Before we start, this is not a religious debate, and will not be turned into one. So, I went to pick my little girl up from school today (last day before Xmas break up) and she was really happy as usual. Her school is a very religiously tolerant school, it has members of most religions in it, as is usual in most state schools where I am. Some of you may know me a little, I'm generally not fussed about people's religions, although I'll admit I do tend to enjoy a little poke at Christians (my bad) So, back to the point, as she sat down to eat, she started talking about christmas, then said "mr spencer said we have to pray to Jesus on Christmas Day" - after leaving the room to calm down for a few minutes or half an hour, I went back in and said quite calmly... Ish, no one is allowed to tell you that you have to pray to Jesus, if you want to do it, that's your choice, but no one can tell you that you have to do it. Her reply was "do you pray?" To which I said no, but if you want to you can do it. I'm still angry, but having calmed down I would like some other opinions please? TLR - school trying to tell kid they HAVE to pray to Jesus at Christmas.
I dont't think they need to tell you HAVE to pray but he could have phrased it (some people pray) instead of making it a HAVE if your religous thats what you do but if your not then you wouldnt its a choice not a rule
Telling a child what to believe is awful. A child should be taught to believe what they want, not what others say.
It's possible she mispoke or the teacher was being sarcastic, but I'd talk to the teacher. If it gets no where, inform the principal.
Honestly, I could understand your frustration. But it's their choice. Religion is one thing most families force their children into. She wants to pray to Jesus? Yeah sure. Allah? Why not. Mainly, it's about the child's happiness, if praying upsets them or delights them, then let them :?
Where I am, it is prohibited to speak of religions within our classroom if not about history lesson and such. Mr. Spencer is wrong for telling your daughter that she must, but you are correct, if she wants to she may. I praise you for being supportive and encouraging towards your daughter. However, I suggest speaking to the teacher that told her she must pray to Jesus. But then again, why have your daughter go to a religious school (I understand that it may be a top school.) where she will hear all those types of religious talks from anyone who is religious? If you do not want her exposed to it, move her to another school.
That's exactly my point, both me and my wife have always said if they want to believe in a religion, any religion then that their choice, but I will not tolerate it being forced on them. In the same way that I don't laugh about other people's beliefs (.. Alright, atleast not when my kids are around)
I wouldn't get really angry at the teacher. Simply tell the teacher what your daughter told you and ask him (if he did - maybe your daughter misheard) to not tell the children they HAVE to take part in a religion. Personally I wouldn't be too angry with it. She's gonna be in those situations throughout her life so take it as an opportunity to teach her how to deal with stuff like that.
I agree. Telling a kid they have to believe in climate change is against their free inquiry to decide for themselves. Oh.. We're talking about Christmas and Jesus here. Sorry. The conversation looks exactly the same...
2 opinions here… 1: religious opression or coersion should not be tolerated from any angle. 2: If you don't want to bring up or acknowledge Jesus…maybe you shouldn't celebrate his birth…
Teacher shouldn't have told them they have to pray to Jesus on Christmas should have reworded it to if you are celebrating Christmas. Beliefs shouldn't be enforced but in this case could have been relayed to you in the wrong context. Edit:
I have to agree here, also what type of school does your child go to? Here most schools are religious and whatever religion they are they do things around it. Etc .. Ash Wednesday service and other stuff. Also they make you take part can't just skip the service as its not your religion.
During my days in primary school, we had to pray to god during assembly. Personally I found it boring and just day dreamed thinking about what a 8 year old woifie would. How you're to say away from girls and run around in circles on the spot pretending to be a plant. You know 8 year old boy stuff. But anyways we was told all sorts of stuff, and I didn't believe a word of it. So did my own thing. But that as a religious school so you're bound to be told religious things what not. Later down the line I stood up in front of my RE class in high school asking what is the point of having RE as a subject and debated why I should learn the religious side of crime and punishment and how learning what a good Christian would do in a situation is going to help me get a job, from that day fourth I wasn't very liked by that teacher. You can't really be mad with the school since it's a catholic school, they are going to be teaching religious ideals to the children. If you're not happy with what they are teaching you'd be best finding another local school.
Religion is force upon everyone around the world it's less of a concern with the European counties and few other counties but you do find places where it's forced upon people. Christmas isn't a Christian holiday nor will it ever be a Christian holiday m, it's a pagan holiday which has been turned into a light show competition and giving gifts. Nothing about chirstmas is related to Christianity.
I'm going to assume your daughter misinterpreted, I don't think anyone prays to Jesus nor would someone say that, Christians predominantly pray to god. I also think he likely said that you "can" not "have to" pray. If he had said you have to he could easily be fired...
Christmas became Christmas when the Italians got ahold of it so I think it's important to note that Christmas is a Christian holiday I think your misinterpreting the event, pagans call this holiday in honor of the winter solstice celebration of the Yule...