Well, we're at that time of year again when there will undoubtedly be some arguments across this country dealing with holiday displays. So here are my questions:

Should religious displays be allowed on public property, such as in front of city hall?

Should all communities attempt some balance with their displays by making certain that different faiths are included?

Should public schools celebrate religious holidays? If so, should they include other religious groups besides what the majoritiy religion may be?

Shalom,
Vern

I think in the interest of understanding and accepting our differences it would be advantageous to have public displays holidays of all religions.

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InterfaithForums.com-Where your ideas and beliefs count.

It is precisely what allows for acceptance of such attitudes that allows for the casual acceptance of genocides.

Yes, at the appropriate time, and when those times overlap (Christmas and Hannukah for example), allow both. Have the courtesy, however, to arrange them so as not to unduly interfere with one another.
Rather than try to do everything when it's not needed (i.e. why put up displays for a faith that is not represented at all in the community), it might be wise to ask the faith communities to participate in the projects. If public money was going to be spent on the effort, ensure that it is directed to all of those faiths that wish to participate.
I see no reason that public schools should not celebrate religious holidays. My personal preference would be to invite, but not expect, any level of participation or just visitation from any other students who are interested. There's probably a great deal to be gained from kids developing an understanding of other cultures and traditions, and there's no better way than to actually see them in operation. I would make the same caveat as the point above, however, and restrict any effort to only those faith traditions that are represented within the school community.

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evangelicalhumanist: Greek "eu"=good and "angelos"=messenger. Spreading the good news of Humanism.

I agree with E.H. but think all traditions should be displayed even if they are not represented.

When I lived in Germany around Christmas time, all students were asked to bring in a dish of their country/tradition and they celebrated one big fest.

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May your awareness be perfection

It took me about 25 years as an educator before I finally got it through my thick skull that there should be the recognition of the holidays of various faiths. Two of my grandchildren, who are being raised Jewish, that attend a public elementary school in an overwhelming Christian area, have been very fortunate to have teachers who are willing, not only to recognize the Jewish holidays, but even to have the other kids get involved as well.

Shalom,
Vern

You know a good deal of money is spent on public displays each year and I personally feel that if it is public money it would be better spent on meeting the needs of homeless people, So seeing that people who need it receive food, clothing and shelter has priority.

Also, I don't believe public schools should celebrate religious holidays... this conveys a message of endorsement of a given religion...usually the majority religion of a given area.

Holidays that are not religious could continue to be observed.

Students or staff who request a religious holiday off should be recognized as long as it is truly a religious holiday of a given religion.

If a class is studying religions say as a part of cultural study equal time should be given to all the religions represented among the students.

Dietary restrictions of people say who are vegetarian or have restrictions against pork or whatever should be allowed to have adequate alternatives in school cafeterias.

Also the school library should have basic texts of all the religions and philosophies represented.

- Art

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"it benefits us to be thoughtful, not of the glory of our minds, but rather, above all else, of the glory of God."
- Johannes Kepler

.... Most definitely.... and especially at this time of the year.


Peace, Love, & Light

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"An object is perceived, or not perceived, according as the mind is, or is not, tinged with the colour of the object. "
Patanjali - Sutra 4:17