MaHaley Knickerbocker
Ms. White
English II
10 September 2014
An On-going American Debate:
Should Religion be Taught in School? “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” This is the American Pledge of Allegiance, written by Francis Bellamy in 1892. Today, many schools around the country are not able to say the Pledge of Allegiance because the word “God” is being stated in it. Because of only one word, there are never-ending controversies going on between multiple people. At one point in time, religion was allowed to be taught in schools. Now, that right has been taken away, which is affecting the lives of many every day. Religion should be able to be a part of any school curriculum, without making anyone uncomfortable. Religion is based on strict faithfulness, devotion, and belief. According to the Richard Dawkins Foundation, “There is a crucial period in which a child begins to ask questions about life and wonders about the origin of existence and, if they are in a religious family, these questions are typically answered in a religious context” (RichardDawkins.net). Educating children about each type of religion, is not only giving them the opportunity to learn new things, but it is a chance for that specific person to be able to choose what they want to believe in. Facts show that most of the time, parents force one specific religion on the child without them being logically ready (Heritage.org). This, however, can be changed. With the convenience of them being able to learn about new religions from another’s perspective in school, they can see what’s to be offered in the countries belief system and have other options. There should be more of an emphasis on the history of our country when students learn. When most teachers talk about the First Amendment, they state the Five Freedoms: Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech and of the Press, and Freedom of Assembly and Petition. The teachers do not always go into depth of what each freedom specifically means. For our founding fathers to involve freedom of religion in the amendments, it has to mean something. God was on their mind when they were writing the Constitution, but teachers don’t go as far too even mention the word “God” in their classrooms. It shouldn’t be that way. ABC News said, “You never read about how the Founding Fathers were nearly all Christian believers and that it is their biblical world view that shaped the way they thought and achieved what they did" (Emily Friedman, 1). When teaching history, students need to know how, where, and why historical events happened. Leaving out an important aspect isn’t teaching them anything. When teachers inform students about the United States Constitution, they shouldn’t just be talking about the main points, they should be going into depth and telling their students why historian people made the decisions they did. Religion plays an important role. It could help students, as well as teachers. Having a set religion can decrease drug use and delinquency in young teens as well as help to increase self-control. Most teenagers who practice in religion are less likely to become alcoholics, unlike those who don’t. According to Patrick F. Fagan, Ph.D., “Professors of psychiatry at Northwestern University School of Medicine found, that nine out of ten alcoholics had lost interest in religion in their teenage years.” (Heritage.org). Religion should be something