In our society of "freedom from religion", I was dumbfounded when I looked in this semester's Adult (15 years old and up) Continuing Education Courses offered by my local school district - Bristol Public Schools. I wasn't surprised when I saw classes like Computer Basics, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word etc. I am even interested in taking the Web Page Design class - I think that can come in handy. However, my mood started to change from genuine interest to slight surprise when I saw "Shaping up With Belly Dancing." I thought that was interesting for continuing education but to each their own.

What really surprised me was when I saw the following:

"Divination -

This class will introduce the student to various forms of divination: psychic readings, mediumship, channeling, tarot, etc. Come and learn how to tell a fake from a genuine diviner. This class will also teach you how to sharpen your own intuitive skills and you will learn to do 3 types of divination yourself."

I thought that there is no way this could be sponsored by my public school system; therefore, surely this must be some kind of a scam. The next class I saw was no better:

"Past Life Regression -

Utilizing hypnotherapy techniques, the student will explore the possibility of past life scenarios. The instructor is certified by the American Board of Hypnotherapy. Come and experience a hypnotic induction."

Finally, I saw the best, or worst, one of them all:

"Ghosts, Spirit Guides, and Power Animals -

Have you ever seen a ghost or heard unexplained sounds? This class invites you into the world of the shaman: a world populated by the unseen. The class is taught by a shamanic practitioner."

By the way, what is a power animal anyway? All of these incredibly non-skill, non-career oriented, based classes (which I view the primary purpose of public education) were all proudly on the page right before this statement:

"It is the policy of the Bristol Board of Education that no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise discriminated against under any program, including employment, because of race, color, religion..."

I would like to think so. However, I have to wonder what would happen if a local pastor or Rabbi would have offered a Bible study class for Continuing Education? I don't think it would have happened. When they allow, in the very least, moments of silence again in public schools I may not have such a hard time with Divination, Tarot Card readings, Past-life Regressions, Power Animals and Spirit Guides, but until then, I have a problem with them. I am not mad, I am amazed at the double standard. Something must be done. If we can recognize the place for these less-than-authentic forms of spiritual instruction, then surely we can recognize a place for Judeo/Christian teachings as well. They may not agree with them - but if there is a place for one, there must be a place for the other.

Where is the equal opportunity? It has yet to be tested, but it is likely they are there may not be as much equality in the opportunity.

Nevertheless, if you really want to know what a power animal is, how to sharpen your mediumship skills, or do some past life regression, Bristol has some great classes - just for you!

To read all of the Adult Continuing Education courses offered by the Bristol Public Schools, click here:

http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/uploaded/Adult_Ed/ACE/WinterSpring_2009.pdf