Graduating from one of the finest bible colleges in Nashville, American Baptist College, this discussion hits home for me. To make a long journey short, I do not believe that religion should be taught in school in the sense that the educational leader/s attempt to convert students to a specific denomination. However; I would not be against teaching religion as a curriculum for the purpose of understanding history, government, sociology, economics and politics as this played a significant role in the way America was founded. The Bible, The Koran, Confucian and all the other great books of past religion has a story to tell and has influenced the way we think, act and feel about each other, different countries and politics. Might I add that Christianity is by far one of the biggest gangs of religious–politics that has, in my opinion, bullied people, societies and governments for years. This all mighty truth (The Bible) was used to justify slavery, perpetuate male dominance, silence and discourage women and used to continue gay/lesbian bashing by preaching rhetorical homophobic sermons. More prevalently it has been used as a tool to manipulate people to support the lavish lifestyle of the pastor while members of the congregations and their families are struggling day to day just to make ends meet. Studying the Bible, Gandhi, Thurman and King opened my eyes and allowed me to appreciate the religion of other cultures. No, good people,I am not against the Bible. I am against those interpreters of the bible who use it for idolatry, to control, oppress and force their beliefs and religious views upon others. In the introduction of his book entitled How the Bible Came to Be, John Barton’s statement confirms Christian ideologies and thoughts concerning the Bible. He says, the idea of ‘Holy Scripture’ seems to contain within it this implication of completeness, fixity, and stability. The books of the Bible are experienced as a given, and their authority lies in the fact that it is God who gave them: they are not in any way negotiable, and they cannot be questioned. Listen, the bible can be preached and taught in such a way to encourage, uplift, edify and spiritually fulfill those persons from all walks of life. No one can stop you from taking a moment of silence to pray or reflect on issues of life. People of authority can however; choose the content of textbooks that will be used in school districts forcing students not to question or consider weakness or flaws in not only Darwinism but history, science, economics and any other curriculum. Some parents who spoke before the board said that their children had been intimidated and ridiculed by biology teachers when they questioned evolution and that there is nothing wrong with debating a theory that is not proven fact.(Calefati, 2009) Not allowing students to argue or debate theory is a disgrace and a mockery of every aspect of learning, education and leadership.
References
Barton, J. How the Bible Came to Be. 1998
Calefati, J. (January 22, 2009) Religion in Schools Debate Heats Up. US News On Education
Website retrieved from https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=2975445&tId=19133302
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Blog-1 Innovators/Makers of Education
Innovators and The Real “Makers” of Education
As a student and seeking a career in the teaching profession, information such as this motivates me to pursue this noble position. I can see now why the rise in home schooling and charter schools are gaining popularity. The education and training of faculty and staff of public schools has never been more urgent. Ironically those things that have been created to do harm for our children can be used a tool to redefine education. Like Brown and the other 12 Topeka families they possessed the courage and strength to stand against a systemic dynasty that threatened their constitutional rights as people and citizens of the United States. The Brown vs. The Board of Education case allowed not only African Americans to access equal education but paved the way for the diversity of students and educators we see in place today. Even more intriguing is Henry Ford’s creativity and gift to generate assembly lines and mass produce automobiles in America that led to factory jobs for Americans. With little to no education people could take care of their families and retire from production companies and factory jobs with benefits.
The innovators are those who felt a desire and purpose to enhance the lives of families and citizens economically and socially through training and education. The “makers” proved that centralized schooling isn’t necessary to create brilliant, intuitive thinkers and dreamers who can globally impact our world for the good of human kind if given the opportunity to do so. Brown and Ford are examples of what great and magnificent accomplishments can happen if you have the courage to go against the grain and stay focused on the mission at hand because once it’s succeeded all who are willing can benefit from your ingenuity!
As a student and seeking a career in the teaching profession, information such as this motivates me to pursue this noble position. I can see now why the rise in home schooling and charter schools are gaining popularity. The education and training of faculty and staff of public schools has never been more urgent. Ironically those things that have been created to do harm for our children can be used a tool to redefine education. Like Brown and the other 12 Topeka families they possessed the courage and strength to stand against a systemic dynasty that threatened their constitutional rights as people and citizens of the United States. The Brown vs. The Board of Education case allowed not only African Americans to access equal education but paved the way for the diversity of students and educators we see in place today. Even more intriguing is Henry Ford’s creativity and gift to generate assembly lines and mass produce automobiles in America that led to factory jobs for Americans. With little to no education people could take care of their families and retire from production companies and factory jobs with benefits.
The innovators are those who felt a desire and purpose to enhance the lives of families and citizens economically and socially through training and education. The “makers” proved that centralized schooling isn’t necessary to create brilliant, intuitive thinkers and dreamers who can globally impact our world for the good of human kind if given the opportunity to do so. Brown and Ford are examples of what great and magnificent accomplishments can happen if you have the courage to go against the grain and stay focused on the mission at hand because once it’s succeeded all who are willing can benefit from your ingenuity!
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