We Want God in the Schools

For a long time, Psychology has taught us that the human being is composed of three dimensions: physical, intellectual, and spiritual.

It is important that those in charge of educating young people offer them the possibility of receiving education in the spiritual domain, since this is an integral part of the human person.

It is then normal for the pedagogic commission to have studied this subject. Too bad, though, that this exchange may have started with an intolerant and "special" text written by a Human Sciences Professor.

It is not my intention to start a controversy on this matter. It is up to the college's authorities to do it, if applicable, for the good of the students.

The "Time-Out" activity is not the "pastoral". Up until now, the A.L.College has not offered this service to the students. "Time-Out" has no other ambition than encouraging a reflection, a per-sonal, deep and spiritual interpellation.

It would be ridiculous to say that such interpellation, which takes the form of a short weekly reflection, can transform the school into a sectarian college (!).

No. Our college stays NEUTRAL, contrary to the text written by the professor in question, which is not. As for me, by remaining always a Catholic, I took care of writing the "reflections" with a BROAD sense of spirituality and morality that, while talking about God, is common to most religions. Because of this, my approach is always OECUMENICAL AND GENERAL, and not only Catholic.

That a professor may reject God and religion in his private life, it is his right, and he is free to do so. But if this same professor, within the context of his work as a teacher, treats everything that concerns religion as "obscurantism, intolerance, preconceived ideas, superstition, or fruitless and useless dogmas"... that is something serious and unacceptable.

Such an attitude shows a clear prejudice to the students, who have the right to receive an information that is complete, objective and non tendentious, as well as an honest explanation of the subject. After receiving such teaching, students will be in a better position to make them­selves, freely, their own conclusions.

It is amazing that since the "reflections" began to be published, no one has complained about it, except for some professors of the Human Sciences Department.

On the other hand... there are many very favourable and positive reactions, not only coming from students, but also from teachers and other staff of the college as well.

The history of humanity shows us that intolerance only gives rise to hatred and division. Let us try then to learn to respect and love one another. In this way, everything we do will be for the good of all an we will live in peace.