Do you think R.E ( Religious Education ) / R.S ( Religious Study ) should be taught in school? Or should it be optional ( upto the student )
Am curious to know what other people think as i personally think it should be optional
2006-09-17 07:38:01 · 14 answers · asked by heavenlyangeluk1 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Many thanks for all the replies :)
2006-09-18 19:43:20 · update #1
Personally I dont agree with teaching religion in schools, it should be upto the individual to seek out religion if thats something that they find interesting. Optional most definitely.
2006-09-17 07:42:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely categorically not. Well, not the R.E. I grew up with, anyway. The R.E. I grew up with was a teaching of the doctrines of "The Lord" and what faith should mean to us and how we should travel our spiritual paths, etc etc etc. That's NOT a school appropriate lesson.
Now... a review of the origins and influences of major world religions... that would be ok. They have those classes at University and I think it'd be ok to ease kids into a secular understanding of religion as an institution and mythology from a historical and current view.
Oh, and yes, I think it would be best as an option... just like taking art or photography or typing was an option. What was the name of that kind of class...... oh right, an elective. Yes, it should be elective. And there should be a totally neutral and objective lesson plan made out in advance so that no one faith is presented in a kinder or favorable light.
2006-09-17 07:40:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a strong opposition to R.E./R.S. being taught in schools because it is always slighted in certain ways that accommodate who is teaching it. The School board issues their own parameters, the school administration also issues its own instructions, and the teacher puts in their own little twist. Most students come out thinking one religion is better than others. There is no true objectivity in this kind of subject.
2006-09-17 07:42:01 · answer #3 · answered by Wonder Weirdo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As an optional course, perhaps. I'd see no problems with an unbiased survey course, perhaps two, one Western and one Eastern. I wouldn't go any further than a survey course, however--if anyone wants more, there's always college. Still, knowing about various religions is becoming more and more important today, and a basic knowledge of beliefs and practices would be a good way to prepare students for the future.
2006-09-17 07:44:09 · answer #4 · answered by angk 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well for a public school I think just the plain teachings of Math, English and so on. Bible study needs to come from the home. Who better to teach there kids on what God says than there parents. When it comes to being in school and they try and make you do homework on evolution and you do not believe in that then they should make you write a paper on why you do not believe this way and why you think evolution is wrong, and you should be graded fairly as the others will be based on information you put into your paper.
2006-09-17 07:46:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
maurice, it's not the school systems job to pander to christians and their desire to have their FAITH taught in a SECULAR place of learning. If it's a private religious school then I don't give a crap, but don't go around demanding that YOUR faith be lifted above any other when it comes to government funded education. Remember separation of church and state? Remember how the government can't endorse or promote any religious belief over any other? Remember how it can't endorse or promote ANY AT ALL????
So why don't YOU stop YOUR whining about people who "can't find Jesus" and refuse to syphon the "Jesus" concept into the public school system... THEY'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO, DUMMY. Public school is SECULAR learning no matter how much you insist that your prefered brand of worship deserves more lip service.
It doesn't matter how "ungodly" you think the country is. Separation of church and state is constitutional, buddy, and that trumps your fanatic compulsion to try to convert all things into CHRISTIAN things.
2006-09-17 07:51:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
If parents chose a faith-based school, it can hardly be optional!
Otherwise I think it should be optional UNLESS comparative religion is being taught. Comparative religion should be compulsive. However, finding a teacher able to present a balanced view might be difficult.
2006-09-17 07:46:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Only if it is a religious school and not a public school. I am religious and I would not trust public schools to adequately give religious education. That is the duty of parents and the churches of the repsective students.
2006-09-17 07:40:44 · answer #8 · answered by anabasisx 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In my studies with a secular major in a large Christian university, I met many students that did not like the Biblical studies requirements.
2006-09-17 07:45:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Optional defiantly. I also believe it should encompass studying a cross section of different societies, culture, and religion. It would actually be classified as a humanities class.
2006-09-17 07:43:43 · answer #10 · answered by royboy05032000 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋