Church and State - Stick to it!

My son's Science teacher has recently been teaching on Evolution. While teaching this theory he has also been injecting his personal religious beliefs and bashing the bible and God; explaining that the bible is wrong and God's part in the forming of the universe was "small." So I decided to set the record straight and send him an email. I have included a copy below for your reading enjoyment. =)

Mr. (Teacher's Name),

My son has informed me over the course of the last week or so that you are in the process of teaching The Evolution Theory. I believe it is a good thing for our children to be exposed to different ideas and theories. I am a strong proponent to learning and expanding our understanding of the world around us. However, as a teacher; a government employee, you may not interject your personal religious beliefs, either for or against at any time during your teaching sessions.

The right to express my religious views and opinions as a private citizen has been removed from you while you are “on the clock" due to the separation of church and state. In light of this, I would greatly appreciate you stick to “just the theory” and keep religious opinion to those of us who are allowed to espouse it.

 

School me Ken.

 

Ken ... Would you be saying the same if the teacher instead was teaching a pro-Creation philosophy? In that case, the teacher would be out of the classroom as soon as one parent complained! Teach BOTH "philosophies" or teach neither.

Thanking God all the time for the freedom to homeschool and ensure my children are taught facts rather than one teacher's personal opinions!

 

Try this link:


http://www.religioustolerance.org/ev_news.htm

Grace

P.S. I have more, if needed. Don't forget about the First Amendment and that applies to teachers.

 

Pastorg Do you really think you can make a difference with Ken? :nopity:

I do agree with you and the home school lady. Teach both views, we presently home school and it has been very productive this year. This could be a pandora's box discussion.

 

As much as I hate to say it, Ken it correct. And, as a parent and taxpayer, I want to keep the separation of church and state right where it is. A teacher can make a personal comment or even a scientific comment. One might want to check some of Hatteras6's Posts on the questions and comments students ask a teacher. After reading those then come back and try to understand the law!

Grace

 

How about taking a different approach than writing that letter to the teacher. Tell your child that if/when a teacher talks about something that is not in the textbook that child raise its hand and ask a question. The child could ask a non-confrontational question in regards to the statement and sometimes it will bring a good discussion into the classroom.

If the teacher does not allow the child to ask the question then I would address that not this subject.

Grace

 

If it is a religious school and only if it is a religious school.

Grace

 

I will bow out. And, I am not an extremist! I am a realist and believe in following the law, not breaking it.

Grace

P.S. To all who do not know...I seldom agree with Ken.

 

if a teacher-led class prayer violates the constitution, how does interjecting religious opinion into approved curriculum not do the same? i understand that the argument could be made that the teacher leading a prayer is akin to school (and therefore government) endorsement. so, why then could you not say the same about religion being interjected into curriculum? if the teacher is allowed to espouse religious views, couldn't that be covered by the same argument?

 

I would call up the teacher and speak with them personally. I find that some things get lost in translation when dealing when kids, esp if they know what your hot buttons are. If you have not seen/heard with your own eyes what is going on in the classroom, you might be barking up the wrong tree.

 

so individual teachers are still allowed to lead the class in prayer even though school prayer has been ruled unconstitutional? that would certainly be a loophole i've not heard before. if that's true, i'd think that school systems that wanted prayer would inform their teachers with a wink and a nod and there would be alot of prayer in alot of schools.

maybe there is and i just never heard about it....

 

Answer to your question is in this link: http://www.icr.org/article/274/

The Bully Thread proves I am a Debater, it neither proves I am an idealist or a realist. Not every topic I discuss/debate do I believe or disbelieve in. I thought that is what we were doing by having these discussions; learning.

You base your opinion on what I am based on an Internet Forum...Ken, I think you are smarter than that. Sure, I do Post what I actually feel or believe on some Threads while on others I debate. Come on...you and Clif are really good at this, don't you think. And, both of you have taught me much through the years.

Now, if I PM someone...I am stating my beliefs, thoughts and feelings.

I am out of this Thread. It is all yours because if we continue this Thread will no longer be of use to the Poster.

Grace

 

Don't get mad at me, please. Reread the link. The part we are discussing is nearing the bottom. I have bookmarked actual Constitutional cases, if needed. One thing is true...I believe in the Constitution and follow Supreme Court Cases. My very best friend has a library in his house full of this stuff and even when our government is asking potential candidates questions for Supreme Court he researches every single case brought up.

I am passionate when it comes to anyone not following the Constitution and not believing it is patriotic to Freedom of Speech without violence. Whether that Free Speech is extreme Right, extreme Left or Moderate, I believe in the Constitution of the United States of America and believe our School Board must follow it and the Bill of Rights, whether it is in favor of the Right, Left or a Circle!

Grace

 

Ken,

As far as I know I have only not gotten back to you on one Thread regarding some questions and I thought I explained, privately, why. I did the research you gave me on that Thread and both my mother and I learned much while she was at Duke. Other than that single Thread I have tried my best to answer questions.

The problem I have is that sometimes it is just question after question and not a discussion and so I will back out to gather thoughts and, yes, research to make sure I answer the right way, "at the time".

Even today on the Thread discussing the death penalty on a case where the body has not been found I have been doing research, without you knowing. Your Post was thought provoking and I want to research and understand. If I just come right back in I am not learning nor contributing.

I once said to someone on this Forum...If one wants to start a good debate do this...Title of Thread: Charles Manson Does Not Belong In Prison For What He Was Convicted Of. The other person asked me a few questions...my answer was...he killed not one person, he told people to kill but they did not have too. That person stated that when Charlie comes up for parole again they might do that. I suggested not too because I don't think but just a few people would understand that it was not how one really feels but a discussion/debate on sentencing people to prison, murder, etc.

I hope that helps you understand where I am coming from

Your Friend,
Grace

 

Rulings by the Supreme Court occasionally counter the Constitution (Plessy v. Ferguson is a great example)

So you believe that the Supreme Court cannot forbid a teacher from leading a classroom prayer. You believe that the Supreme Court cannot forbid a county courthouse from displaying a nativity, etc., etc.

After all, the first amendment states (emphasis mine):
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

 

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Well, sheut. I cannot get my items Posted to reply. I'll try to get back to Ken and Clif soon.

Thanks Harley and nsanemom22.

Grace