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EDHS Contemporary World Affairs -> Discussion Topics, Week J -> Religion class facing criticism
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DaisyVo1212


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Religion class facing criticism
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http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-schools-kabbalah14-2009apr14,0,3061945.story


'Spirituality for Kids' class draws fire

The program, created by a leader of the L.A.-based Kabbalah Centre International, is promoted as a way to teach children how to make wise choices. Critics say it brings religion into public schools.

The children, taking part in an after-school program at Kester Avenue Elementary, must tell Zucker what they plan to bring; she will then decide if they can join her. Alex wants to bring apples; he gets the nod. But Athena and her offer of brownies are turned down, as are Samantha and her macaroni and cheese. Elijah suggests eels and Matthew melons; both are accepted. The students soon realize they must bring something that starts with the first letter of their name.

Zucker, 28, tells them that once they figured out the rules of the game, the reward was "greater satisfaction."

"What does greater satisfaction bring?" she asks. Matthew replies: "Spiritual power!"

Zucker asks him where the power comes from? "Your inner light," the boy answers.

And where is that light found? "In your heart," he says.

The exchange is part of "Spirituality for Kids," a class offered in several Los Angeles public elementary schools during the day or after school. Created by a leader of the Los Angeles-based Kabbalah Centre International, a spiritual and educational organization, the program is promoted as a nondenominational effort to teach children to make wise choices.

But it is drawing fire from parents and others who say it is illegally bringing religion into public schools under the guise of ethics training.


Do you think classes like these should or should not be taught in public schools?


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ich_binJason


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What are you going to do about it? Censor the words inner light and spiritual power?  Yeah it sounds like kaballah mysticism, but does this violate the free exercise clause? Does the government have a case for compelling interest?

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Luis777


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im not sure because if you want to practice religion you go to church i guess it will be ok but only some schools so people can send there kids to those school if they really want to learn

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moniCA92870


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I don't see how religion is involved in this class.  Teaching kids to make right choices is great for any kind of school.  Parents are making a big deal out of nothing.  THe should see what the class is like and go in there with an open mind before making judgements. 

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LaurrenM


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i think that the class should be optional just like the church on wheels was optional at lunch

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KW00D


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LaurrenM wrote:

i think that the class should be optional just like the church on wheels was optional at lunch



 I loved chapel on wheels! But from what I can tell about the article it was optional? But I could be wrong. However I think that it shouldn't be taught in schools, much like the theory of intelligent design[which isn't]. Also, see separation of Church and State.

Ps 200th post yeah!



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Karen Lozano :]
Bonemail-(Christophe K)


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KW00D wrote:

LaurrenM wrote:

i think that the class should be optional just like the church on wheels was optional at lunch



 I loved chapel on wheels! But from what I can tell about the article it was optional? But I could be wrong. However I think that it shouldn't be taught in schools, much like the theory of intelligent design[which isn't]. Also, see separation of Church and State.

Ps 200th post yeah!


Problem with that is evolution is just a theory and it is taught in schools so why not show all sides. Also it was using very basic terms and does not even refer to a god. Parents put their children in these classes so why not let them take a class that teaches good decision making?

 



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Bam


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I think if some one wants to study religion the go to a private school or church

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KW00D


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Bonemail-(Christophe K) wrote:

KW00D wrote:

 

LaurrenM wrote:

i think that the class should be optional just like the church on wheels was optional at lunch



 I loved chapel on wheels! But from what I can tell about the article it was optional? But I could be wrong. However I think that it shouldn't be taught in schools, much like the theory of intelligent design[which isn't]. Also, see separation of Church and State.

Ps 200th post yeah!


Problem with that is evolution is just a theory and it is taught in schools so why not show all sides. Also it was using very basic terms and does not even refer to a god. Parents put their children in these classes so why not let them take a class that teaches good decision making?

 


I'm one of those people who believes in science, above all, because that's physical proof. Granted there is no set-in-stone evidence that Evolution is true, but it's a SCIENCE class. I'm a "you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it" type of person, and religion isn't like that, so I personally think that Intelligent Design should be kept out of schools.

Parents don't choose the classes children take, in any grade, unless they're psycho and controlling. Yes,  the child can choose to take a class like that, but keep it out of schools. It should stay in a Chapel-On-Wheels environment, or in one of those classes you sign up for in the Placentia Quarterly.

 



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Karen Lozano :]
geriatric1991


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Bonemail-(Christophe K) wrote:

KW00D wrote:

 

LaurrenM wrote:

i think that the class should be optional just like the church on wheels was optional at lunch



 I loved chapel on wheels! But from what I can tell about the article it was optional? But I could be wrong. However I think that it shouldn't be taught in schools, much like the theory of intelligent design[which isn't]. Also, see separation of Church and State.

Ps 200th post yeah!


Problem with that is evolution is just a theory and it is taught in schools so why not show all sides. Also it was using very basic terms and does not even refer to a god. Parents put their children in these classes so why not let them take a class that teaches good decision making?

 


chris, i think they should all the sides that are science related if they are so concerned. not so religious views. im a person that doenst really give a hoot what you  say in school. im tired of all of the political correctness! if everyone is so politically correct then they are not being their true selves and that means we live in a society that has to pretend even more than we are doing now.

 



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Jaymie Parkkinen
Bonemail-(Christophe K)


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Schools should not impose a view on people of any age. Give them all the information and let them decide what they believe in. It is an after school program and does not even teach religous theories so it's a stretch to call it religous. It is disgned to teach good decision making so let them make the decision.

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It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds. 
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KW00D


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Bonemail-(Christophe K) wrote:

Schools should not impose a view on people of any age. Give them all the information and let them decide what they believe in. It is an after school program and does not even teach religous theories so it's a stretch to call it religous. It is disgned to teach good decision making so let them make the decision.


Yeah but who are you[or anyone else] to say what's a good decision and what isn't? It's different for everyone, you know.

 



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Karen Lozano :]
Bonemail-(Christophe K)


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Well it's not a manditory class so taking it is also a choice. I just say if they want to take the class then let them take it rather then all of us trying to change each others views. What is wrong with choice?



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It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds. 
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