U.S. Histoy Classes In Texas

This past week we, as a class, discussed the controversial fight over history curriculum. How much faith should be included, if any, into our history books? The conservative reviewers say "the curriculum should clearly

present Christianity as an overall force for good." America is composed of many different nationalities and religions, and to emphasize one religion as being the best in a public school is not what our founding fathers would agree to. If the Bill of Rights states in the first amendment that "congress should make no law respecting an establishment of religion," then why should it be ok that one religion should be clearly presented as an overall force for good to highly susceptible children. I have no problem with teaching the Great Awakening as a historical movement or that early American settlers came here for religious freedom, but when the Board of Education crosses the line between historical fact and opinion, i become irritated. History should be taught as unbiased as possible. Whether or not a neutral history book is possible, the conservatives don't really seem to even try to accommodate to other peoples' beliefs and religions. The least we could do is create a history book that teaches history and not faith. If parents want their children raised and taught a religion, it should be taught at home. Not all families would agree that Watergate, the Vietnam War, and hurricane Katrina were judgements of God.

Several times in the article and during our discussion, comments were made about Christianity being the foundation of our country. I can't deny that there was a strong religious influence in the creation of this country. But the way i see it is that our country may have been founded by christian men, but it was not meant to be a christian dominated country. It was born a free country with open religious opportunities and should remain that way in the sense that there should not be a preference taught to children who are enrolled in public schools. If Rev Marshall is that passionate about the importance of Christianity taught in school, he should enroll his kids into a private christian school. There.. problem solved Rev!! Judging by his job title and his ability to be heard by the Board of Education, I'd guess he is fully capable to afford private education. Leave faith to church and parenting to be taught, not public school. What a jerkasaurus! :)