Religion in public schools is one of the most discussed issues in daily school life. The problem is that state and church are seperatet and noone is allowed in interfering in the authority of the other part. This essay deals with “Religion in Public Schools”. The differences between Germany and the United States should be compared and the different aspects will be described with the ulterior motive of religious freedom in both nations.
In the first part the importance of religion will be pointed out, in addition the aspect “religion in every day school life” and futhermore the topic of religion as a subject will be discussed. This part is in regard to the whole essay the more thoretical section. The second part shows the practical paragraph of teaching religion as a subject, different approaches to teaching religion and the difficulties with different religious beliefs of students. The settlement is a summary where the main points are being combined with my own ideas and thougths.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Importance of religion
2.1 Religion in every day school-life
2.2 Religion as a subject
3. Teaching Religion as a subject
4. Different approaches to teaching religion
5. Summary
Research Objective and Core Topics
This essay explores the complex issue of religion in public schools by comparing the educational frameworks and policies of Germany and the United States, specifically focusing on the intersection of state authority, religious freedom, and classroom instruction.
- The historical and constitutional separation of church and state in both nations.
- The practical role of religious expression in everyday school life.
- Distinctions between devotional instruction and academic teaching about religion.
- Comparative analysis of curriculum approaches and student choice regarding religious subjects.
Excerpt from the Book
2. Importance of religion
In Germany, religion is an important subject in every day life and in school life. In the German Basic Constitutional Law, which is based on the Ten Commandments from the Christian religion, the importance of religion is shown. For example the religious freedom is implieded in both important and famous documents. Apart from that, church and state are seperated and have not any influence on each other.
In Germany the religious freedom was not a normal liberty in the history. While Friedrich II. der Große (1740-86) was king of Preußen he arranged the law of Religious liberty for every inhabitant in Preußen. This law belongs to the famous reforms of Friedrich II. Der Große. Later in the days of Adolf Hitler (1889-1945 [suicide]) and his dictator-ship the German “Reich” attempted the „NS-Kirchpolitik“, but the Catholic church with the pope Pius XI., who held against this. It was planned that Germany would get a uniform church, but this plan could not be realized. Altogether, the Religious Freedom was restricted, in particular for minorities, for example the Judaism.
Furthermore, the belief in God is a basis of our living together, which shows values and standards for every person. Especially for young children the belief in something or someone is very important because it helps strengthen the characters and growing up into a positive future. In religion groups, for example the acolyte groups, they have much fun in meetings where they can live their believe. This sticking together in such groups is very important for children for becoming a well-balanced person with good support.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter outlines the tension between state and church in public schools and introduces the comparative scope of the essay regarding religious freedom in Germany and the USA.
2. Importance of religion: This section examines the historical context of religious freedom in both nations and the significance of faith in fostering social values and character development.
2.1 Religion in every day school-life: This chapter analyzes how religious expression manifests in the daily routines of students and the regulatory constraints placed upon it in public institutions.
2.2 Religion as a subject: This chapter discusses the historical and contemporary evolution of religious education curricula in schools.
3. Teaching Religion as a subject: This chapter distinguishes between devotional religious instruction and the permissible academic teaching about religion.
4. Different approaches to teaching religion: This chapter compares the structured religious education systems in Germany with the elective-based approach found in American schools.
5. Summary: The concluding chapter synthesizes the findings and argues for the benefits of an elective-based religious education model to improve student motivation.
Keywords
Religion, Public Schools, Religious Freedom, Germany, United States, Church and State, Education, Religious Instruction, Academic Teaching, Curriculum, Values, Constitutional Law, Student Rights, Comparative Education, Religious Expression.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper examines the role, challenges, and implementation of religious topics and practices within the public school systems of Germany and the United States.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The text focuses on historical perspectives of religious freedom, the regulation of religious expression in schools, the distinction between religious and secular instruction, and varying pedagogical approaches.
What is the main objective or research question?
The essay aims to compare how Germany and the USA handle the separation of church and state in schools while balancing the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The work employs a comparative, analytical approach, utilizing historical documents, constitutional frameworks, and governmental guidelines to contrast educational systems.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the historical importance of religion, the legal boundaries of religious expression, and the practical differences between mandatory religious education versus elective systems.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Religious Freedom, Public Schools, Comparative Education, and Church-State Separation.
How does the author view the American system compared to the German one?
The author favors the American elective system, arguing that allowing students to choose religious instruction based on personal interest fosters higher motivation than mandatory programs.
What specific distinction does the author make regarding teaching about religion?
The author emphasizes that schools must distinguish between "devotional teaching of religion" (religious instruction) and "academic teaching about religion," which is broadly permissible.
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- Simone Hummert (Autor:in), 2004, Religion in Public Schools, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/44491
