Religion in public educationReligion in school can be defined as the practice of any personal religious belief or act in a place of education. To say that religion is a topic of interest to many people in the United States today is an understatement. The debate over the separation of church and state has gone on for years without end. With many different views on the issue and even more opinions on how to deal with it. From the beginning, many people have questioned the role that religion has played in education. Should schools teach religion? If so, can they do so impartially? Will they misinterpret religion? How many people would be offended? Would we be better off without it so it doesn't cause controversy? The problem is, can we really respond to any of these arguments without the opposing side disagreeing? Many of these questions have their roots in the same controversy that rages in schools today. Besides the separation of church and state, one of the most controversial topics in education permitting religion is prayer in school. While some believe that prayer in school is constructive to the development of a child and their faith, others may conclude that it could completely denounce a child's faith. Because it is an ongoing controversy, further research into whether or not religion should be allowed in public education generally comes down to two major points: the First Amendment and religion is it good for our children? Could we potentially reach a compromise or could the two opposing sides meet somewhere halfway? The first major reason why those who support religion in our schools turn to their own country's Constitution... middle of paper ..... .the Establishment Clause. NP, 2010. Web. April 27, 2014. The Holy Bible containing the Old Testament and the New. Cambridge: Printed by John Field..., 1668. Printed. “Salford City Council. » Why is religious education (RE) important? -. Np, May 13, 2011. Web. April 27, 2014. “Constitutional Subject: The First Amendment.” USConstitution.net. January 3, 2011. February 27, 2011. Haynes, Charles C. and Oliver Thomas. Finding Common Ground: A Guide to Religious Freedom in Public Schools. [New updated edition. Nashville, TN: First Amendment Center, 2007. Print. Stone, Andrea. “Most think the founders wanted Christian USA.” . USA Today, September 13, 2007. Web. April 27, 2014. http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-09-11 Amendment_N.htm?POE=click-refer>."Establishment Clause." . First Amendment Center, September 16, 2011. Web. . .