The debate of separation of church and state in our schools is an intriguing one, and I think that both sides have valid and interesting points. I believe one way to reach a compromise is through offering elective social study courses in which the precepts and histories of the major world religions are taught. This could include any related literature, i.e., the Bible, Koran, etc., depending on the wishes of the school district. The courses could teach the tenets of the Judeo-Christian ethic, Islam, Buddhism, or any other number of religions. After all, the point of education is to help children make informed decisions as an adult, so why not offer a means of doing so in religion, without having anyone feel threatened?
Being that they are elective choices, those parents who do not want their children indoctrinated with religious teaching can be secure that nothing clandestine is going on in the classroom, and those who would want their tax dollars to offer spiritual lessons to the children can be confident that this option is open to them. This way, the Supreme Court ruling of separation of church and state can be upheld with equanimity, and the constitutional right to freedom of religion is upheld as well, including the right not to choose religion.
Religion is a matter of personal choice, but all should be educated so that the choice that they make is an informed one. Religious expression is part of the culture of the individual as well as that of the society. Learning the roots of his brothers and sisters broadens the horizons of a child, teaches him understanding of others, as well as helping him see what options are out there for him, rather than taking what one or two people tell him is gospel truth.
