Would you be okay with a course on world religions being compulsory to all schooled children?

Question

This would apply to kids in private, public, and home school settings.

What I mean by a world religion course is that they will be taught in the manner a religious studies course is taught in college. They will be given informative data about the most prominent religions and their beliefs including, but not limited to, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Atheism, and even Satanism (sort of like History of Religions). This would not infringe the separation of church and state because it is being taught from a historical rather than a dogmatic/theological point of view as they do in public universities. I think as citizens of countries that give us wide ranges of options we should be informed about one of the most notorious and influencial ones, religion, so we can best choose the one that suits us.

Aside from fear from having kids think of themselves, which potentially may mean they won't believe as you, I don't see reason why not to implement this. Discuss!

Answer 1

I think you're very right. Religion (from the biggest to the smallest) should definitely be looked at schools, and studied because its important the youth learn about religion. Religion is and probably will always be a world-wide feature of a lot of humans.

I wasn't taught about religion at my school. We did go to chapel and a priest (father of one of the pupils) gave the usual speeches and we gave donations, sang a hymn. But otherwise it ended there. Everything I learned about religion I learned by myself in my free time.

And I agree again with you that it should be kept separate from science and biology (esp. evolution) and should always be said that "this is the Christian/Muslim/Jewish/Buddhist/Hindu, etc version of man's existence" when talking about how life began and always kept seperate as a belief not a fact.

Also all types of religion should be taught especially those with the most influence in the world (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddism, Hinduism and the Far Eastern belief systems).

Your idea is great.

Answer 2

It is a good idea, in theory. However, in practice...not so much. The main problem would be that there are certian groups that would object to their kids learning about any religion other than their own, and there are so MANY religins the most teacher have no information on that even developing the curriculum would take years, then they owuld either have to train all the existing teachers in the new material, or train new teachers to specialize in that area and have them on staff and available to do this. And in all honesty, I just can't see any school district ponying up the cash for that...and certainly the taxpayers wouldn't support it...again for tha afoermentined reason of not wanting their kids to learn about religons that they don't endorse even from a historical perspective, (some don't even want to know about the history of their OWN religion, let alone anyone elses.)

Nice thought though...glad to see at least SOMEONE get it....

Answer 3

to an extent.even if i think is a great idea i think it has to come from the family also. i am a non believer, but i want my child to be Educated on everything, instead of voicing ignorant opinions. but at school is a bit too much. they should be given the general picture and explained what the beliefs are and so on, but not the practice, and also the kids should be 12 onwards, as the majority will probably have a better understanding then. i am all for explaining to them what the various religions and beliefs are, as i was born a catholic, live in the UK were the church of England and Islam prevailed, have pagans and druids in the family, and have myself dwelt into Buddhism and Hinduism. i will educate them my self, and the school to a certain extent.

Answer 4

I don't see a problem with it. If people really want their children to succeed in today's rapidly shrinking world, it's best to equip them with the knowledge of what others believe so they know how to deal with it when they run into it, as well as motivations of others that may seem odd unless you're informed about why someone would feel a certain way.

Essentially, I'd call it a savvy business move, if nothing else.

kvelduf: At my college, two quarter-long classes are offered for religion: Eastern and Western, both survey classes. Nothing terribly in-depth, but enough to get the basics and the history. I haven't yet taken the Western class, but in the Eastern class alone, we made a quite satisfactory coverage of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Shinto, and Confucianism in three months.

Answer 5

If athiesm and agnosticism are included, perhaps.

The problem with most "world religion" courses in college is:

1) Generic religious concepts are not taught independent of any specific religion.

2) They can only focus on the major religions. There are thousands of minor religions of interest. Most courses merely highlight the professors narrow experience and personal predjudices.

Answer 6

I believe this should be intergrated into some kind of world history class, not be a seperate class altogether. I believe it should be an available elective for those who have more interest. But I don't think everyone in the world needs a full years worth of studying religion, and I don't think it should be for the purpose of choosing what best suits us, but rather to learn more so we can have tolerance of other religions.

Answer 7

No. It's already too hard for most people to understand a thing by over viewing 3-5 religions. Just telling them about all religions will get them nowhere.

Answer 8

I think it''s a great idea. The only problem that you'll face are the people that are die hard in their religion that they push it off onto their children. It is important that people get the right to CHOOSE their religion. That's a great idea. It may even help people overcome stereotypes and myths about other religions.

Answer 9

I think it should not be "compulsory". But if it were taught from a historical perspective as you suggest, I don't see anything wrong with it. Just so long as the teachers don't start saying one way is right or wrong. Peace.

Answer 10

I have to take a religions of the world class in college. I would much rather be taking biorganic chemistry.