How to Teach Religion in Public Schools
While the debate regarding the place of religion and religious education in public schools is a contentious and controversial one, the laws of separation of church and state do not forbid the instruction of religion as a course of study. However, in order to teach religion in public schools, a teacher must take an approach that is objective, respectful and based in informing rather than indoctrinating.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Discuss all lesson plans with as many of your supervisors and higher-ups as possible. Since religion is a highly personal and usually controversial subject, be prepared to ruffle some feathers with whatever approach you take. Having people like the principal, superintendent and members of the school board aware of what you're doing and approving of it before you start will help you deal with any conflicts that may arise and help you make good decisions about how to present these materials in your community.
-
2
Encourage students to make personal decisions about religion on their own and with the help of their families. Explain the basic principle of the separation of church and state, and be clear that as the students' teacher, you don't recommend any particular faith and that religious decisions are personal.
-
-
3
Teach from the point of view of objective history, rather than a religious person's perspective. In other words, teach facts about religions rather than teaching lessons such as those a person would receive in Sunday school. Do not proselytize any faith or belief.
-
4
Give an overview of multiple religions. Discuss the basic tenets of some of the largest world faiths (including Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism), but also discuss religious choices that are prevalent in your community. Spend some time addressing atheist and secular choices, as well as self-determined spiritual practices.
-
5
Talk about relations between religions and diplomacy between faiths. Address religious conflicts in broad terms, and avoid presenting subjects in manners that will lay heavier blame on any particular faith than on others.
-
1
