Should religious doctrine be taught in schools?

Question

Even if it is against the will of the parent or the child who do not partake of that religion?

Most of you are overlooking the second part of the question. Should people be forced to learn religious principals that are not their own? You may want your children raised in a certain way, but should other peoples children be required to be educated that way against their wishes. Should I have to endure sending my son to a school where they will teach him religious doctrine that I know to be wrong?

Answer 1

I think it should be an elective the parents and child's choice

Edit:
an Elective
up to parent and child

Answer 2

Absolutely not, especially NOT against someone's will. That is what is called indoctrination. If parents want their children to be indoctrinated in a certain religion, they should enroll their children in a school that is a religious school.

In public schools, where we have all kinds of different walks of life, doctrines simply cannot be allowed because with the first lesson, SOMEONE will invariably be offended. And "opt outs" are not enough to prevent offense or persecution. Those who opt out of, say, learning Christian doctrine, well, those who stay, let alone believe, are either going to wonder why, or they'll know those are the kids to target for "saving".

Doctrines and dogma should absolutely not be taught. However, there is a fine line. I firmly believe that while doctrine and dogma should NOT be taught in school as fact or something the students "must" believe in, I do believe that it be highly beneficial to require students to learn about different religions.

This by no means means they need to learn to become believers in this religion or that. What I mean by the above statement is that students would greatly benefit from learning about religions different from their own, to understand what their friends and neighbors believe and why. Only through knowledge and understanding one another can we overcome our fears of beliefs different from our own. Once we have nothing to fear, we have nothing to discriminate against.

Teach about, inform, but not indoctrinate.

Answer 3

What about pseudo-science? That is against the will of many Christian parents and yet, it still is taught. We teach youngsters theories, even the most outlandish of theories. I believe Christianity is a fact, but for arguments sake, let's say it is too just a theory. Why not put Christianity in with all the other "theories." That would be true equality and justice. Why are we stuck with only the one side/view? How in the world is that in any way fair?

I say if the parents are against something they should be allowed to withdraw their child while that particular lesson is being taught. You don't like religion jammed down your throat and I don't like pseudo-science theories jammed down my throat. I say put religion in school and the parents can decide for their own children. After all you have to sign a waiver for field trips. Why not the same thing when a "debatable" topic comes up.

Answer 4

I think in high school there should be a course on world religions...with no emphasis on any one in particular but just an education, as impartial as can be about each. By that age they can make up their own mind.

Up until then I believe it is wrong to teach children religion in school. I would home school my children if that ever happened.

Answer 5

No, religious doctrine should not be taught by schools. As a Christian who happens to also be a teacher I want my daughters religious education to be my responsibility not the school.

Answer 6

well why not? besides teaching religion, you exposing the kids to different religions and beliefs, leads to individuality. a country full of robots that are morman, christian, jewish, muslim, buddist...etc JUST bc their parents were, would be boring! everyone has the right to believe in whatever they want, so long as the schools do not enforce the religious rules and force anything upon the children then i think its a great thing...why not give the kids knowledge in different peoples beliefs? parents should not shelter their kids from hearing about another religion...the kids have the right as anyother human being to be who they want to be!

Answer 7

well, you can't know that the doctrine is wrong, you may believe it is wrong, but you cannot know. and it's your choice to send your kid to a religious school, and you have to accept the school's identity and curriculum. at public school it is uncostitutional to teach religion, and stupid, because you can't give equal time to every religion, you would occupy too much class time and cause fights. religion belongs in the home, and at a church/temple/mosque/whatever, not in our school system

Answer 8

I think teaching a class on world religions should be required. Don't teach them the values, just the hard facts. I'm sure this'll turn more kids away from religion.

(and no, it wouldn't be illegal. we have religious studies majors in public universities)

Answer 9

Yes, I think children should be educated about world religions to the same degree that they are educated about history, government and literature. There's a difference between teaching what somebody believes and commanding someone to believe it.

Answer 10

Personally I'm apposed to religious education classes. If my kids were being taught about the creation, but I want them to grow up educated and intelligent, I'd be royally pi$$ed off.