Oh, God: Conversations with Children About Religion in a Public School Setting

Let me preface this article by first saying that I was raised Catholic and still consider myself to be Catholic, though that statement might make my parish priest blink twice before reluctantly nodding. While I was raised Catholic, my Mother encouraged me to learn about other religions growing up, to ask questions and to understand that one belief is not necessarily any more right or wrong that another, when it comes to religions.   It was understood in my household that just because you practice one faith over another or go to this church rather than that one, it does not make you a better person.  Actions are what matter.  As a consequence I like to think that I have some tolerance when it comes to beliefs that differ from my own, though I don’t necessarily like the word tolerance-it makes me think of an older sister affectionately patting the head of a younger sibling when they have done something that’s cute but wrong. 

I feel that in order to be tolerant children who grow up to be tolerant adults, children need to learn about the various groups that they share this planet with.  Nothing breeds hate and fear like ignorance.  So in my many years of teaching I have broken with administration and general, though unspoken, public policy that the subject of religion is taboo.  In many children’s lives, religion is very important and they feel the need to discuss and share it with their peer group as well as the adults in their lives.  Wanting to be understood is a big part of wanting to understand.   I neither direct nor discourage these discussions unless the children are putting forth bigoted, intolerant, prejudiced, or hateful ideas-which has come up.

I find that during the winter holidays, with the excitement of a break from school and presents colorfully presented in every add by the media, these discussions become more prevalent.  I find that this is a perfect opportunity for the kids to learn about each other in the very multi-cultural setting that I find myself in.  I must say that over the years I have learned as much, if not more, than my students, and think that the children in my program are the better for it.  But I have come up with five rules of thumb when listening and taking part in these talks.