It’s important to know that a lot is actually still allowed in schools when it comes to expressing your faith. However, not everything you may want to do or say will be beneficial to you, your faith, school, community or even your church. That doesn’t mean you should suppress your faith. Quite the opposite is true. Live out your faith as you and your family believe God and His Word are directing you.
The Department of Education has helpful guidelines as to what can and cannot be done in schools, but as Christians, it’s always important to look toward scripture for our higher direction. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 states, “I have the right to do anything—but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” As you look to express your faith and religious beliefs in school, ask yourself if you are doing it for your own good, or the good of others. When it comes to faith, it’s essential to be a representation of Christ. He did everything for us, and nothing for His own benefit.
Living Out Your Faith in School.
It’s important to know what can and can’t be done in schools when it comes to expressing your faith. Surprisingly, a lot more can occur than most people think. Once you have an idea of the guidelines set by the Department of Education, it’s time to challenge yourself to live out your faith in your school! Here are practical ways you can actively express your religious freedom as long as you are NOT interrupting instructional time at school:
- How to pray at school.
Don’t just pray before a test (or before lunch). Don’t limit your prayer time to “meet me at the pole” gatherings (if your school does them). Pray throughout your day or organize a prayer walk or other regular prayer gatherings on campus.
- How to read your Bible.
If you’re given free time to read from a book of your choosing in class, then take out a bible or devotional and read from it. Now, if your teacher asks you to read for 30 minutes from your textbook, then you need to follow instructions. But if you’re given the freedom and opportunity to select your reading material, then you have the right to read religious material! You can even read your Bible during your lunch break or free period.
- How to talk about your faith.
Find a way to bring up the subject of faith or the Bible in at least one class during the year. If you’re up for a real challenge, speak about or connect your faith to every single one of your classes at least once per semester (or trimester if that’s how your school’s organized).
You can even talk to your friends about your faith whether in the halls, during lunch or while waiting to be picked up from school. You do actually have the freedom to attempt to persuade peers about religious topics too!
- How to have your prayer group or religious club meet and be organized on school property.
Consider moving a religious club that you already participate in on campus (such as FCA or a Bible Study). Perhaps your group can start meeting on campus once a month and meet more often as needed. Having Christians on campus, filling classrooms and hallways with God’s presence (even when school isn’t in session) can make a huge impact on the spiritual atmosphere of your school.
Or, ask a different teacher every month to join your group. Depending on the group, you may even be able to invite your teachers to share their faith. Even if they believe something different, or don’t know what they believe, it’s a great opportunity to learn from them in a safe environment.
- How to have your prayer group and religious club advertise through school channels.
Ask your school’s administration where you can promote your religious club or prayer group. Perhaps his or her weekly email, the school newspaper, morning or afternoon announcements, on a bulletin board in the hallway, via your school’s social media outlets, fliers posted throughout the school. Some of these avenues may reach a different audience than your designated social media pages.
- When to go off campus to participate in a religious study.
If your church offers a Bible Study during 1st period or lunch, feel free to attend. If you have to take a particular class during that time, then do so because it’s required or may be beneficial, but if you can arrange your schedule to have that time open, then open up your schedule so you can participate!
- How to express your faith during school events.
Sing, or perform a dance to one of your favorite Christian songs at your school talent show. You can even do a skit related to your faith. If you’re selected to speak at a graduation or award ceremony because you’re valedictorian, class president or captain of the volleyball team, then you can express your faith. If you’re asked to say a few words to open or close a ceremony or event (even a sporting event) you can say a prayer. As long as the position in which you were chosen to speak is neutral, then you can express your faith and what’s on your mind without consequence.
- How to pass out religious literature at school.
When your church or youth group has materials to hand out, grab a handful and give them to friends and classmates that you hope will have a positive impact. Don’t just place the items in the counseling office, library, cafeteria or front office for people to pick up if they’re interested. Instead, be direct. Then, pray for that person. Ask God to use the material to soften their heart toward Him.
If your church or youth group does provide materials that seem outdated, then encourage your church to make them a little more attractive to teen audiences. If your church doesn’t have material, then buy your favorite Cristian book and give it to a friend who’s struggling. Or, buy two copies of a book that you’ve been interested in reading and ask a friend if he or she wants to read through it with you. You can even discuss it together on campus, so you don’t have to find time after school hours.
- How to wear clothing with religious messages or symbols.
Wear a Christian clothing item or accessory once a week, or maybe once a month if you don’t have a lot and you don’t want to do that much laundry! Encourage your friends to do the same! Style your outfits well so you’re a positive reflection of God’s creativity and care.
Take note: Religious freedom is about your expression as a student. It’s not the school’s expression. You can’t force the school to take a religious stand, but you, as a person, can! The school can always put a disclaimer next to whatever you’re asking them to do. Our society is rather used to disclaimers, so it probably won’t even phase anyone!
Religious Freedom is Open to ALL Religions.
It is true that The Department of Education’s policy toward religious liberties is for all religions, as well as other diversity groups. If you want those individuals to respect you as a Christian, then you need to respect them. Be courteous of every individual at the school, and value all people as God’s creation (even though they may not feel that way). Everyone has their own beliefs, and many have symbols of their beliefs which ought to be respected. No one, Christian or not, should feel ashamed of their faith in a school setting. Do not exclude others through your religious freedom, even other Christians who might not see things the same exact way that you do.
The huge benefit to bringing your faith and Christian beliefs into your school community is that you can grow and acquire stronger knowledge to help you communicate with those individuals and groups that are different then you. That doesn’t mean you need to organize a school wide debate, but it does mean that you can feel comfortable being friends with people who think differently than you while still maintaining your Christian faith.
Expressing your faith in school isn’t about converting other people or condemning them for their faith. It’s not about being manipulative or condescending. Nor is freedom of religion about devotionals or forcing your beliefs on other people. Religious freedom is recognizing the opportunities and freedoms we have as Americans and utilizing them to better ourselves, our schools and our communities. If we’re able to combine our spiritual wellbeing with our mental and physical self, then we will become more well rounded individuals. If we’re able to express our full self, not just part of us, then we’ll be better students, better citizens and stronger Christians. Freedom of religion allows us to learn, use our passions and talents to become the person God has designed us to become.
Having the ability and taking the opportunity to express your faith in a public school setting allows God to move in ways that weren’t as visible before. Trust that God will use you in various situations. Challenge yourself to rely on Him more and see what He does with your faith.
What Do You Do if You’re Scolded?
Sometimes it seems easier to keep quiet. But what if you step out and are reprimanded?
First, it’s important to know your rights. This article and the Religious Liberties in Public School article are a start, but it’s important to go to the root. Here’s the Department of Education’s Guidelines. It’s a long document, but it isn’t too difficult to read. You may want to ask your parents a few questions to better understand. Even though these rights are spelled out, many people (teachers and administrators included) don’t realize what these rights entail. They just simply need to be informed. If you politely show them what the law states, they’ll often back down. If you approach the individual who wronged you and they don’t back down, then take your problem to the administration of the school.
If your administration doesn’t respond to your plea, there are a plethora of organizations that fight for Religious Rights in the school systems. Reach out to one and let them take the lead. If it’s a significant case, these organizations may help you take your concern to court. Often, there’s resolve before you reach that point. Here’s a few organizations to look into to start:
Most importantly, know that you have religious freedom, and no one can take that away from you. As long as you’re wise and honorable while following the guidelines, you’re protected.
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