Religion in Schools Debate Heats Up

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I am a public school teacher and an atheist. Why can't we just state truthfully "We don't know." Present what we DO know, and welcome discussion.
It is ridiculous for people to assume students aren't hearing religion at school. Teachers say out loud "This is prayer time" even though the principal says "Use this time for prayer, meditation, or quiet time." Teachers display crosses, bible quotes, and jesus pictures. They criticize non-believers, and openly say religious sayings all the time.
I am in Texas. The superintendent sends out religious greetings to the entire district. We are on 1-yr contracts, so there is no way anyone will speak up.

Texastexastexas of TX 10:56AM April 29, 2012

And for the love of God, please do not read some of the comments on here about people saying those who do not support religion in school are God haters or something else. It's already enough that so many people think of those types when they think of Christianity. Revelations 22:18 tells us Christians not to change or addlib what we read from the bible, because it's those who change the word to suit their needs ot thoughts that are truly hurting God. some of the "Christians" here just either haven't properly studied the bible as they need to or just plain have no idea what they're talking about. If you want information on Christ, I suggest talking to a local church pastor and seeing what they have for you. Don't be led astray by the fruitless Christians. God is not who they make you think He is.

A christian, basing his faith on empirical evidence. of FL 1:53PM April 20, 2012

If you honestly believe evolution doesn't lack sufficient empirical evidence, then you should've gone to school in Texas so you could have found it's weaknesses.
Firstly, after decades of testing and observation, the human cell has proven to be irreducably complex. There is no part of it which the cell could have functioned without, meaning the cell could not have become what it is from anything less.
Secondly, there simply isn't enough in the fossil record to even somewhat suggest humans evolved from a lesser species. The latest study I read on the topic included that over 50,000 changes (Being HIGHLY generous in keeping the number lower than it could have been) would have had to take place from have a human from the ape believed closest to human (Oragitan, I believe, but unsure). We have maybe 2 of those 50,000 links. Where are the rest?
Simply put, and from the mouth of Darwin himself, if it could be shown that intellegent life is too complex for it to have ever been anything less, his entire theory would be ruined. This is what the concept of irreducable complexity means. Combined with the weakness of fossil records, his theory just can no longer stand against the counter evidence.
I feel like sympathizes of Darwin's theories would rather us believe a false theory with weak evidence over a theory that simply can't be proven. In the end, I feel like NOT allowing students the ability to test the theory for themselves is to say students should not think for themselves at all. Until something can be proven totally true and factual, we should always provide other sides of the argument, no matter what evidence it is based on.

A christian, basing his faith on empirical evidence. of FL 1:42PM April 20, 2012

I'm going to have to take the side of the Scientists on this one. Trust me, I hold absolutely nothing against the church, but science classes are based on TESTABLE theories. Creationism and intelligent design, while theories just like evolution, lack empirical evidence where evolution does not. Any other class? Go right ahead. Religion is just fine, as long as it's not forced on students. In fact, it's an arguably unrivaled source of cultural influence with massive educational value. But you can't teach something that's not science in a science class. It's not because of bigotry or atheism, it's just not the right subject.

Jack of PA 12:53PM December 08, 2011

to hayley of IL i totally agree..........

cameron bease of CO 10:32AM November 01, 2011

i think religion is peoples choices of life an that should be allowed any where...an of course you have maniacs out there but what kind of world would this be without a little crazy...

cameron bease of CO 10:29AM November 01, 2011

If all parents would pull their kids from any college or university that are against religion and all business men would refuse to hire people from these said college and universities it would be a much better world we live in.

Wes Freeman of AL 9:25AM September 26, 2011

You claim to be educated but do not display good reasoning skills or any sign of intelligence on these matters.
Atheism a religion? Atheism is a belief in the rejection of belief that any deities exists? That makes no sense and, fyi, Atheism is not taught in schools.
Atheism is the rejection of belief that deities exist, this is not taught in school.
Science is taught in school, and science is not Atheism.
If science were atheism, are you suggesting that we shouldn't educate kids on science.
No health class and no science class.
If you feel evolution is being used to support Atheism, you are wrong, and evolution is JUST science.
Religion should be more of a personal endeavor esp considering the separation of church and state. Sep. of church and state is way better than Church and State! (unless you are a majority)
THE BIBLE WAS NOT THE FOUNDATION FOR AMERICAN DEMOCRACY YOU TWIT!
IF YOU HAVE EVER READ A HISTORY BOOK AND YOU'D KNOW THAT!
Just where did you get your education? A cracker box?
I apologize for being rude but seriously, WTH?

Benjamin Stills of MD 2:56AM August 20, 2011

I really enjoyed reading this. This kind of discussion should be there which provides the knowledge and clear idea about religion. But there must not be any law which says to study only one particular religion.

Politikunterricht of AZ 12:12AM July 11, 2011

Although I have 25 years of schooling, and multiple degrees and graduate degrees (including M.D., my career, current profession over past many years), and although I obviously love schools and teachers (have taught junior high and high school students), I am not ignorant as far as our greatest education.
Home is where we all learn the fundamental lessons of life: how to care for ourselves, how to treat others, and, of course, faith--schools cannot teach us how to be human beings, or the meaning of our existence, the way parents can.
My own children have attended public schools, as I did; there is a social and cultural education that come with the academic training in school.
Schools should not teach one religion over another--including atheism, or the new national secular religion--also there should be no law against religion, or learning or talking about religion.
When I was a youth, I loved to go to the school library and read religious books, such as the Baghavad Gita or Quran--these should NOT be outlawed--nor should the Holy Bible, the foundation document for Western Civilization and American Democracy. We should let our children ask questions, and we should not forbid them from praying to God or learning about religion.
It's still a free country--or should be--in my home, and my children's schools.

Michael Staker of UT 1:20PM June 11, 2011