In preparing our recent Adult Education series on Religion in America, I am struck once again by the ongoing debate between the role of faith and governmental policy and decisions and what we mean in practical terms by 'separation of church and state'.
We'll be talking about that in our session tomorrow, but I'd like to open it up on this blog as well:
When it comes to practical questions like:
* Prayer in public schools
* The teaching of evolution
* How to present religion in public schools
' ' God' in the Pledge of allegiance and on our money......
and many more.....
How do YOU make decisions about religious faith and public life? The separation of church and state?
I'd love to read about that....
PB
10 comments:
You've got a lot of questions here....but I do have thoughts on all of them
1. On Prayer in schools- Growing up we had a moment of slent meditation- I can't imagine how that would be offensive to anyone... during this time perhaps attentiveness, gratitude, and a reminder that we are all a part of something greater than ourselves could be encouraged
2. I am a scientist so I see no issues with the teaching of evolution which is such a magnificent observational and descriptive theory that connverges on so many levels from the molecular, to the population. It of course still does not address the very mystery of our existance and how we should live our lives which is more in the realm of what religion addresses.
3. I personally feel our religious traditions could be approached from the perspective of wisdom literature. What is the narrative of the Bible trying to say? The Koran?, other books of Wisdom, the Tao, the Bhagavad Gita, Bhuddist works, Native American and other indigeonous spirituality? How do the common values seen in all? How about spiritual values in literature, poetry. This of course would be at the high shcool or above. But even an exposure o the customs rituals of different groups at the younger age group.
3. Don't we have more important things to worry about than whether the word God is on our money pledge of allegiance...ect? I think people are missing the point here.
I enjoyed reading these thoughts. Certainly when compared to issues of war and peace and hunger, the questions raised seem petty. I do believe looking at the proper relationship between faith and governmental policy has importance.
Thanks again..
PB
Oh my gosh! I certainly didn't mean to imply that any of these questions are petty in any way...on the other hand they are exceedingly important. It is just that sometimes between those who read the bible literally on one hand and those who are so extremely liberal they demand complete separation of church and state I sometimes feel these ongoing debates detract from the richness and essence of Christianity So much of the beauty and awe and wonder and life changing aspects of worship and living the life get lost. Yet I realize discussing these things are important too especially with so many polarizing viewpoints that abound.
I don't know if you are on the pulse of the newest Atheist literature to stream the best sellers list but I was exceedingly disappointed in Richard Dawkins- who is a spectacular evolutionary biologist but a terrible Theologian and his book The God Delusion. I am happy that in his next book Evolution: The Greatest Show on Earth heis sticking with what he knows and not spewing off on what he doesn't. I will give him another chance and read this book even though he terribly damaged things on the Evolution/Religion front. Faith in God and the bible are COMPLETELY compatable. When I study evolutionary theory, I can only say How great and wonderous is our GOD and his creation!
He does have quite an ego though
I didn't get the sense that you were implying that!! At first glance they do seem petty, but I think you and I both agree on their relevance!
I'll be teaching a class dealing with different religious views, including atheism...This week, I wioll be starting Hitchins' book GOD IS NOT GREAT....
At some point, you can expect a commentary!!
PB
I haven't read that one. You'll have to let me know if it is worth reading....or if a summary will suffice
To me the book I've that best embodies the athiestic world view is " The Stranger" by Albert
Camus. I had the opportunity to read it both in English and in French in college. While there may be some truths- yes sometimes life can be absurd and seem devoid of meaning, living as if life is comprised of a series of random events without any underlying meaning or purpose is a very depressing way to live. Once you begin to see the sacred in life and begin to see that there is something transcendant to human experiece that gives life meaning even in face of the absurdity you begin to see the face of GOD whether you realize it or not or choose to call it as such. This underlying meaning may even be the search for knowledge in a scientific sense for that is honoring GOD as well
I think perhaps when people say they are atheistic that many times they are rejecting a limited form of God they learned about in childhood. When we try to put God in some sort of a box- through literalism or dogma we miss the real God and it may be right to rebel against this caracature of God...but when we really start to search for God from our hearts we can start to see that God really is everywhere. We sometimes just need to learn how to see.
I agree with that last comment---
Also, thanks for bringing up Camus + THE STRANGER....
Important piece of literature!
PB
Post a Comment