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as a follow up to this discussion, i would also have to ask which part of the current curriculum should be tossed out to allow for a full course in world religion, and at what point should that class be taught? would it also cover world philosophies? how many parents of judeo-christian-islamic students are going to allow their children to learn about the other two sects, much less buddhism, hinduism, wicca, native american spirituality, etc? should students have grade 13 to accomodate all this? i don't think a course in world religion and philosophy is a bad thing; i do question whether or not such a class could be taught, both practically and politically.
i also have to say that nothing currently prevent prayer in public schools. kids can pray whenever they want to, as can teachers and administrators. what is protested against is government/administrator-led prayer. organized prayer in public schools. i don't really see any way around the establishment clause on that one. i personally don't see the problem: we have various religious institutions that can teach their choice of religion, unfettered by government standards. we have religious instruction at home. weekend community groups...why is it so important to have it taught in schools? would this material need to be included on the SAT/ACT? the GRE? i mean, if my kid is studying it, then they would need to be measured on progress, correct?
as far as this goes, i truly don't understand this issue's contentiousness, but i respect the fact that for many people it's a big deal.
as for atheism being a religion, i have toyed with that concept myself. it really breaks down to a semantic argument, and i don't know that i care anymore about it. if the presence of a deity is required for a religion, then i don't see how atheism can be a religion. if you're simply saying that spirituality can form a religion, then some atheists would be 'religious,' and some would not. all christians, jews, muslims, hindus, etc etc etc are religious. i'm not sure i see the value in that view point, but if it works for some, then fine by me.
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