Don't you think history of religion should be taught in public schools?

Question

I'm not talking about religious education, but more of a comparative religion course that goes about exposing the true history of all modern religions as well as background in the origins of religous expression?

Do you think requiring this type of education of all students would resolve some of the misconceptions of Christianity and Islam that breed fundimentalism and other such problems?

I believe you should be reqired to know what you believe before you believe it... Most Christians seem to have very little grasp on the true history of their faith.

Answer 1

Yes, provided equal weight is given to all the major religions, as well as humanism and atheism. If the course sets out to show there is only one god, or that there is only one true religion, then that is unacceptable.

It is particularly important that Native American beliefs be covered.

Answer 2

The basic reason for joining a Religion is that it relieves a person of the responsibility to think for themselves. When you join a Religion you stop learning and begin accepting. It is easier for some people that way.

There are Religion based schools for those who wish to learn the history of any religion. If you take a hard look at the eastern countries where the government is religion based, you will see what happens when there is not separation between church and state. The Muslims want you to believe the way they do or you are an Infidel and must be destroyed.
Other religions use different methods, to force their beliefs upon people.
My answer to you is No. Religion is best left to the churches, which there are plenty of to fill the needs of everyone.
Buddhism does not require a Deity. But it is based upon being good and doing what is right, and everyone knows what that is.
Don't forget what public libraries are for.
You say; "I'm not talking about religious education," BUT: that is exactly what you are talking about.

Answer 3

Yes, I think it should be. Many born-again charismatic christians do not want to acknowledge the fast that the Romans persecuted christians. I taught religion at a private school and I had a parent claim that the history of the christian church wasn;t important and that it just gives people nightmares so I shouldn't teach it. So by those standards I think christians are using the ostrich method to problems. Just stick their head in the sand and because they can't see a problem they hope it goes away. But seriously....nightmares.

Answer 4

I don't think it should be required.. But it would be a good class for those who want to learn about the history... You can't force non-believers into a required class based on religion even if it's just the history of it.... In order to make sure you cover all religions the class would have to spend an equal amount of time on each and every religion that would have to include the Satanic based religions... I know alot of people would hate that but you'd have to include everything....

Answer 5

i do not imagine any faith ought to learn at public colleges via stress. i imagine that is the mom and dad duty to practice their little ones, or rent/locate someone with an same beliefs to practice their little ones (because i'm Christian, i will use the example, mutually with a Sunday college instructor). Public colleges are not any more a controlable putting for human beings usually, and it should be close to no longer plausible to ascertain your toddler replaced into getting what you idea replaced into the right training. Now! i does no longer be adversarial to faith training being an optional type of ingredient in extreme college. the position you opt for to learn the Bible or you opt for to learn some thing else mutually with the Qu'ran, so long because the instructor stood on impartial grounds and did not attempt to impact, yet to practice about. I pretty doubt that ought to ever be an decision basically because of the biases that ought to arise.

Answer 6

We actually had a course like this in my Roman Catholic (oh my, the kilts! I loved walking by the stairs, though ;9) High School... and while, of course, it focused mostly on Catholicism, I also learned a great deal about other religions. Most of the facts and histories are lost on me now (6 years since the last class!) but I do remember it being a great experience.

You get fed SO MUCH of just one line of thinking, that it really was a great awakening to the rest of the world. :)

Answer 7

Hmmm, cant answer your question easily.

Say, its is being taught, then who will teach it? How many...how do you arrive at the course material..when there are already so much differences and contradiction, even if you are going to take one single religion. Now just think of all of those other religions too. I wouldnt be surprised to see clashes in the school between the teachers of Religion/s

I think we should spare our kids, this chaos.Let them just learn science, all those things that are singular and decide for themselves

I see that "pagan poetess" has given a good answer, but then it can happen in a college. In a school, i doubt it....reason...parents would interfere.

Answer 8

As an elective, yes, because the history of religion is a part of the history of the world. However, I can guarantee that the fundaMENTALists will object because they will view it as teaching other religions, which is why it probably would have to be an elective, and not compulsory, although I believe world history should be compulsory - the level of ignorance of history is downright scary.

Answer 9

we can't make rational decisions unless we are given full information. History of religion should be taught in public schools then maybe less grief would be caused by them. I am stunned by the reaction of some 'Christians' who condone their violent past with the quip that well races of people have committed atrocities in the past and should not be held accountable. Being part of humanity is something you cannot alter - being part of a mindset which spreads evil is something you can change.

Answer 10

I think that as long as they are going to teach the history of ALL religions and that is the one's pre-dating Christianity then yes..That opens a child's eyes to the world and then they can later in life make an informed choice on what they want to fallow. We can guide our children the way we want them to go, but in the end we should keep there doors open and also there minds open. They have to make there own path.