Should Theology be taught in school?

Question

When I say Theology, I mean a generalized study of religion, not just one. I believe there should be a course outlining the general similarities and diffrences between religons. To make it more simple the course should go over: Chrisitanity (protestant and catholic), Islam, Judism, Buddism, and Wicca/Paganism.

Maybe through understanding someone's faith we won't hold any negativity to them just for being of a diffrent faith.

Just my opinon, what is yours?

Answer 1

An elective course for seniors in high school might be okay, but as long as we are giving HS diplomas to students who can't read beyond a fourth grade level, do not know how to make change, and have major problems in the spelling and grammar of their first language, I think the idea should be put on the back burner. When we are once again a top educator among developed countries, perhaps we might look into it.

Answer 2

In the private school setting of course it is up to them as they have control over what they choose to teach.

Since this really has more impact for public schools...

practically its not usually possible. First it has to be put in the right area, social studies and has to be able to conduct the class without violating the establishment clause, which means you have to have a teacher who will not try and promote any specific belief. Next you have to make sure to have a diverse enough course load that the mere outline of the course itself doesnt violate the clause, and lastly the general student population (and parents...) have to accept the course as not violating their rights in some way. IF this was all possible in most cases then i dont see why there would be a big problem, however it rarely is and because of the intensly charged sentiments that usually are involved i think it would be best to leave religion courses out of public schools, even more generalized ones.

Answer 3

I think this is a great idea. Give a lesson on all the major religions of the world. I agree 100%, but I do hold some reservations. How excepting will the parents be considering that their children might be exposed to other religions. Most parents won't have a problem with this but the two or three sure will make lots of noise.

Answer 4

I think theology would be wrong word for these classes. I'm afraid I don't know the right English word, but it would be more philosophy then theology. I think it's better to look at moral issues from a philosophical point of view then from a theological point of view. In this philosophical point of view it would be easy to incorporate some of the major religions, and yes, it would be a selection of them, because you just can't choose everyone.
The point of these lessons would be: 'these are ways to look at the world and at the people and at the moral choices people make. Now that you've seen some ways at looking at them, which do you prefer?'
I do think that knowing about other religions is a good way of getting a positive view of other people, but it's imperative that you start with a true open view, rather then a closed view ('this is christianity, other religion are just like it, so respect them in that'). in the last case it would make it very hard to look at atheism with respect for instance.

Answer 5

I think the problem is that many groups of christianity and islam would not be very happy with their religion being taught on an equal standing with ... well, any other religion. the "this is absolutely how its so, we're right and everyone else is wrong" is very important to some people.

I mean if you presented "this group believes x, this group thinks Y... " who would really pick christianity?

and how many who were raised with it being dicated that xyz is absolutely so, and that considering any others is evil or something... having it presented in a less agressive, more rational way, might actually even pull them away.

but IMO the earliest it should be able to be considered would be late high school or therabouts.

Answer 6

In solving one problem, you create others. You list five religions. But that excludes major ones like Hinduism, Shintoism and Taoism. Okay, let's refine it to include those. But then there are secondary but still significant religions like Zoroastrianism, Sikhism and Falun Gong. Then what about Baha'i, Confucianism, Vodun, Santeria, Juche, Unitarian Universalism, Satanism, traditional animist beliefs, etc.? What happened to Orthodox Christianity? And secular religions like Humanism? Once you've opened the door, where do you stop? And who decided which religions 'make the cut' and which don't?

In my opinion, theology has a rightful place at a university. But in elementary and high school, I'm inclined to think 'no'. But that's just my opinion.

Answer 7

The study of religion is fine. Religion is a huge part of our culture and society. It's what makes us human. To have an objective, scientific and historical look at religious studies would be great. In fact, I took exactly that course in college and found it fantastic.

But when you start using religion as a BASIS or FOUNDATION, then the answer is of course not. Relgion, not religious studies by Religion itself, has no place in an institute of learning.

Answer 8

Scott, you look to have the sort of deficient significance in the direction of the tithe. No to what you ask however this is among the finest practices that a Christian can participate in in expressing his religion in and to God. I can most effective provide an explanation for it to Christian who've skilled the phenomenon as I. It isn't that God demands the tithe however it's we'd like the field and the giving. It creates an excessively targeted bond among follower and chief of religious affairs. When performed competently--the giver learns the field of obedience in his monetary affairs---they all. Being debt unfastened is among the highs of the Christian stroll for then you're not slave to the only(s) you owe. Another revel in is you detect you'll not ever out supply God--he continuously blesses you past your meager tithe quantity. If you tithe for that motive you fail continuously. Even external of Church--Christians are probably those giving extra financially, and time and vigor of all different organizations. They exhibit up at the scene lengthy earlier than even the sponsor from time to time--the Red Cross--they see the desire and reply---that too is facet in their sharing--known as an supplying.

Answer 9

No, separation of church and state. America is to be open to all religions. Isn't it interesting the forefathers were Christians that allowed this. Public tax money is used to educate in public schools, then religion is not to be studied there. Private schools can teach it if they want.

Answer 10

That sounds nice on paper. how ever you would need to find unbiased teachers and get around the separation of Church and State.It is something that is taught in college courses where there is more time to devote to a single study. or at least a smaller similar course of studies.