Some activists want religious ways of thinking introduced into science classes. Smaller religions' adherents are frustrated that there is no time to include them. The nonreligious community feels unjustly treated because schools ignore the fact that it is the second largest worldview group. Teaching about religion in public schools is legal and in theory a good idea. The reality, however, is disquieting.
Controversy seems intrinsic to the enterprise.
Dr. Futrell, a long-time curriculum developer, is no stranger to this thorny topic. She tangled with the subject matter before when, in 1999, she authored a pamphlet for educators. Objectivity in this arena is a nice-sounding goal, but it is terribly hard to obtain. I became less sure that we are aiming at the real subject matter. So, I have changed my message to public school teachers who teach about religion.