Until the early 1960s, religion was accepted in most of our nation's public school systems. One of the main purposes of schooling in early America was for religious purposes (Prothero). Benjamin Franklin said, “Only religion and morality can establish the principles on which liberty may safely rest.” » Thomas Jefferson said: “The question is not which religion is true. The question is what religious traditions do we need to know to be an effective citizen. » We must not take away something that can be beneficial to our nation. Even though religion offends some people, it should be allowed in public schools because of its influence on America and Western civilizations and its ability to foster closer relationships. In the early 1960s, people began to view religion in public school systems as a problem. . Parents thought their children should not learn religion in school. The problem is not teaching religion, it's forcing religion (Boston). David Paszkiewicz, a New Jersey teacher, was secretly filmed and accused of preaching religion in his history class by a student. He taught that there were dinosaurs aboard Noah's ark and that there was no real evidence of evolution. He went too far for his position when he told his students that they would go to hell if they did not accept Christ's gift of salvation (Boston). The problem is not the subject Paszkiewicz was teaching; It’s the way he taught it. Rather than using an educational method, he instructed with a preaching method. His method of preaching was very forceful and somewhat intimidating. He taught his personal religion and tried to make his students accept it by force (B...... middle of paper ......liberties. Ed. Noël Merino. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints . From “Government Neutrality Is Not “Anti-Religion” Psychology Today (October 3, 2011) Prothero, Stephen “There should be a prayer and a prayer.” Public Bible Study. Schools." Atheism. Ed. Beth Rosenthal. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2009. Opposing Views. Excerpted from “Should the Bible Be Taught in Public Schools? (Interview with Stephen Prothero).” Beliefnet.com. 2007. Opposing Views in Context Web, November 19, 2013. Staver, Mathew D. “Allowing Religious Expression in Schools Protects Students' Rights New Federal Guidelines Are a Blessing.” for Public Schools." Liberator March 2003: 1-4. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. November 19. 2013.