Religion & Spirituality - 22 March 2007

I think that high schools in America should offer a world religion and theology course. I’m not talking about a seminary class or release time that focuses on one religion; I mean a class that teaches at least the basics and some more of every religion.

The reason I think this is because, as the War on Terror goes on, I realized that a lot of people are very ignorant and discriminatory to the religion of Islam. Then I realized that a lot of people are ignorant to every religion but their own, and a lot of times just religion in general.

I think that if a world religion class was offered kids may be able to open their minds to what others believe. I think it would help them learn tolerance, understand which religion is which, and why they do the things they do. If this was offered people wouldn’t judge so harshly. I find that myself and others only judge when we don’t understand.

If I took this course I would expect to learn about the history of theology and religions, how they came to be, what they believe, and why. I would expect that the religions taught would be divided according to how long they’ve been around, and how complicated the beliefs are. I would also expect to be taught about atheistic beliefs and the numerous cults that have formed, not that the two are related.

This class would have to be optional, because you cannot force someone to learn about religion if they don’t want to. Although, if it were my way, the teacher would never mention their religion and try to be as unbiased as possible. They would also allow debates in class to some extent.

I understand the existence and importance of separation between church and state, but ignorance can only be tolerated to some point. Plus, I think the separation between church and state means that no one is allowed to have you pray in school or work, or teach according to religious beliefs. I think this class would be more related to culture studies, anyways.

2007-03-22 07:17:14 · 26 answers · asked by TOGA TOGA 3

2007-03-22 07:16:44 · 7 answers · asked by mouthbreather77 1

my opinion on god is that there probably is one (maybe 2,3,4 of them, who knows!) my opinion on religion is that all the major religions have it wrong, that too much has been read into it. For instance in my opinion the bible is no more than a set of moral codes laid down by man, rules and guidelines by which everyman of every creed, colour etc can embrace, a way to make the world nicer if you like. What are your opinions on god(s) and religion?


PS please dont bite my head you will notice that this is all opinion which everyone is entitled to so no comments about my eternal damnation etc.

2007-03-22 07:15:35 · 11 answers · asked by ? 4

IF SO, GIVE A STAR FOR THE MOST HIGH

2007-03-22 07:15:08 · 15 answers · asked by hardworkur84 2

2007-03-22 07:12:10 · 4 answers · asked by eddysmomma 4

You do realize that in the early years of the Christian church, this symbol was used by the church. It was used to represent the Five wounds of Christ. This symbol can also be used to represent the five senses, and the five limbs of the body (two legs, two arms and a head as well as five fingers and toes.) So I don't understand why you are against it. You claim this is a symbol of the devil, when the church used it to represent itself. Now there is a contradiction. Seriously think about it without referring to your bible, and don't make any uncalled for comments. Only YOU will look like the fool.

2007-03-22 07:09:43 · 15 answers · asked by Ma'iingan 7

ok i need 2 choose a name for my confirmation and i have no idea what to pick....
im looking for something unusual but it has to be a saints name, an angel's name or a variation on either
does anyone have any ideas?

2007-03-22 07:09:33 · 19 answers · asked by Katrina Van Tassel 2

I have found a very interesting site: http://www.fixedearth.com/

It says that the earth does not move and the sun rotates around the earth (once a day). The bible is proof of that, according to the site. Since I do not know the bible very well, I would like to know what bible experts think about that.

2007-03-22 07:09:31 · 28 answers · asked by NaturalBornKieler 7

we are told the Y/A crew really exist, but none of us have seen them. they give some people "top contributor" icons, while others fall short of this blessing. they can delete your account in a flash, we are all under their control and at their mercy, we strive to please them for fear of what will happen if we don't.
would you care to add to the list?

2007-03-22 07:09:12 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous

Not very valid because IT WAS WRITTEN BY MAN. It is not something to base your life on.. Just be a good kind person who loves their family and is good to their friends.. and fears God and loves him.

2007-03-22 07:09:09 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous

I have paid my council tax, now the baliffe have now been knocking on my door.
Everything has gone backward in my life, of now down to earth basics, there must be that spiritual explanation, if of no basics.

2007-03-22 07:08:51 · 5 answers · asked by sakinokia 1

like the blind being able to see, or the dead raised to life, then would you believe?

2007-03-22 07:08:26 · 19 answers · asked by David 3

I'm from a small town and everybody was catholic, I now moved in a BIGGER city where there is a wide variety of religion and I met this girl once, we went to dinner together and we started talking about what the difference between catholic and Jewish was. Then after a while I realized that Jesus is Jewish. Please give me your opinion on this, Am I right? If so it doesn't make a lot of sense.

2007-03-22 07:08:10 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous

2007-03-22 07:07:46 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous

2007-03-22 07:06:14 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous

So, the other day I found a plastic bag hanging on the knob of my front door. Inside was a tract about how sinful we all are and how we can be saved by Jesus, a pamphlet about the church the people who left it there were from, etc.

My apt. complex has a clearly posted no solicitation policy, btw.

So... I found a handout on digitalfreethought.com...

http://www.digitalfreethought.com/why_believe_in_god.pdf

Think they would mind if I left that on the front door of their church?

2007-03-22 07:05:01 · 20 answers · asked by Snark 7

do you feel have no clue about your beliefs?

I asked a question earlier about the pentagram (which I know doesn't apply to all pagans). I got some great answers, but I also got some that make me realize that people do not have any idea what you believe. I know that you already know this. :o)

My question is out of say 20 people, how many do you think know in general terms what you believe? How many know in more than general terms? Do you wish more people would at least take the time to read wikipedia about it before they form an opinion?

It just seems to me there is a real lack of knowledge among a good number of people, and it makes me sad that you are being judged by your label alone. How do you deal with this?

I ask with respect as it seems you are sometimes judged more harshly than atheists!

2007-03-22 07:03:49 · 21 answers · asked by glitterkittyy 7

To those who believe in God (in whatever form you believe), do you feel God would rather you have a 100% on your "test of life" but not understand the answers (you merely guessed correct) or would he rather you score an 80% and understand the questions/answers (you know and understand the material)? Blessings in the Light of Christ!

~Embracing my Pangelism

2007-03-22 07:03:46 · 10 answers · asked by Guvo 4

Not that I really give a damn...Y!A gives and Y!A takes away. I could never figure out how they assigned it in the first place.

I haven't been heavily reported recently, so that seems unlikely.

Has this happened to anybody else??

2007-03-22 07:02:38 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous

2007-03-22 07:02:07 · 38 answers · asked by Anonymous

2007-03-22 06:59:43 · 41 answers · asked by Anonymous

2007-03-22 06:59:09 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous

2007-03-22 06:58:55 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous

Is there verses from the Quran that say that faithful Muslims will be rewarded in heaven with virgins?

2007-03-22 06:58:36 · 8 answers · asked by peace_lover 2

And everyone needed something to believe in so they put there heart and mind in the bible. Besides back in the day, they did not even speak our language. What do you think.

2007-03-22 06:57:43 · 23 answers · asked by Diamondbch 2

Already, I have noticed VAST differences just in this ONE belief system as far as biblical interpretation goes. One person who is supposedly Christian called ME a non-believer (Even though Christ is in my life) because I didn't exactly fit into their cup of tea of what a "perfect" Christian should be. LOL. Apperently a "perfect" Christian means not questioning doctrine and using your God given faculties to reason and become more mature in your faith and understanding of scripture. Even though Paul advised (and I agree)
"Let every man be fully persuaded in his OWN mind." in Romans 14:5.

The Evangelicals don't consider the Catholics REAL Christians and visa versa. The JWs think NOBODY but them are perfect Christians. The Southern Baptists think the Episcopalians are too soft. The Episcopalians think the Southern Baptists are too hard. And it goes on and on and on. LOL.

Anyone as fed up with it as I am?

2007-03-22 06:53:55 · 37 answers · asked by jessicabjoseph 3

2007-03-22 06:53:28 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous

About pagans who don't practice witchcraft. I've talked to a lot of christians and (not all) but the majority disliked them because they said they were partners with satan and magic which i find extremely hilarious since pagans don't believe in satan and not all pagans to witchcraft. A few of my friends are pagan. Pagan people are as peaceful as buddhists. they have a creed, many rules and structures within the religion.

Why do christians still dislike pagans without knowing anything about the religion? it really has NOTHING to do with doing magic, contacting the dead, fortune teling or making sacrifices of dead animals. Most are just peaceful people who are like everyone else in society.

2007-03-22 06:52:46 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous

I'm all for everything this country is all about including freedom of religion. However, I think we're totally going a little too far this time. I'm going to try to take off islam from the group of freedom of religion. This makes the U.S seem all weak and submissive allowing this type of stupidity; allowing people be the same religion that has done so wrong to us. We're going to far on the meaning of freedom and we need to step back a little and take charge and responsibility for our citizens by not allowing them to practice Islam (all other religions yes; they're peaceful) I think we're getting to ridiculous do you? I'm in college and going into politics, and this is one of my goals. When I try to do this will you support me?

2007-03-22 06:52:29 · 16 answers · asked by C.G. 1

ok, heres what I think...theres a god and a goddess that are embodied by us all, plus many other individual gods and goddesses which are our 'cooperative beings' but not rulers. After we die, our body is done because its mission was done, our spirit stays with every family member, friend, & person we made a difference to, and our soul goes back with the gods and goddesses until it picks another body, which these gods/God & goddesses/Goddess keep track of which new bodies are available for entrance(aka newly conceived babies). I also believe that everything that ever could happen, will happen, would happen, or should happen is all happening at once but all we can focus on is our own personal here & now(thats why we only use 10% of our brain, the other 90% is busy w/ other stuff we're not even conscious of). I also believe ALL forms of murder are bad. What I need to know is...please don't tell me I'm crazy I get enough of that from my mom....what is the NAME of the religion or spiritual

2007-03-22 06:52:21 · 11 answers · asked by What Dreams May Come 5