which should be taught in schools, ethics or religion?

Answer 1

I guess it depends on the school's demographics. I am a Catholic school teacher so I teach religion. The same as another particular religious dominated school. For a non-denominational school, I believe ethics should be taught. Look at the world we live in at the moment! Much of the fighting is over religion...

Answer 2

If it's a religious school, they can go ahead and teach the tenets of whatever religion the school belongs to.

However, in public schools, ethics should be taught, not religion. Kids need to learn to respect one another and treat each other well, not give them one more reason to cruelly pick on each other. Ethics teach people of all walks of life to behave with respect and to do the right thing.

Religion teaches to do only what is right according to that religion and sometimes, what's taught according to religious texts, is NOT an ethical thing. Slavery is condoned in the Old Testament, but it's no longer an ethical, moral, or good thing to enslave one another. Ritual animal sacrifices were also widespread in the Old Testament. I imagine if people tried to sacrifice rams and pigeons on a regular basis, PETA would have a fit.

And so the New Testament doesn't feel left out, there's stoning there for adultery and disobedience. Far be it from me to promote adultery, but, well, killing someone for making a mistake or a child for smarting off as kids are apt to do is over the top. I don't think people would find it ethical to have a village stone a child for being cranky.

Religion has no place in a public school as not everyone is of the same faith. However, ethics are something every decent person needs and ethics don't necessarily come from religious texts. Ethics teach you that if an action causes someone harm without due reason, well, it's best not to do it. Some religions preach that you should kill unbelievers, in other words, kill those who are different and thusly don't follow your "rules". Hardly ethical.

So although I feel that morals, manners, ethics, and such should be taught by the PARENTS of a child instead of leaving it to the schools and television to raise the next generation, if I had to pick one or the other, I'd rather kids learned manners, respect, and ethics over religion.

Answer 3

OK, let me get this straight. You are asking whether we should teach children at school how to properly behave in a vast community of people with countless different beliefs, by teaching them proper ethics; or whether we should deprive them the opportunity to choose a religion and proselytize them so that they can emmerge in the above mentioned community with a pair of religious blinders?
Well, to be frank I believe that school is the place where children should be preparing for the diversity of a community. A community where they will interact daily with people that have grown up differently, have been in different shcools, have different backgrounds, different beliefs (religious or otherwise), are of a different colour, speak differently, eat differently, live on a different neighborhood and so on and so forth. Now, if we want them to take an active role in such a community, they have to know how to act in a way that is respectfull to all those differences. The school is a microcosm of this community. In this miniature world the children must learn to coexist with others and understand the ethical framework that binds a community together.
As for religion, there is a proper school to learn it. It is called church, whether this is a Catholic church, an Orthodox church, a Mosque or a Shindoist temple. We have a choice of religion and it mostly depends on our family. We can choose where we pray (if we do so) and to which god. But, unfortunately, we do not have this big a choice as to where we will live.
There is, however, a place for religious teachings in a school. Allthough "religious teachings" is not a proper term, so I should probably say "teaching of religions". Children should be taught various facts and details regarding the other major religions of the world. I find it unnaceptable for an average 18 year old to not know what are the basic principles of the Koran, why is there a Catholic and an Orthodox Church or who was Bhuda. This lessons should be done with an absolute objectivity. A simple highlight of the facts that separate people as far as faith is concerned, but in an institution that brings people together regardless of faith - the school.

Answer 4

Ethics

Answer 5

I think ethics would be a good choice. Religion is a tad difficult as you would have to teach about all the religions in the world due to the diversity in the classes. Also alot more are becoming atheists and that is technically not fair to teach people about something they don't believe in.

Answer 6

I think both of them. It's best to learn ethics and religion in the same time and to make comparisons between ethics in various religions

Answer 7

Ethics with Civics

Answer 8

Ethics.

Answer 9

Well, ethics if you're in the USA because religion isn't allowed to be taught in public schools - You can teach about different religions - compare/contrast - place in history, etc. but you can't teach any one specific religion - it's illegal

Answer 10

Religion should be taught but not preached,so you are able to make an informed choice.I have a real problem with certain religions only receiving education on their own.Indifference breeds contempt.
Ethical dilemmas are an essential part of life.
So Both.