group that would go into schools 30 mins. a day to preach to students about religion. The court found it was unconstitutional due to the first Amendment (Mead, Green, and Oluwule). These practices still continue today with variousRead MorePublic Schools Should Not Be The Place For Religious Practices1601 Words   |  7 PagesOne of the many foundations of the United States as a nation was religion. When people fled their homes in search of a new place, one of the many reasons was due to religious freedom. Almost immediately conflicts arose between religions, and their belief systems. 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There are people on both sides of the spectrum, there are those who believe that it should be taught and allowed in school, and there are those who believe it should not be taught or practiced in school. There have been cases brought to court about how religion should be taken out of schools, or if it should be allowedRead MoreReligion in Public Schools Essay1131 Words   |  5 PagesDefinition: Religion in school is the practice of any personal religious beliefs in a place of education. Introduction: In recent years teaching or the individual practice of religion in school has become a very controversial topic. There are many different views on this matter and even more opinions on how it should be handled. There are people on both sides of the spectrum, there are those who believe that it should be taught and allowed in school, and there are those who believe it should