Is there a place for religion in the classroom? Should religion be taught or required? Should perspectives informed by religious thought or convictions be considered valid contributions? Do you see any examples that substantiate your position?

Unless the class is an anthropology class or religious studies class or something of the like, then I can see now place for any religion in the classroom. In history it is necessary to discuss different religions as it may be in some parts of the curriculum, but mainly in the math and science fields religion has no place, with this evolution should be included. Unless there is documented facts to support a theory, it must be considered nothing more than one person's fantasy no matter how persuasive they were in getting others to believe it. Math and science are no place for fantasy.

I must agree with the first response. Although it would be good in the case of civility if people knew of other religions just for the purpose of knowing where the other people stand. But I agree in the field of math and science, definitely not. But I extremely disagree with the evolution part evolution should absolutely be taught science education in America is already appalling. People need to stop being taught that there "holes" in evolution.

Anyone know any good seminaries which do not teach creation science 'as' science (with preferrably a moderate Calvinist bent, like Norman Geisler)?

The first time I spoke out in defense of atheism in public.

I want to share something that happened to me today. I’m a medical student in the Dominican Republic and today in a class of Palliative medicine the teacher/doctor was giving a lecture about how to bring the news of dead patients to their relatives. Then she started talking about how we hang on to the material things in life and that it is best to cope with death if we seek a spiritual solace ...As soon as I heard that, I raised my hand and said: spiritual?? Doctor, is there any scientific evidence on anything spiritual? ...She said: no. ...I replied: so you're merely speculating there is. ...She said: well i am a Christian and i believe there is. ...I replied: ok, that’s alright if you believe that, but were scientists, so I think we should stay on what we know it’s real. ...The minute I finished my sentence, she changed the subject and continued talking about other aspects of grief. I guess she wasn't expecting someone speaking out on behalf of atheism.

This wasn’t the first time I’ve had a teacher spilling religion in a class room, but it was the first time I’ve stopped it right in its track. It felt really good standing for what I believe it’s true and not letting statements like that being thrown around without rebuttal. I know it’s not a world changer, but it made me feel much more confident on defending my point of view on this subject and from now on, I’ve adopted a zero tolerance for religion in a class room that I am a part of.