Here is a Haiku I composed inspired by our class discussion last week about religion and morality --
What does it matter --
Call It Allah...Buddha...Christ
We're all flesh and bone.
This Haiku reflects my belief that no matter what we each believe about the great "cosmic custodian", that we are all united in our common humanity and that we share the same wants, suffering, needs and yes, morality.
In addition, anyone who has studied the great world religions will come to the conclusion, that despite different names, customs and practices, that they are all more similar in their basic teachings than they are different. This makes it hard for me to understand why so many wars and killings occur in the name of religion, or why one group seems to feel that everyone should belong to the same group that they do.
Regarding religion and education, I wholeheartedly agree with the principle of "separation of church and state and school", not because I am anti-religious, but because I feel that references to God, Christmas, etc. leave out certain individuals who do not belong to those groups, especially in light of all the different immigrant groups that make up our public schools today. For example, if we don't celebrate Ramadan in public schools, why should we make Christmas or Hanukah decorations? (My daughter, the only Jewish child in her Kindergarten class many years ago, was told by a well-meaning teacher that she didn't have to make the Santa or the Christmas stocking, which of course, she-- like the other kids--wanted to make. My questions is, why do we have to go there at all?)
Certainly we can advocate moral values such as kindness, courtesy, respect etc., without invoking the name of the Almighty in our schools. I don't quite understand why there is so much controversy about this and I am open to respectfully hearing others opinions on this subject.
By the way, if you would like to know more about Ethical Culture, also known as "secular Humanism", you can check out www.ethicalfocus.org which is the site of the Bergen County Chapter. There is also a chapter in Essex County as well. Anyone can join or participate regardless of race, religion or beliefs about God. All you have to care about is being an ethical human being.
Thanks for listening!
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2 comments:
First off, I'd like to write a response to your post on my haiku. It's great that you're a bird fan too! I also grappled with the ornithologist idea when i was a kid, but chose art instead. as for the parrot, I'm sorry to say that my parents would be less than enthusiatic about me adopting yours. Thanks for the offer, though~
This was a great post here. I try to live my life as a good Christian, so any discussion concerning theology appeals to me. I too, find so much sad irony in all of the violence that occurs out of religous zeal; what's especially shocking is that it's not confined to Middle eastern and devloping countries, but happens in places like France and the US as well (abortion clinic bombings, riots, etc). Religion is the one thing that can cause the fanatacism capable of such violence within people. It's tragic, really.
It's important to know, however, that for every war and crusade done in the name of God, there are hundreds of thosands of families who are improving their lives and their values every day through their chosen faith. They find comfort and solace and peace, and for that reason, I'll never condemn the 'big' religions.
Although I don't personally agree with secular humanism, I accept and respect your adherance towards it. Anything that teaches morals, love, and ethics is a good thing.
I think that teachers should consider the students in the class when presenting their lesson plans. If a teacher is unsure about a students' background, the teacher should ask the student or look it up.
It is true, that groups of people often leaves out other groups for many reasons. I think that schools should a safe place to learn, while advocating things suchs as fairness, be a kind person, etc.
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