Teaching Islam in Public (and Private) Schools in America

Remember a few years back where California instituted a mandate for all district schools to teach 7th graders (even in the 6th grade, too) about Islam, Mohammed, the Qu'ran, Mecca and all that sort?

seventh-graders learn the tenets of Islam, study the important figures of the faith, wear a robe, adopt a Muslim name and stage their own jihad. Adding to this apparent hypocrisy, reports ANS, students must memorize many verses in the Koran, are taught to pray "in the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful" and are instructed to chant, "Praise to Allah, Lord of Creation."

And these are the very same public schools that would not dare go over the history of Christ and Christianity to such a degree as Mohammed and Islam without raising the ire of the ACLU and Liberals? Thanks to the separation of Church and State public schools are getting their federal fundings to teach and basically indoctrinate 7th graders in the name of Allah good education.

But perhaps it's better to look at the actual lesson course outline from the "Across the Centuries" book in order for you to understand exactly what these 7th grade social studies teachers are teaching to your kids. What are these kids learning?

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies "Across the Centuries" 7th grade social studies:

Lesson at a Glance Outline

Chapter 3, Lesson 2: Muhammad and Islam (pp. 58-64)

I. The Life of the Prophet
A. In A.D. 610, Muhammad had a vision of the angel Gabriel, in which he received messages from God. He and his followers came to believe that he was the last messenger in a long line of prophets sent by God.
B. When Muhammad began to preach in Mecca, he taught monotheism, the belief in only one God.
C. Muhammad named the new faith Islam, which means "submission" to Allah
(God). Believers in Islam are called Muslims.

D. Some people in Mecca resented Muhammad, forcing him and his followers to migrate to Medina. Eight years later, Muhammad and his Muslim army marched to Mecca and the city surrendered.
II. The Teachings of Islam
A. Muslims believe that the Qur'an is the word of Allah, completing the earlier revelations of Old Testament prophets and Jesus.
B. Islam has close ties to Judaism and Christianity, sharing many prophets and holy people described in the Bible.
C. Muslims accept five basic duties, called the Five Pillars of Islam. These include belief in one God, praying five times a day, giving alms to the poor, fasting during Ramadan, and the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca.
III. Islam as a Way of Life
A. The Sunna, or guiding rules for Islam, includes not only the Five Pillars of Islam, but many additional moral standards that a Muslim must live by in everyday life.
B. The Islamic term, jihad, means "to struggle." The Qur'an and Sunna only allow jihad as a means to defend against aggression and persecution.
C. The Sunna also sets guidelines for the treatment of women.

Sure, the book use the name "Jesus" but only named Him as a prophet and not The Savior. Wouldn't want to upset Muslims or Liberals if you mention Jesus as the Savior next to Mohammed on the same page in the same paragraph in the same sentence. You know exactly what THEY would do.

The social studies book not only have one full chapter dedicated to Islam, Mohammed, Jihad and Mecca but 2 full chapters which can be seen in Chapter 3 and 4.

In Chapter 3 it goes over heavily on the name “ Mohammed” (no pbuh's?....I'm shocked!) ,”Mecca” , “Islam”, “Qur’an”, “Allah”, “Ramadan”, “Hajj”, “Jihad”, “sets guidelines for the treatment of women” and “Islam as a way of life”.

Very inspirational, indeed. And 7th graders learn the value Islam which means "submission." I'm sure 7th grader girls will go absolutely crazy squealing with delight hoping to wear a burka someday.

In parts of Chapter 4 it talks about “dhimmitude” (sort of) by explaining that Muslims in medieval times were “tolerant” of Jews and Christians. But read the real story on "dhimmitude".

Now, not only do California schools have to teach this course to 7th graders.

DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT -
California
Grade 7:Across the Centuries

Santa Cruz County Office of Eduation

Rossier Park Elementary

Contra Costa County Office of Education

But you will see the same 7th grade social studies textbook being used in Colorado, Ohio, Minnesota (and here) and even in Washington's Whittier County Christian Schools of all places.

“Our Purpose is to partner with families to educate studnts academically, socially, and spiritually in a Christ-centered atmosphere”

It absolutely boondoggles the mind that they teach 7th grade social studies using the “Across the Centuries” social study book. Are they nuts or what? Perhaps they simply skip Chapter 3 and 4? But they have that book!! Flush it down the drain I'd say.

But if "Across the Centuries" social studies book is good enough for those public and private schools across America for 7th graders then I suppose it's smashingly good for an Islamic private school called New Horizon School located in California who will no doubt not object.

New Horizon School is an independent Islamic school founded by the Islamic Center of Southern California in 1984. New Horizon School is committed to providing students with an excellent academic education and firm grounding in moral and ethical values. New Horizon School fosters a dedication to God through virtuous living in a progressive Islamic environment.

Projects/activities include: visit to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Islamic Art and Japanese Art exhibits; Islamic calligraphy, bookmaking, Chinese writing, Japanese garden-making; and asimulation of the Roman senate and a debate.
Text: Across the Centuries (Houghton Mifflin)

It's on Page 36.

Now. How many public schools (even private ones) out there in good ol' America that are teaching 7th graders about the "value" of Islam which means "submission" in their social studies classes?

This should curdle your blood, folks.