What would you think of this book in a classroom?

[Wishing on a star]

I think there is a difference between a discussion of different religions within the context of a literature class and having religiously themed celebrations for particular holidays that everyone must take part in.

I disagree... Marseeya clearly says that this book would make for some very good class discussion.....

Clearly, this would be something that all the students are included in, and take a part in. It would be a 'class assignment'. All students would be 'required' to read this book and to participate.

I am not saying that any book should be banned!!! If a student 'chooses' to read this book, or any book, and to complete a report. Fine!!!

And, just FYI, I am also not too crazy about the religious aspects of 'The Scarlett Letter' as required class material.

 

[BelleMcNally]

I disagree... Marseeya clearly says that this book would make for some very good class discussion.....

Clearly, this would be something that all the students are included in, and take a part in. It would be a 'class assignment'. All students would be 'required' to read this book and to participate.

I am not saying that any book should be banned!!! If a student 'chooses' to read this book, or any book, and to complete a report. Fine!!!

And, just FYI, I am also not too crazy about the religious aspects of 'The Scarlett Letter' as required class material.

Yes, but it's an academic discussion instead of a religious celebration. I mean, it's not like the activity for the day is, 'Okay class--let's all renounce God for the day!!'. It's an exploration of presented material--much different than forcing all of the children to perform 'Away in a Manger', in my opinion. Everyone needs to learn how to talk about theological/spiritual ideas in a diverse setting--they do not have to participate in religious celebrations that go against their own beliefs.

 

[luvdzne]

Clearly, this was a case where the child WAS disruptive. I wouldn't tolerate having my child frightened in that way for one minute. And I think the right to religious expression is a private one.

 

[Marseeya]

I find it hard to believe that this is the ONLY book you could find to do your assignment on?????

Let me clarify... it was the only award-winning book I could find at the last minute at the bookstore nearest the university! Procrastination is my middle name.

Regarding the discussion aspects of the book, I doubt I'd ever get into any religious discussions in my classroom. It's just not my thing. The discussions I'm thinking of from the book stem more from peer pressure and the ways in which we can influence other people without even thinking about it. For example, the main character came up with this religion as a joke because he was bored. He introduced the idea to his best friend, who had some sort of obsessive disorder and the friend ended up truly believing in the new religion and went a little crazy from it. The main character never did seem to understand the consequences of his actions, even after all his friends got mad at him and shut him out of their lives.

So, the discussions could go in any direction, from the secular to the religious. Personally, I'd prefer to stay away from religious discussion, but what if the kids begin to engage in it?

 

[Wishing on a star]

Yes, but it's an academic discussion

Academic??? The material is clearly religious.

This is where we must respectully agree to disagree.

 

[Wishing on a star]

LOL!!! Marseeya!

Now that you have given more details, I do understand a bit better. The whole idea of the book, etc...

I do think that there is a gray line here.

Like the case of "The Scarlett Letter". While, as I mentioned, I am not crazy about it, I do see the reasons/merits that others feel it should be a part of the curriculum. It has a lot to do with history, and the social/religious climate that may have existed, along with the whole labeling and categorizing thing. etc.... So, while I do have my reservations about the religious aspects. I do see that my opinions would not hold water in the circles of the powers that be.

In this case, while I can see that you are mentioning 'peer pressure'. I still have not been convinced that a book named "Godless" has enough academic merit to outweigh the obvious religious messages.

If this book has raised such a commotion in your adult class, does that not make you wonder whether it might be too much, or inappropriate, for the kids. I am not sure what age group is the intended target here????

My opinion continues to be that I would probably not like it if this were a required reading/classroom discussion for my child.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

ah, yes I could see where you could definately take the classroom discussions involving the book around the topics of Peer Pressure and Group-Think. I haven't read the book, but those are definately great subject matter material for the Jr. High crowd.

And as I said, I wouldn't have a problem with my kids reading that book. There honestly are very few books that I won't let my kids read and those mostly deal with smut.

I have to tell you though, I think that you would have to be a very brave teacher to take that book into a Public School Classroom. Talk about walking through a minefield.

 

[toto2]

Academic??? The material is clearly religious.

This is where we must respectully agree to disagree.

It is possible to talk academicly about religion: they all have social and psychosocial ramification. They all have political ramification , economics and historic aspect that can be discuss. it is possible to talk about all those aspect without resorting to "religious" talk

 

[Marseeya]

I have to tell you though, I think that you would have to be a very brave teacher to take that book into a Public School Classroom. Talk about walking through a minefield.

Maybe I should save stunts like that for when I'm close to retirement age.

 

[Marseeya]

In this case, while I can see that you are mentioning 'peer pressure'. I still have not been convinced that a book named "Godless" has enough academic merit to outweigh the obvious religious messages.

If this book has raised such a commotion in your adult class, does that not make you wonder whether it might be too much, or inappropriate, for the kids. I am not sure what age group is the intended target here????

My opinion continues to be that I would probably not like it if this were a required reading/classroom discussion for my child.

See, that's just it. The book doesn't delve into any deep religious themes. The title is Godless, but the main character is just labeled as an atheist -- the book never really goes much farther than that. He could have just as easily have been labeled Jewish, British, athletic, or constipated (sorry, j/k) and it wouldn't have had any effect on the story really. When I picked up the book, I really expected something with more edge and more deep, but it really wasn't.

The woman who got upset about it in class just got upset with the title without listening to what the book is about -- she wouldn't even listen to me. That's what scares me about censorship is that sometimes people fly off the handle without really getting their facts straight.