When classes are out, religious clubs increasingly are in

[Ian David]

When classes are out, religious clubs increasingly are in

A GROWING PRESENCE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
When classes are out, religious clubs increasingly are in

By James Vaznis, Globe Staff | November 15, 2005

NEWTON -- The rabbi walks through the halls of Newton South High School, wearing a yarmulke and carrying stacks of pizza and donuts. Along the way, the 38-year-old rabbi with the reddish beard and an infectious smile asks students to join him at an afterschool meeting of the Jewish Student Union.

If a student hedges, Rabbi Shmuel Miller mentions the free food.

Miller is among a growing number of religious leaders around the nation who are taking advantage of a four-year-old US Supreme Court ruling that allows religious groups to meet in public schools when classes are not in session. In Massachusetts, the first Jewish Student Union club opened last year at Newton South; this year, chapters of the national nonprofit began in Brookline, Lexington, and Framingham. Evangelical Christians have been running clubs in the last few years in some Boston elementary schools and in some rural towns.

As some principals are banning Christmas trees, menorahs, or Halloween costumes, others are warming to the presence of religious clubs in their schools. They say the clubs' regular dose of religion is improving discipline among younger students and giving older students of minority religions a sense of camaraderie.

More:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/11/15/when_classes_are_out_religious_clubs_increasingly_are_in/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+City%2FRegion+News

[TallahasseeGrannie]

1. I guess it is better than gangs

I guess.

Adolescents have a burning need to belong. This serves that need.

[Ian David]

3. Fred Phelps(as an example) is better than a gang? Probably not. n/t

[TallahasseeGrannie]

9. Wait...I didn't read the entire post

I didn't follow the link. There is a connection with Fred Phelps? I thought it was just kids following various faiths!

That will teach me to post w/out reading the link!

My apologies.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

10. Well I went back and read it

and didn't see anything about Fred Phelps, unless he is associated with Child evangelism and I don't know it.

I have no problem with the clubs functioning as the guidelines mentioned, with students running the meetings and parents informed. But I will admit there is a fine line of balance that needs to be maintained.

And yes, I think that a Pagan club and atheist club should have equal opportunity, if the kids are interested. I think a Satanist group might have trouble with parental approval.

I'd be more uncomfortable if this was just fundamentalist Christian organizations, but obviously it is not.

Religion is a fact of life in America. According to US Census, 90% of Americans consider themselves either Christians, Jews, Muslims or Hindu. In my town, churches often rent school space on the weekend. I think that for many kids clubs of any sort represent social necessity. If you don't have clubs you will find gangs and the trench coat mafias. As long as there is no link to grades, to curriculum, and school is out for the day, in my opinion this represents freedom OF religion: the right to gather and discuss and have fellowship. Now, personally, I think club dues should also pay a stipend to the district to keep the utilities on and a custodian present. But it's important not to throw the baby out with the bathwater here. Not all faiths are producing Stepford people. The vast majority of people of faith are interested in living a positive, responsible lifestyle and in my very humble opinion as a teacher of 30 years, this is not a bad thing.

[sarcasmo]

7. Let your child get sucked in by some Reich wing Christian Taliban group

I don't think you would be saying the same thing. Separation of Church and State full time not just while class is on going.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

11. I'm sorry, but I just have to

respectfully disagree with the words "Christian Taliban." I think it is over the top and hyperbole like that does our party no good.

The Taliban murdered women for showing ankle, stoned them for adultery, real and imagined, whipped men in the face for cheering at a soccer match, shot and killed families, in their homes, of ethnic groups they disapproved of, executed gay men and women...

There just is no comparison at all.

[ComerPerro]

8. That's how Pat Robertson converts suckers for life

He lures them in when they are the most vulnerable

[TallahasseeGrannie]

12. Pat Robertson

is an idiot with dementia, in my opinion. His actions are doing more to harm the Christian Right than to help it.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. Are the pizzas kosher?

I mean, they should be either plain or veggie unless non-dairy cheese is used on those with meat toppings.....

[Orrex]

5. Is the rabbi orthodox? (nt)

[Orrex]

4. Do they allow Atheist Student Unions or Satanist Student Unions?

Or, worst of all, Muslim Student Unions?

If all are granted equal access, and if no representative of the school participates in a role of authority, and if no representative of a club postures himself as a representative of the school, then I don't have a problem with this.

[darkmaestro019]

6. And you even capitalized Satanist. I like you : ) eom