Religious Plays in Public Schools

[miss_sarah]

The public school I am about to student teach in (and attended as a child) has been performing a Christmas play since before I began attending in the 1990's. Every year, the school's fourth graders perform the Christmas story as found in the Bible. The play has been performed during classtime in addition to after school performances.
Our school is nestled in the hills of a rural community, with little to no diversity in the population, with the exception of one or two students every year who are not allowed to attend the play due to religion. The school gives families the opportunity to allow their children to participate in and view the play.
What is your opinion of this practice?

[herdgrad]

I am also in a very rural county and our 2nd graders do one.

[hweber]

I think that as long as no one is offended, the kids are not required to participate or attend, and it is not mandatory for the rest of the student body to attend then it is okay. Not sure though of the legal ramifications. All it would take would be one person to complain...

[mustangapril]

Sounds good to me!

[Boxcar]

I agree. It isn't mandatory, and there doesn't seem to be an issue. The Bible can be taught as a historical work.

[mustangapril]

I agree. It isn't mandatory, and there doesn't seem to be an issue. The Bible can be taught as a historical work.

Yes! This year my co-workers and I each taught a different holiday. I was Christmas, another was Kwanzaa, and the third was Hannakkah. = ) I love being technical to get what I want :laugh:

[Boxcar]

Me too! For Valentine's Day, my center did themes on Emotions, Love, and Showing You Care to get around the "no holidays" thing. Something similar can be done for the winter holidays too. What you and your colleagues did is pretty neat.

[miss_sarah]

I really like that idea. It allows the students to see Valentine's Day as more than just the commercial holiday that our society has fallen into. :)

[NewmanB1]

One topic you could spend a week on is how Christmas is on December 25th. You can look at how myths from one culture spread to another and get integrated there. Look at how the Shepherds probably weren't tending their flocks in the middle of winter out in the fields at night. Look at the relationship of Christmas to Yule and the Winter Solstice. This discussion could open up a new exploration into cultural transference. This is why I don't like the idea of having different teachers teach different holidays. I'm afraid it might over emphasize these holidays as distinct from one another.

Another topic is to look at how Christmas is different around the world - different myths and traditions. For example, the Christmas season traditionally starts with the appearance of Santa in the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade.

A fun class might be to look at different Christmas movies and do a film criticism of them. What are similar and different themes in "A Christmas Story" and "A Christmas Carol"?

There's a lot of good material on the History channel website, but, as a new poster, I can't link to any of it.

[NewmanB1]

Another neat idea - having looked at the relationship between the Winter Solstice and Christmas, look at a Christmas Carol - with particular attention towards the ghosts of Christmas Past/Present/Future in relation to the Solstice and the concept of renewal/rebirth.

[yeongo saem]

Why not, if it's part of your country's or region's culture and traditions? If anyone objects I would ask 'Do you think that the story of a virgin giving birth to the Son of God is fictional'?

Then I'd ask 'If it's all right to do a play about a man (actually a saint) in a red suit flying in a sleigh from rooftop to rooftop dropping presents down chimneys, then why would you object to a different fictional story'?

Actually some of the things you see in Christmas pageants - the 'three' wise men and 'the little Lord Jesus, no crying He made' - aren't even from the Bible. I once saw a nativity scene with pigs in the stable; they were Jewish, for goodness sakes.

[MaryBeth]

I think it's so sad that religion is being pushed out of our schools. I don't think anyone should be forced to practice a religion, but I do believe that they should feel free to express it where ever they feel comfortable (without making others feel uncomfortable, of course). I remember growing up; Christmas was the best time of the year. Now, we have "holiday trees" and can only wish people "happy holidays." Well, I'm a Christian woman and I believe in celebrating the birth of Christ proudly and with my family and friends.

Like was stated earlier, if the students are forced to participate in the activity, I think that the tradition should live on. Christmas is about the birth of Christ, not about giving presents. People who truly celebrate Christmas, should know the difference.

[Professor W.]

Agree with the fact that any mention of religion is pushed out of schools. We are not teaching tolerance and respect for others beliefs and views. If we look at history, we see that differing views and conflicts over religion have caused many wars. Yes, we can teach it as a history.
Another interesting point is how persons are trying to change language to include people. Brace yourself for these:
- You no longer say mankind, you say human kind (so woman are not excluded)
- At the university I attended the Our Father prayer was changed to Our Creator so one would not think of God as a man. Are we doing any jusice in changing the wording of history.
- and the list goes on. I heard opposing teacher to the change in rhetoric comment "Are we really going to call manhole covers in the middle of streets person hole covers now.

I think I am done venting now!