Hindu devotees at Chengannur Amman Bhagavathy Temple participate

“Hindu devotees at Chengannur Amman Bhagavathy Temple participate in a turmeric bathing ritual, locally called ‘Manjal Neerattu, ’ where devotees bathe themselves in boiled turmeric water using palm leaves. ”

Russian Orthodox Christians Ashes reburial ceremony of the Grand Duke Nikolay Nikolaevich Romanov and his spouses of the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna on April 30, 2015 near Moscow, Russia.

Quiz http: //www. beliefnet. com/Faiths/Quiz/God-Is-Not-One. aspx

What is Religion? A set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs. It is estimated that there are over 4, 200 different religions.

Lord’s Prayer Article

History of Religion in Education Section 93 of the Constitution Act of 1867 as amended by section 17 of the 1905 Alberta Act: 137. (2) It shall however be permissible for the board of any district to direct that the school be opened by the recitation of the Lord's Prayer. 138. Any child shall have the privilege of leaving the school room at the time at which religious instruction is commenced as provided for in the next preceding section or of remaining without taking part in any religious instruction that may be given if the parents or guardian so desire.

Calgary school slapped with $26 K fine for refusing to let Muslim students pray on campus

Do you think the fine was justified? What would you have done if you were a faculty member at the Webber Academy? Have you ever come across a similar experience?

Pros of Religion in Schools

Promotes Religious Freedom A fundamental freedom stated within the Constitution Act 1982 Part I 2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms: (a) freedom of conscience and religion;

Creates Harmony If religious practices were allowed within a classroom students would have the opportunity to learn about different religions and cultures first hand. This would help the children to be more accepting and educated on other people’s beliefs.

A Well Rounded Education The goal of schooling is to mold students into citizens that are knowledgeable on a broad spectrum of topics and issues. Knowing the basics on an assortment of religions could help students avoid incorrect assumptions and this knowledge is applicable outside the classroom.

Cons of Religion in Schools

Marginalization of Students who are not religious, or practice a religion that is different than the majority of the school, would be excluded from many activities during the day. This exclusion would likely make the student the target of bullying and further prejudices.

Funding Public schools are funded by the taxpayers of the community. If a child’s parents are not religious or do not agree with the religion of the majority, then they may be highly opposed to paying taxes that fund these religious activities and programs.

Religion V. S. Science? Certain topics that are taught in school may cause conflicts within the religious teachings of some religions. Subjects like science and history have contradictory lessons which may invoke confusion in the students.

Fine Line There is a very thin line between teaching and preaching and many parents feel extremely uncomfortable with their child being preached to about religious matters that they have no control or say over.

Our Opinions!

What do you think of religion in schools? How can we as future teachers create an environment within our classrooms that is sensitive to all religions?

Activity : Give each student a piece of paper, half of the papers have a question that summarizes what they learned and find the other student with the response to their question