Freedom of Speech
Oct
My son is in public school, first grade. Recently, he got in a discussion with another child about the Bible. (We know the other child—also from a Christian family.) The teacher told them that “we don’t talk about the Bible at school”. I know my son is too immature to know when the appropriate time is to start a religious discussion. Basic question: what do we tell our kids about God’s “place” in school or day care? I want him to grow up knowing he can talk about God anytime and anywhere—not to consider it a taboo subject.
Too often adults tend to compartmentalize God. We may live as if He is only to be considered or talked to at church or limited times at home. But your son has it exactly right. God is God in every area of our life, all the time. I love it that the Bible and God are foremost in your son’s mind and that he easily discusses spiritual matters with his friend. I’m guessing that you have modeled that for him, just as we are directed in Deuteronomy 6:7. “Talk about them [God’s commands] when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Your child will learn from you that it is right to talk about God anywhere and it will be natural to him. That’s wonderful!
Given that understanding, you will still need to help him understand that not everyone will agree with his beliefs. Living in a society of great diversity offers us a wonderful opportunity to help our children understand different belief systems. They should be taught to be respectful of their friends who may not believe as your family does. At the same time, I know you will want your child to understand that Jesus loves everyone and wants them to know Him. There will be times to just pray for his friends, and there may be times to talk to them about Jesus. Help him understand how to be sensitive to that. We can’t force our beliefs on anyone.
One more note: the situation you described probably warrants a conversation with the teacher. If the conversation your son was having with his friend was at an appropriate time and was not interrupting the class, there is freedom of speech that gives them the right to discuss the Bible. It would be good for you and the teacher to come to an understanding on that.
I just happened to stumble upon this and found it very interesting. As a Christian I am offended that a teacher would say that…but as a former teacher I am appalled! Before having children of my own I taught 6th grade history…or as it is now called “wolrd cultures”. It is part of the state curriculum and objectives to teach the world religions, their fundamental beliefs, how those religions came to be and how they have impacted history throughout time. Every year my students would clam up and some would even ask “Are we allowed to be talking about this?” Oh yes, not only are we allowed but we are required to teach our students about the world and our history. That includes religion, lets not forget that religious texts are historical writings. I am constantly dismayed by the way our school systems has tried to banish religion from school. While it is not appropriate to “witness” in school, religion has played one of the most instrumental roles in how our world is shaped today. Every student has the right to talk about their own personal beliefs, it is the teacher who cannot preach his/her beliefs. Our children would learn more about each other and our world if they weren't afraid to talk about religion, we are doing them a disservice by making them feel as though certain topics are not allowed. Enough of my soap box….
I just happened to stumble upon this and found it very interesting. As a Christian I am offended that a teacher would say that…but as a former teacher I am appalled! Before having children of my own I taught 6th grade history…or as it is now called “wolrd cultures”. It is part of the state curriculum and objectives to teach the world religions, their fundamental beliefs, how those religions came to be and how they have impacted history throughout time. Every year my students would clam up and some would even ask “Are we allowed to be talking about this?” Oh yes, not only are we allowed but we are required to teach our students about the world and our history. That includes religion, lets not forget that religious texts are historical writings. I am constantly dismayed by the way our school systems has tried to banish religion from school. While it is not appropriate to “witness” in school, religion has played one of the most instrumental roles in how our world is shaped today. Every student has the right to talk about their own personal beliefs, it is the teacher who cannot preach his/her beliefs. Our children would learn more about each other and our world if they weren't afraid to talk about religion, we are doing them a disservice by making them feel as though certain topics are not allowed. Enough of my soap box….