In recent years, the teaching of religion, or the individual practice of religion in school, has become a highly controversial topic. There are many different views on this topic and even more opinions on how it should be handled. There are people on both sides of the spectrum; there are those who believe it should be taught and allowed in school, and those who believe it should not be taught or practiced in school. If the practice of religion were an option in public schools, students could become more tolerant, as well as knowledgeable, of religions and cultures other than their own. Second, a block of time during the day can be built into the school schedule to allow for the practice of the student's personal beliefs. Finally, since prayer was eliminated from public school systems, the nation has seen a decrease in education and an increase in crime rates. Although public schools today lack school prayer, most schools have replaced prayer with a “silent moment of reflection.” Prayer should be introduced in schools, because it generates exposure to other cultures, allows a period of calm for students and creates well-rounded individuals in society. Knowing the beliefs and practices of the people who share this world is vital for the future. In the United States, where people of many nations, faiths and ethnicities live together, the citizen's responsibility is to get to know each other to create a positive atmosphere. People accept civics education as a way to strengthen the practice of equity and religious freedom protected by the United States Constitution, but these principles are in vain if the people who inhabit this land do not know each other. Learning about the history, cultures and belief systems of people...... middle of paper ...... different cultures (other than Christianity) to practice their beliefs, opens the minds of younger generations to understanding of other cultural practices. This recognition, as well as the awareness of having a different culture introduced into schools, will benefit generations to come. Works Cited Douglas, Susan L. The World in the Clasroonm. "Teaching religion". Educational Leadership Vol. 60 (2002): 32-36. Network. 10 April 2014. Prayer in school affects the whole of society. “Creation today” 1 January 2014. Web. 9 April 2014. .Religion in schools. "Education Week" August 4, 2004. Web. April 4, 2014..Smith, Hallie. BUT CCC-SLP. The benefits of free time: Why student brains need a break. “Scientific learning”. December 13, 2013. Web. April 12 2014.