There are in America from fifteen to twenty million religious fundamentalists who are dedicated to doctrines incompatible with democracy in that they insist on their prerogatives as first principles. An even larger group feebly follows the trail of fire breathed by those fundamentalists. They are the most dangerous minority we have because they categorically eschew the reasoned judgments of the majority. Democracy properly allows them the right to worship as they choose. It should never have conceded them the right to establish schools. Education is not a function of any church--or even of a city--or a state; it is a function of all mankind.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A large religious minority in America rejects democratic reasoned judgment and demands schools based on doctrine. Wylie argues education belongs to humanity, not churches or states.
- In plain terms
- Some religious groups oppose democracy and want their own schools, which harms shared education.
- What can you take from it?
- Keep education secular to preserve democratic reasoning.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What role should religion play in education?
- How do we balance pluralism and shared values?
Another view
It dismisses legitimate religious schooling debates without addressing parental rights fully.
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