The Controversial Issue of Religion in Schools Essay

The Controversial Issue of Religion in Schools Religion in Schools has proven to be a very controversial matter as of lately. Even though teaching about religion is allowed in public schools, there are still many questions that are being asked in order to provide a basis of what is appropriate for school, and what is inappropriate. The first amendment to the United States Constitution says that congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof which implies that you have the choice of exercising your own religion, no matter what it may be. However, this poses an interesting argument within the public schools of America because we have such a diverse population with†¦show more content†¦President Dwight D. Eisenhower authorized the change so that the United States would be separated from our Soviet Union enemies who were purely Atheist. (Borja, 2002, paragraph 17.) To many people, the pledge is a constant affirmation of unity and love, and to many it is seen as just a giant cult-like prayer. The argument of the words ?under god? remaining in the pledge is an ongoing fight?one with many court cases, all of which have ruled the same. The ruling is that under god is still appropriate and need not be removed from the pledge. The argument is clear, saying that there are many people who are not ?under God? and do not believe in ?Him.? Some people believe this statement shows that our nation?s religious beliefs are all the same, when in fact they are not. In a recent case in California, a few chief justices spoke on their opinion about the pledge. Justice Rehnquist says ?Reciting the pledge, or listening to others recite it, is a patriotic exercise, not a religious one? Participants promise fidelity to our flag and our nation, not to any particular God, Faith or Church.? (Hendrie, 2004, paragraph 25). Judge O?Connor says that ?nearly any government action could be overturned as a violation of the establishment clause if a ?heckler?s veto? sufficed to show that its messa ge was one of endorsement.? (Hendrie, 2004, paragraph 27). To many people?s surprise, it is not necessary for children to recite the pledge of allegiance atShow MoreRelatedThe Controversial Issue of Teaching Religion in Public Schools2528 Words   |  11 PagesThe Controversial Issue of Teaching Religion in Public Schools Religion and public schooling, is one of todays most controversial issues in society . The question at hand is whether the teachers in the public schools should teach religion in Americas school systems or not. This controversy has been the issue of many Supreme Court rulings within the past thirty-five years. Separation of church and state seems inevitable for this nation. 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