Chapter 12-Religion

Religion, just as any other aspect of a diverse student, is a big part of what makes that person who they are. As Taylor stated, “A person’s religious and spiritual convictions often shape his or her belief system or world view.” (p. 247) Because of this, we have to understand how this will play a role in the classroom. Dr. Cantu showed a variety of charts, but the one I wanted to see most was the breakdown of the different religions being represented in the United State; Christianity being the highest percentage, at 78.4% and ‘other religions’ at 4.7%. Within the Christian group though, there is obviously quite a plethora of diversity as well.

There are so many controversial topics that can be discussed when it comes to religion in the classroom. As outlined by Dr. Cantu, these would include, but not limit to, how to handle holidays, the issue or teaching creationism v. evolution, students/teachers praying in school, and teaching about religion in general. I suppose I did not realize there were so many issues with religion until it is all laid out. I attended a Catholic elementary school, continued on to my high school career at a public school, and then back to a Catholic University. For me, I have seen both sides of how religion is treated within the school system.

Ch. 12 Question: It may not be directly seen, but how does religion play a role in your classroom/school? Are there certain students that fit into the religious minority? Are their rituals allowed or disallowed? Does it play a role in your curriculum?