Well, certainly Jehovah's Witnesses care greatly about their children's education, health, happiness and more. : ) We have Jehovah's Witnesses in my neighborhood and they are very, very nice people. My only concern is *forcing* non Jehovah's Witness children to miss out on their little birthday parties in school and other events just because of 1 Jehovah's child. I find that wrong. However, I think positively of people who are Jehovah's Witnesses.

Im going to have to agree with connbroo on this..add hornors night to the list of prayers being said..My sons are and have been in ROTC in High School every single gathering we attend Prayer is included .So why is it before sports and or school events prayer is said but our children are not allowed to begin their day with prayer ? I live in Ga.
Andi

Actually, it HAS always been that way.

From the very inception of our country, our federal Constitution has forbidden the "establishment of religion" by government.

So, no, the Constitution wasn't "changed by the government" on this issue; our Founding Fathers expressly wrote that protection into the Constitution, and those words have existed as long as the Constitution has existed.

That laws are broken does not mean they do not exist. That Constitutional provisions are ignored, and Constitutional protections not observed, does not mean they do not exist.

Our public schools do a woefully poor job of ensuring that our students know American history, the (federal) Constitution, and political science. Naturalized citizens often know more about our Constitution than do natural-born citizens, because they must pass a test on it to become citizens. According to studies, most natural-born citizens would fail that test. One poll showed that more adults could name the Three Stooges than could name the three branches of government (executive,legislative, judicial). Few people can even say what the Bill of Rights is part of (the federal Constitution) or name any of those rights beyond the freedoms of speech, press, and religion. Few know what the principle of "preemption" is; how many justices are on the U.S. Supreme Court; how many representatives are in the House or senators in the Senate; or how the roles of each of the branches of government differ.

Debate, to be useful, must start from a shared, informed base of knowledge. In my own state, however, "government" is not even taught until high school! Sadly, many children drop out before that course is taught. When I was a child, history and government were taught EVERY YEAR, beginning in 4th grade. It was either state history, American history, or world history.

We all want to improve our public schools, the quality of education, and the ability of our children to think analytically. All citizens, no matter their political or philosophical bent, should demand that schools educate children about the history and Constitution of their government. Indeed, this is something about which the most conservative and the most liberal can agree!

I understand what you are saying but it has not always that way, our constitution was changed by the government, prayer used to be allowed in schools, and it still is at most school-football games, graduation, etc. and the pledge of allegiance is not just a religious thing it is history

Andi63: No problem about the caps. Everyone is new to that rule at some point! Once you get accustomed to it, the caps are just really jarring. ER

Ah, but try to imagine being the young child who must raise her hand and ASK not to participate in a religious activity for a religion not her own. Imagine being "marked" by having to leave the class and go, alone, to the library. Do you really think there won't be at least several children in that class who will mock the departing child?

Whenever I hear someone advocating for prayer in schools, I am conscious of the fact that they are advocating for prayer in THEIR religion. (And I speak as one reared in a majority faith.) If, for example, a parent is Christian, he may be delighted if the prayer required is Christian, but less thrilled if the prayer is Buddhist or Hindu (and I'm not implying that there is anything wrong with either of those faiths).

Imagine that it is your little one, and not some OTHER child of different faith, who must raise his or her hand, be singled out, and sent to the library. It is unreasonable to expect any child to do this simply in order not to participate. Few children would do this. Children fear being different. Children have a right to be educated without being compelled to participate in any particular religious faith. And, let us not forget, atheists and agnostics have the same freedom FROM religion as those who have a faith have freedom OF religion.

The bottom line is: It's not an open question. Our Constitution forbids the government support of any religion in our schools.

And let's get serious and logical: The mentally ill school shooters would not have holstered their guns because their schools required prayer. They needed psychiatric hospitalization, and intensive psychiatric treatment, and, tragically, they did not receive it.

I do share your view that schools should promote a gentle and peaceful attitude. There are many ways to do that,including by encouraging understanding of, and respect for, a myriad of student differences; establishing and enforcing a firm anti-bullying program; and responding appropriately to any signs that a student may be suffering mental illness. Our school problems are not black-and-white, one-issue ones. The problems have many causes, and many solutions.

School was a better place, when i was in school, there were bullies but they were dealt with and looked over, what was school shootings? When we had religious activities any child that did not want to participate was allowed to leave and go to the library. when you start your day with a prayer, the whole day goes along smoothly, At least some of the school still start the day with the pledge of allegiance

I feel as A child, when I was in school until I was 7th grade and politics came into play,Children began their day together in prayer.This world was A much nicer place to live.Our children weren't behaving as so many are now.I don't remember ever being afraid of A gang in school until the eighth grade.There were not nearly as many Bullies in school.school was A better place for sure....Also we didn't have school shootings etc. That's just how I feel. Can you remember when you could go to school without fear ? I do and we began our day's with Prayer..
Andi

I find this dicussion interesting because I just had some respond to me in another venue where the poster said, in essence, that the problem with our kids in schools is because there "is a refusal to teach morality and commandments of God - and especially the only REAL way to give a child self-esteem, which is the fact that God loves them and made them to please him." [poster's quote]

While the poster went on to tie this to a lack of ethics in our kids, I had to react to the implication that it's a problem with teaching any one specific religion that is at the root of society's problems.

While ethics and morals are relevant (notice I said "morals" not "morality"), any time to introduce any ONE form of morality as superior to another, you'll have a problem. Regardless of what your religous leanings are (yay, nay, or otherwise), when you get into a position of "Our G[g]od vs. yours" you end up polarizing the discussion.

I don't expect that anyone is going to try to impose THEIR values, beliefs, or otherwise on me the same way I wouldn't want to do it to them. And, this is especially true in mainstream, secular schools where our kids, who may be too young to make up their own minds on the matter, don't need the potential added confusion of exposure to multiple points of view (all RIGHT, of course!) on the subject.

Thanks tjlove
so noted .I did say I was sorry for using all caps.I promise in the future I will not use all caps.
I hope everyone here is having A Happy Day ..
Stay Blessed,
Andi
ps
my e-mail will be in my profile today or evening so if you'd like to e-mail me pls feel free to do.

I'm briefly interrupting this thread to follow up
with the moderation questions that have been asked. From what I've discovered, the post that was removed was in all caps but also shared a personal email address. Sharing personal information in a public forum produces a safety and privacy risk which is why we either edit out that information or remove a post. We recommend using our private messaging system to share that type of information with other members.

As far as all caps, it's pretty standard in online communities to not allow them, but usually we are pretty relaxed about leaving them up.

You can read more about how the boards are moderated by checking out our moderation policy, which is posted in the Advice section:
community.greatschools.net/advice/562/Moderation-Policy-and-Posting-Guidelines--A-Guide-to-Your-Community

And also familiarizing yourselves with the Community Guidelines:
www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/static/terms.html/CA#communityStandards

Feel free to contact me anytime with questions. I'm sorry for any confusion this caused!!

Carry on everyone!

I'm finding it A lil silly to be so uptight about us using caps here.OK I used them in my entire post.bad about me...but connbroo used them in a 'get my point ' kind of way. what is wrong with that? must we adults be so petty ?
I firmly think if enough people got together and stood together ,we could get these laws or whatever changed about allowing our children prayer back in schools..
Laura1967 about the tee shirt I'd have A talk with BOE and address the pto or pta about that one quick.My children do wear tee shirts with jesus on them proudly.. No one so far from Peach County Schools have said anything..I hope they don't cause that would make this Ga. Mom really upset ..

thanks for the info, was not aware that caps was not allowed, and to laura1967, why is Jeses t shirts not allowed in school, is it policy? if writing on t shirts is allowed, as long as it is not vulgar, then they cannot deny jesus t shirts, my grandson wore his t shirt last year that says jesus loves me to school

I would, love to see all of us, stand up.....it would be great, but that's where the church & state come in....I do believe, they ought to offer a moment of silence in class before lunch....and remove evolution, and only teach it as a maybe theory or just altogheter get rid of it....it really breaks my heart...my son has----jesus---t-shirts, but he can't wear them to school......but one other kid i saw one day---had on a "pink" shirt that said " Don't laugh...This is your girl friends shirt".....????

I understand the sentiment, connbroo, but at least be aware that typing in all caps is not allowed on the GreatSchools community and such posts may be deleted. This may be why andi63 had a problem earlier.

i am not trying to offend anybody either, but maybe we do need to shout when it comes to our children and their rights at school, maybe we all need to stand up and shout "PUT PRAYER BACK IN OUR SCHOOLS"

christians are becoming the minority because we are letting that happen, I am talking about me too, we don't speak up or stand up when we should for whatever reason. we let government decide what we can or cannot say in our schools and in our community's, we dictated by the government, Why?

i totally agree with andi63, we need to all speak up more and stand up for our rights, not only was thsi country founded by christians but it was created by a number 1 christians- GOD

I totally agree, with you...but with the church and state law, it wont work...another thing i am tired of is.....If your child wears anything, offenseive,.....well, that leaves a GAP A MILE LONG,.....

We are becoming the minority..Why b/cause we need more if not all christians standing up in all places ,work ,school etc and fighting for our rights as Christians .Our country was founded by Christians and I'm so tired of the Goverment changing what our Country is or was all about..In God We Trust ,Has been forgotten by too many ..We need to fight this for our children and Ourselves ..What ya Think ? :)
Be Blessed ,
Andi

You are right, and i wish we could change things....but i don't see it happening...i feel....christian's are becoming the minority....

I'm So Sorry about using caps.. I didn't mean to offend anyone.I certainly wasn't yelling or shouting ..
I do not feel I should have to home school my child because we are A christain family.. I do feel my children have A right to pray during the day at school. I also feel A child of another faith has the right to kneel and pray 4 times A day for 15 minutes if that is their Relgious Belief...To say A child should be homeschooled because they are christain and wish to pray in Unfair...Our taxes do pay for these schools and for teachers salary do they not?
Be Blessed,
Andi

Andi63, please use lower case letters. All upper-case letters is considering "shouting" on the Internet.

Religion is important to many people of many different faiths. People say "Happy Holidays" not to insult Christians (it would be very unreasonable and crotchety to take that kind wish, made by a smiling person, as an insult!) but to be inclusive and respectful of ALL religions. The persons wishing you a good holiday have no idea what your religion is, and wouldn't presume to inquire. (How rude and invasive of your privacy that would be!) While you may wish that they said, "Merry Christmas," you might be less understanding if instead they said, "Happy Hannekuh" to all or wished everyone a wonderful Kwanzaa. Why pick ONE religion or philosophy from the many? A civil society is tolerant and not arrogant.

The majority (whether in religion, politics, or other arenas) has an obligation to protect the rights of, and respect the diverse opinions of, the minority. Especially since history shows us that the majority at any time could suddenly become the minority.

Belligerence has no place in religion.

As for religion and science, President Jimmy Carter, a devout Christian and the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, has written extensively about why he personally believes religion and science are not incompatible.

As for religion and school, the United States Supreme Court is tasked by our Constitution with issuing opinions which apply our rights as citizens to particular fact situations. Its obligation is not just to protect MY rights or YOUR rights, but EVERYONE's rights. Our public schools have an obligation to observe the law. Were it otherwise, what lesson would we be teaching our children?

The horrors of government-sanctioned religion are what led our early pioneers to flee England and establish this nation.

Those who desire a faith-based education may choose a parochial school or homeschooling. Public schools must remain secular, so that all will feel welcome, and so so that government will not establish any one religion as superior to the others.

Did you reply here??, or some where else???

I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHY MY POST JUST MINUTES BEFORE THE PS POST WAS TAKEN OFF. THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT..I'M NEW HERE AND DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY IT WAS REMOVED.ANYONE CAN ANSWER THAT?
aNDI

PS:
I 'MERRY CHRISTMAS' EVERONE I SEE DURING THE SEASON, EVEN WHEN THEY SAY HAPPY HOLIDAYS I SAY 'NO BUT,HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS'..AS DO MY CHILDREN...
IT'S LAW IN OUR HOME..I BUY NOTHING THAT SAY'S HAPPY HOLIDAY'S OR OTHER THAN MERRY CHRISTMAS..OR HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS.....

Here, in Hendersonville,N.C......GOD...is not to be mentioned,.nor any other region of any kind...a boy, of a friend of mine's child, took his BIBLE to school, and was reading it quietly, in study hall....and it was taken, away.and took to the office for bringing REGION'S material to school.....SHE WAS MAD!!! They today, can SNEAK and PRAY for lunch....BUT most children are ashamed to, for fear of being made fun off.......and to beat it all ...my mother works at a...WAL-MART...and is only allowed to say "SEASON"S GREETINGS" .....SAM WALTON, is rolling over in his grave....when he built wal-mart's he said "This will be a family store, NO BEER OR WINE" HE DIED,---he wasn't' even cold yet---and his son's...and stock people...took off running.....

Interesting topic.
I CLEARLY remember in the 5th grade a teacher going into great detail about Evolution...as well as going to a museum that showed the Evolution using apes and such as a reference.
I have always believed in God...but wasn't raised in a Christian home so I didn't really understand what the teacher was teaching me, I think I remember believing it (evolution) but still beling in God and Him being a THE creator.
It wasn't until I became a Christian that now I realize what I was being taught.
I shudder when I hear the stories of what the professors but young college students through to try and shake their belief in God. How they try and persuade them to 'free thinking' and teaching them it's wrong to believe in God.
There is a startling statistic for Christian kids that go off to college...70% walk away from their faith in college.
My childrens youth pastor is aware of that and has worked hard along with us (their parents) to build a SOLID foundation in their belief and serving God.
We moved from California to Texas 3 years ago and now with a child entering middle school and one going to be a sophomore in high school......I am so GLAD we are in Texas.
Teachers say MERRY CHRISTMAS here.....lots go to church and its more the norm rather than the exception to talk about Jesus Christ.

I don't feel the need to prove anyhing.I have FAITH !
i have faith in the word of God and his son Jesus !
I have Total faith in the Bible....
I will never forget when I was in 7th grade and they began with No more prayers in schools,I had A wonderful teacher who put her job everyday on the line by telling students We are going to say the lords prayers before we begin the day

AMEN!!! I can remember, praying before lunch...and at Christmas....the principle would read about JESUS being born....I am all for not offending other people...but now they are offending Christians....and no one seems to care..."THE BIBLE SAYS,HE CREATED"

evoluntion? should it be a requirement to be taught in our schools? NO!!! The bible needs to be taught in our schools, when god was taken from our schools then that is when the problems began, look back at times, see this growing problem, children do not be confused by evolution, evolution is a theory that man came from a spinning rock, if they did, who created that spinning rock?

WHAT IS EVOLUTION?
One definition of “evolution” is: “A process of change in a certain direction.” However, the term is used in several ways. For example, it is used to describe big changes in inanimate things—the development of the universe. In addition, the term is used to describe small changes in living things—the way plants and animals adapt to their environment. The word is most commonly used, though, to describe the theory that life arose from inanimate chemicals, formed into self-replicating cells, and slowly developed into more and more complex creatures, with man being the most intelligent of its productions. This third notion is what is meant by the term “evolution” in this weeks coversation.
SHORTLY after Charles Darwin made the theory of evolution popular, many so-called Christian denominations started looking for ways to marry their belief in God to their acceptance of the theory of evolution.
Today, most prominent “Christian” religious groups seem willing to accept that God must have used evolution in some way to create life. Some teach that God preprogrammed the universe to develop in such a way that living things inevitably evolved from lifeless chemicals and eventually produced mankind. Those who subscribe to this teaching, known as theistic evolution, do not feel that God interfered with the process once it started. Others think that, in general, God allowed evolution to produce most families of plants and animals but occasionally stepped in to move the process along.
Is the theory of evolution really compatible with the teachings of the Bible? If evolution were true, then the Bible’s account of the creation of the first man, Adam, would be, at best, a story meant to teach a moral lesson but not intended to be taken literally. (Genesis 1:26, 27; 2:18-24) Is that how Jesus viewed this Bible account? “Did you not read,” said Jesus, “that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother and will stick to his wife, and the two will be one flesh’? So that they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has yoked together let no man put apart.”—Matthew 19:4-6.

The teaching of evolution is not limited to the realm of scientific theory.
It is a human philosophy that blossomed and then flourished for decades. In
recent years, however, the traditional evolutionary teaching of Darwin has
itself evolved—in fact, mutated—as efforts have been made to explain away
the increasing evidence for design in the natural world.

That's where your right, it is not worthwhile to continue to discuss this. It is however, fun to disagree is it not?

bookreader4 I did look at the link you provided about Scientology on some points I was misinformed I will give you that.

On "wanting" to keep my son or children in general from asking questions, getting a complete science education, religious tolerance etc. That is completely laughable. As always your entitled to your opinion and I will regard it as just that.

Also, szobarth23, Scientology is not a religion based on science. It is a religion based on the writings of a science fiction novelist.

This website explains the basic tenets of Scientology.

www.religioustolerance.org/scientol1.htm

Though evolution may not be a "fact" in the sense of being completely, unquestionably, unconditionally true, neither are many scientific "facts" we all take for granted - such as gravity, as has been pointed out earlier. A theory as we think of it (a possible explanation) is a hypothesis in the scientific world. Once an idea is called a true theory, this means that the idea is not considered to be falsifiable in the foreseeable future (like gravity) and is therefore as close to fact as possible. And for that matter, evolution HAS been directly observed - unfortunately, human evolution happened back before we were able to observe it happening.

So if it is disturbing that evolution is being taught as fact, is it disturbing that gravity is being taught as fact? What about cell theory (the idea that cells are the basic unit of structure in living things)? What about atomic theory (atoms are the basic unit of structure in the universe)? What about plate tectonics (the crust of the earth, composed of several plates, moves about the liquid inner layers, causing continental drift and earthquakes)? Our schools' science programs are meant to teach children the observable facts, and by teaching evolution they are doing so. Not teaching creationism does not mean the belief is not being respected; I was raised religious myself and have great respect for personal belief. However, evolution is not a belief. It is science.

I'm not sure if it's worthwhile to continue this discussion, but what the heck...it's certainly interesting to read about what others believe.

Nowhere in any legitimate science textbook or scientific publication will you find a claim that humans descended from monkeys. Or fish. Or any other creature that currently exists on Earth. No teacher who has any idea of what he or she is talking about will try to teach that to your child, and if someone does, go straight to the principal and demand an explanation.

What scientists have found is ample evidence to prove a common ancestor. Yes, I did say prove, not "guess".

For those who would like to learn more about this complex but absolutely fascinating scientific concept, you might want to start with evolution.berkeley.edu, a website produced by the University of California at Berkeley's Museum of Paleontology. Or if the word "Berkeley" somehow conjures up a liberal bias for you, try millerandlevine.com/km/evol, produced by biology Professor Keneth Miller of Brown University, who says he believes in evolution and in God "as the author of all things seen and unseen."

The more you learn, the more interesting life becomes. I don't know why some parents want to protect their children from that, but I'll repeat my earlier suggestion--if you want to prevent your child from learning something that might cause them to ask questions and draw conclusions that are different from your own, then go ahead and pull 'em out of science class. It's your right--I just think you're wrong.

I Will Not Have My 2nd Grader taught she came from Monkey's.. I agree that if evolution must be taught in our schools, Then it should only be done in High School. My son's were taught this but, before class the teacher told them this is not their belief but they had to teach the class..

Contrary to what some people believe I think I can speak for many Christians when I say the theory of evolution is not at all threatening. I agree with Child_of_Ra when I say it disturbs me is that the theory of evolution is being taught as fact when it simply is not. I do not disagree with evolution being taught in schools, even in the Christian bible it says the Lord will not give us all the answers. I am at disagreement with HOW it is being taught...Sure there might be bones from a long time ago and people that look not as we know them now..but it is still just a good guess immrsp, nothing more-that is fact. My son will one day have to make the choice of what he chooses to believe. I do hope he chooses the faith he has been brought up in, and, if he does not...that is his choice to make. I do not know who you are referring to with the "persecution" remark but I never said I felt persecuted. I merely stated that I felt my beliefs where not as respected as others. As for Scientology that is a religion, yes, but it is a religion based on belief in science not the Lord. So you never left science...

Feel free to disagree strongly you are entitled to your opinion as well as everyone else who posts here. Laura1967 was only saying you can disagree but there is a right way and a wrong way.

I am a follower of Christ and a practicing Christan. I think there is no conflict between students belief and teachers' demands. The conflict is where people stand with, with their belief and what they stand FOR.

How do people with religious belief treat one another and people outside their religion. Actions speak louder than words. There is element of goodness in all religion, all people, and tribes.

Spare a minute or two and research what education is all about for students, teachers, and parents.

As immrsp said, there are many that see "no conflict between their religious beliefs and their scientific knowledge."
It does not say in the Bible HOW God created the heavens and the earth. God's "day" could be billions of years to us. I must say I find it odd to think that God would give us these wonderfully intelligent and logical brains, and then leave vasts amounts of evidence pointing to evolution, for us only to find out in the end that he Psyched us! I guess I just think He'd have better things to do. :)

Last year, the 6th grade science teacher had to "re-teach" part of her curriculum because some students "left her class confused"....it was about evolution. Whether it is "believed in" or not, it will stay part of the curriculum as far as I can see. Only thing parents can do is remind their children of what the parents beliefs are, but of course, parents or educators can not make the students believe in something they don't. Usually, at the grades this evolution theory is spoken of, it is in MS or later, by then, students are able to form their own opinions as well as add to the classroom participation discussions....which is a good thing, isn't it?

I respect all religions, but it is difficult for me to understand why parents would not allow their kids to hear everything, then make their own opinion.

There are a lot of things that are taught to my kids that I disagree with. I talk to them of what I believe and why, and they hear the school's lesson. Then I trust them to make their own decisions. It is a fundamental respect for kids to trust their common sense (or is it that people do not think what they believe is strong and solid enough that it will be destroyed because they hear something different in school?).

I homeschool my boys. Yes, I am a Christian but that isn't the reason I homeschool. Even if my children attended a public school we do a lot with our church so I really have no worries about what my boys believe. I will teach them what evolution is but I will also tell them why we believe the way we do. Just as I can't force them to be Christians like hubby and I, the schools can't force them to believe the way they do. That is just my humble opinion :).

Sorry if I seemed "snippy"--I simply meant to disagree. Strongly. And I'm about to disagree strongly with szobarth 23 and others again, so if you don't like to read opinions that are at variance with your own, stop now.

Not sure where the reference to Scientology came from, but Scientology is a religion (a rather strange one, in my opinion), not science. Now, back to science.

Evolution is not a form of religion. It's a scientific theory that backed by piles of evidence, accepted by the vast majority of scientists, including many, many scientists who consider themselves to be Christian and see no conflict between their religious beliefs and their scientific knowledge.

And for those of you who cried out, "Aha! You admit it's just a THEORY!", the word "theory" in science does not mean "something that might or might not be true." In science, gravity is also a theory, and I hope it's one we can all agree we believe in.

You want to interpret the Bible literally, feel free. Nobody's stopping you, and no, disagreeing with you isn't the same as persecuting you or trying to prevent you from practicing your faith. You just don't have the right to insist that your religious beliefs be taught in public schools in the guise of science.

For greatschoolers who find this subject interesting, rather than threatening, I recommend Monkey Girl: Evolution, Education, Religion and the Battle for America's Soul, by Edward Hume. It's about the federal court case that came of the Dover (Pa.) School Board's attempt to "balance" the evolution portion of its science curriculum by teaching Intelligent Design.

To the original poster: If you are concerned that your child's religious beliefs will be compromised in a classroom, it's important to talk with the teacher and the principal about your concerns.

You may want to check out this discussion from a woman whose son is Native American. The school said he must cut his hair in order to attend which goes against the Native American tradition. Her battle with the school district should give all of us inspiration for standing up for our beliefs.
community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/194479/Can-a-public-school-forbid-my-child-from-attending-beacuse-of-his-hair?cpage=1#comments

This is why I feel that a religions of the world elective would be greatly beneficial in high-school. Up until that point, it is my personal belief, that science needs to stick with the facts (things which can be proven). And mankind's evolution from fish/apes cannot be proven yet. Until it can, they need to keep it as a theory. But now, they are teaching it as "fact" and it's just not. As we all know, science changes rapidly based on new knowledge and so to teach anything really as fact, like string theory even, is just not the right thing to do. They are all theories. As our knowledge & understanding grows, we find that what we knew yesterday as "fact" is not actually true at all or is only a part of the picture (like string theory).

Unless schools are going to add an all encompassing religions class in high-school, they really need to keep their other beliefs off our kids.

I have no religion but am very spiritual. And I do have strong beliefs in where we came from and where we're going and what we're doing here. And for any public school to force their non-factual & unproven beliefs on my child interferes in my child's right to learn in an unbiased atmosphere.

Like all parents, We Jehovah Witnesses are concern about our children's future.
We therefore attach great importance to education.
"Education should help people become useful members of society.
It should also help them develop an appreciation of their cultural heritage and live more satisfying lives".
Quoted from THE WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA suggests,One of the main aims of schooling is to train children for day to day living, which includes enabling them to care for the needs of a family one day.
for further information feel free to contact me I can provide a free copy of "Jehovah's Witnesses And Education."

"all in all we need to respect others christian beliefs".

EXACTLY....evolution is a FORM of religion.....immrsp, with all due respect...you really don't need to get snippy, about all of this sbozarth23.,is entitle to how she feels. we are to help the person asking the question, not attacking each other

I don't agree immrsp, they are not that different from each other science and the BELIEF of evolution are just that-beliefs. Scientology the belief of science over religion does promote the theory of evolution over creation. I do have a complete science education that is what my degree's are in science and math. I just do not believe that our species for no proven reason came out of the sea or down from the trees one day. If teachers and students are going to "interject" their evolution beliefs in the classroom my son has every right to interject his own. While I do not encourage his disrupting a class room I would encourage him if he was being coerced ( or forced like I was before I told my parents ) by his teachers and his principal to sit through a lecture that he does not agree with to leave.

Sorry, sbozarth23, but evolution and creation aren't two sides of the same story. They're totally different and distinct subjects--one's science, and one's religion. Your parents absolutely had the right to ask the school to give you an incomplete science education by removing you from the classroom during discussions of evolution, but now that you're a parent, please don't encourage your son to inject his religious beliefs into other students' science education. If you and he feel he needs to be protected from science, just pull him out and let the other kids get on with their education.

its effects them greatly, they are ridaculed for this and yes the teachers can let there mouths overload ther butts....

I "TOTALLY" agree with,sbozarth23....alot of times in a class, you can write a note.. and you child can get another asignment.....as far as their beliefs being respected, i don't know but i do know that they have a right to it...but in school they are not allowed to pass out leaflets or start a group.

Hi,
It sounds like your question is aimed towards a specific school. However, the GreatSchools Parent Community is not associated with any particular school, district or area. I just want to make sure you get your question to the right people.
:)

When I was in high school I had problems with my science teachers that landed me in the principles office a lot. The problem was I did not ( and still do not ) believe in evolution. I do not think human kind evolved from fish or apes and so when my teachers tried to force me to sit through that particular lecture I would refuse citing my religious beliefs. I felt my beliefs were not respected and the principle ( before my parents got involved ) as well as my science teachers tried to make me sit through that lecture on evolution. Once my parents got involved I was excused from that part of the curriculum and was given another assignment to complete in the library until that subject was over with. In my opinion Christian faith is not protected nearly as well as other faiths in public schools particularly Islamic, and Jewish faiths. My husband and I will tell our son when he reaches an age where people will challenge his beliefs and try to sway him he has every right to extract himself from that situation. To make something clear I am willing to listen to others peoples opinion about religion etc. I even took a world religion's class in college and studied other religions and visited their places of worship. However, when it comes teaching evolution to our children for me that comes to close to the mix church and state. If they cannot teach both sides of the story evolution and creation, than they should leave that topic up to us-their parents.