The debate is on again. Hot and heavy. Should we teach religion in schools?

Should we teach a creation theory along with evolution? Should the Ten Commandments hang in a classroom? Should we pray in public schools?

Just how serious are we about our faith? Is religion important to us? Does it matter that we educate the youth of our land about their religious choices?

I'm dead serious about my faith. My religion is very important to me. And of course we should educate our youth about the many religions! (Yes, such education should begin in the home; but no, it should not end there.)

I am not saying that only Christianity should be taught in our classrooms. Absolutely not. Any and all religions should be addressed.

Their histories should be explored. Their great leaders should be recognized.

Never would I endorse any program, agenda or curriculum that limits a person's freedoms to choose this day whom he or she will worship or serve.

And in order to make choices we need to understand what our choices are.

Columbine shook this country with a shaking that was long overdue. Parents are paying more attention to their children than they have in years. There is a movement across this land to turn again to the God of our fathers for guidance, mercy and salvation.

Sometimes, the corners we find ourselves backed into are the best place to be since it is only then that we grow willing to look inward and upward.

It is a sad day in America when children killing children are what's finally causing us to pause, search our hearts, and pray.

And where's the killing taking place? In our public schools, of course. So, do I condone the teaching of religion in those schools, even it means all religions and not just mine will be taught. You are darn tootin' I do. Always have. Always will.

When I was in high school, I chose on my own to read and study about every religion I ever heard of. That effort, and my observations in the years since, have caused me to appreciate many things about faiths that differ from mine.

But my faith has long been in Jesus Christ as my savior. It is my heart's desire that He be Lord of my life, though that struggle never ends... I did not enter into this ongoing relationship with Jesus blindly. I knew my options.

I am fully aware how Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation and I know the Scriptures reasonably well. I cannot imagine where I would be today without the influence God's Word has had in my life.

So, you would think I would want only Christianity taught and only my Bible read in our schools. Not so!

You see, the God I have come to know and love and worship is not wimp. He can hold his own with all the rest. So let the stories be told. Let the various religions have their place in our classrooms.

Let the discussions begin. Let the questions be asked. Because when it all starts happening openly and freely somebody will tell the story of Jesus.

Recall with me the words of the old hymn:

Tell me the story of Jesus,

Write on my heart every word;

Tell me the story most precious,

The sweetest that ever was heard.

I don't care if the one telling the story believes it or not. Just let it be told. And if it can only be heard along with the stories of all other religious leaders so much the better. Jesus Christ can outshine all the competition. I know. I'm not worried. If you are, then maybe you need to start telling the story more often yourself...

Nothing gives me more joy than telling the story of Jesus Christ as I know it and as it has affected my life. In such telling I have entered into many discussions with individuals who sincerely want to better understand their religious choices. Searching hearts have the right to ask what makes one faith more desirable than another.

Indeed, let the debates continue. Let the classrooms ring with discussion.

The truth will find its way to the surface like a life preserver in an ocean of confusion and many lost and drowning souls will see it, grab hold, and be saved. Where Jesus Christ does not fear to tread neither should we.

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