|
Message |
| Posted By: |
Neo |
| Date: |
20-Mar-2001-17:43:24 |
| Subject: |
Schools ,Religious Study,Love |
Making Friends with God thread has some interesting commentary on schools. Was it you, Firebird, who did your thesis on introducing religious study of all world religions as part of elementary curriculum? Great concept! Someone mentioned the Waldorf School, which is an excellent choice for the development of the whole child.
Seems to me that leaving the basic and most powerful force out of the school environment is taking its toll. Even more basic than religious studies or ethics forums is LOVE. Teachers have to be sooooo careful about expressions of love. NO touching, NO hugging, and careful about any words that could be misconstrued!
I know that we need to protect children from the small percentage of teachers who could be abusive. But in the legal constructs that have been reactive to such abuse, expressions of love have been all but forbidden. Possible lawsuits and district policies have pulled the plug on normal and healthy adult expressions of love.
It is the same kind of legal reactiveness that has surrounded the separation of church and state. If we are looking at systemic change then some pretty serious issues need to be considered.
Surprisingly, the Bush proposal to consider funding for religious institutions that provide programs to help young neighborhood children MAY open debates at the highest level.
Wouldn't it be a trip if monies could be granted for holding meditation groups for troubled teens???? I know, I know, this is a big stretch.
But the ONLY way the Bush proposal will be approved is if it crosses ALL religious practice. (I think)
(There is of course, a good reason for separation of church and state.) Hard to keep personal religious preference out of the process, whether it is in school or out of school. But perhaps, just the thought put out there will begin a process that will be solution bound.
Teachers in force are out there, providing extraordinary experiences and modeling ethics and a reverence for life. But they do this one by one--in spite of the system. Now, perhaps, as a nation we will begin to look at methods to make systemic changes that will promote a healthier community. |
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