A small minority has recently been vociferous in its opposition to the widely supported programme of teaching values from a Christian perspective in schools. Their evangelistic fervour for their atheistic, rationalist, secular, humanist cause far exceeds that of those who provide the programme.
It is time that a deeper investigation of this issue was provided.
First, the weekly half-hour sessions provided in many schools are not an opportunity for Christian enthusiasts to teach religious doctrine. While stories from the Bible may be the basis for a number of lessons, it is the moral principles and values in them that are the main aspect of the presentation to the children.
For example, in a recent unit on Joseph used in some schools with which I am involved, the children were encouraged to consider the negative impact of jealousy, of quarrelling, and of paying back evil for evil, and the positive impact of learning to forgive others and of working well and faithfully on small tasks (self-management).
Apart from these values and issues, yes, there was a "spiritual" issue included: God can comfort us in our sorrows. I doubt the countless numbers of people who have found spiritual solace at times of need would argue against that being mentioned.