Good for you for standing up and saying something to your friend — many would not...
If they are going to teach an overview of “World Religions & Beliefs” then they MUST include Christianity - it’s just that simple. Also, comparative religion as a subject in school should REALLY be left until these children are much older and can evaluate these things with a logical mind. Otherwise, as you said it’s all just part of an agenda. I remember hearing “the reason is because we “all” know about Christianity” - well, obviously that can’t be true if the children must be taught all these other religions... Otherwise, what is the point?
If they are being taught to understand that people in our country/world have different religious traditions what about the non-Christian students in their classes??? Is it wrong for them to learn about Christianity/Christmas??? I think not. What’s good for the goose...
I live in a very rural part of western PA. My two friends both teach at what would be considered “country bumpkin” schools...not exactly a racially or ethnically diverse area, and fairly conservative. I’m willing to put money on it that out of 25 students in each class, at least 24 of would identify themselves as Christians. I would think that the parents would take some issue the fact that Christianity is treated as an oppressive religion in their schools. Unless they don’t even ask their children what they did in school that day. (Any bets?)
I take serious issue with these two friends and their stance on the public school system, while still calling themselves conservative Christians. I have challenged them many times on issues revolving around indoctrination, public school and how it relates to conservatism and their answers are horrifying. I have figured out that they are much more concerned with being their students’ friends than their teacher. They are more apt to impress their administration than encourage and teach the kids. They have their teachers union distribute and correct their lesson plans for “adherence”. And they don’t see anything wrong with it.