Questions for Jews and others regarding Christmas songs in schools?

There is a reason my kids, all nieces and nephews, and the kids of all my friends go to private Jewish day schools. Yes, I have an issue with my kids being forced to participate in a multi- religious gathering where songs related to other religions are performed. Personally I believe that in a public school run with government funds in a country which ihas seperation of Church and State and freedom of religion, no religious songs or input should be included in the school curriculum or activities. If people want their children to learn specific religious material, they should send them to schools run by their communities and not by the government.

Whether or not a specific song contains questionable content is immaterial. It doesn't matter that the specific songs being used do not have a specific religious refernce- as long as it is representative of a specific religion, any religion, it should not be part of a school function- and yes, I include Jewish songs in that.

I'm a little confused about this being one of your all-time favorites, yet you haven't mentioned the fact that they're leaving out the third verse. By doing so, they have removed all overtly Christian content from the song.

There is nothing Christian about "Melt the clouds of sin and sadness." There is no mention of Jesus, or the cross, or the blood atonement, or the sacraments. On the other hand, the third verse talks about forgiveness of sins and invokes the Trinity.

By butchering this song as they have done, they are sending the message that the way to get along with people of other faiths is to strip your own beliefs of everything that makes them distinct or important. If it were my kids, I would keep them out of the holiday assembly and all rehearsals, on that basis.

Even if they sang the whole thing, there would still be the problem of this assembly sending the message that all religions are equal. If they want to have a party for the holidays, fine, but they should leave all religion out of it.

I suspect the other religious groups would have similar issues. But in my opinion, you should speak for yourself and take a stand on behalf of your own kids.

I am a Jew and don't consider it to be a problem. It is a lot better than some of the songs that they tried to get us to sing at assemblies back in the dark ages when I was in public school.

First, I'd like to say that I respect you very much for even thinking about this. When my kids went to school (about 20 years ago), they only sang Christmas songs (and religious ones at that). The Jewish parents got together and asked the school board to also include songs from other religions.

I think it would be hard to protest against this. I think mostly the atheist parents might be upset about this song. Perhaps you can have a meeting with the school principal and let him/her know your concerns.

Actually agree with Rabbit for a change. Songs which say Christ the Lord might be objected to but no mention of that in this hymn.

American cutting-part conflict Persian Gulf conflict Soviet–Afghan conflict Vietnam conflict Korean conflict Soviet invasion of Manchuria (1945) worldwide conflict I worldwide conflict II Russo-eastern conflict Russian Civil conflict chinese language Civil conflict eastern invasions of Korea Spanish-American conflict 1898 Cambodian–Vietnamese conflict Napoleonic Wars Greco–Persian Wars

Words of praise are for the unfaithful,as well as the faithful.why protest,Gods work is genius.

The song doesn't mention "Jesus" so why do you think Jews will be upset by it?

http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=6183

pray for the russians and jewish types of people to be around the world, you better face it