in U.S. high schools? Would you still support the idea if evidence suggested such a class made Christian kids doubt all religions including their own?
2006-12-30 15:25:19 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think it is very important, that our children know about
ALL the world's religions.
2006-12-30 15:28:24 · answer #1 · answered by Kerilyn 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely, I would support such a class, if it were taught objectively. I would certianly not support it, if the entire purpose of the class were to instill doubt in religion, teaching it as something "out of date" or "we've evolved past the need of".
As to whether it would make Christian kids question their faith, that can only be a good thing. Great faith can ONLY come from great questions.
Just because a person is "brought up" in a particular faith means little, until that person has gone on his/her own journey of self-discovery.
Perhaps such a class would help clean out all the make-believe Christians we have in the U.S.
2006-12-30 15:42:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I was in High School- 1981- the schools did require this class. I didn't know one student that was swayed one way or the other- there were questions and there were answers. Many kids did go to church anyway, and it wasn't an issue. The class was like any other class- inform students about the world around them- period. Doubt can be a good thing- it makes you think, investigate, dig deeper, and make a decision-
2006-12-30 15:59:50 · answer #3 · answered by kskwwjd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think such a course could provide an overview of basic beliefs and practices of each major religion in a way members of those religions would accepts. No polemics are necessary. Simply state the beliefs, history of the religion, etc. I don't think Americans should be ignorant of world religions at this day in age. We are too multicultural.
2006-12-30 15:31:04 · answer #4 · answered by Aspurtaime Dog Sneeze 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure that I would want someone to teach such a class without some credentials to go with his/her license in education. I also do not believe that any high school in our state would be able to get such a person that would know enough about ALL religions in this world to do them justice. Have a great week. You should have a great array of answers on this one!
Eds
2006-12-30 15:29:13 · answer #5 · answered by Eds 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Why not? Would you support such a class if it made some kids inclined to convert to Christianity?
What I would not support is a class that whitewashes the history of minority religions while demonizing Christianity, or that neglects the actual history and doctrines of Christianity in favor of popular mythology.
2006-12-30 15:31:29 · answer #6 · answered by NONAME 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I support, strongly, people from all faiths learning about world religions. I think understanding where everyone else comes from helps strengthen your own faith.
But let me directly address your question...
The problem with a high school class in world religions is that it will likely be taught by some secular liberal who is actively trying to persuade students that all faiths are equally valid or void. I would much rather parents teach their children about other faiths from a Christian perspective. That way kids would learn about Islam and Buddhism and the rest from a uniquely Christian perspective. I wouldn't worry about kids losing their faith from high schools but I would imagine that if they are not properly theologically grounded they may pick up some silly ideas from Mr. or Mrs. Whomever.
2006-12-30 15:31:10 · answer #7 · answered by YourMom 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would highly recommend that. I went to a Catholic high school where they offered such a course. It did not make me doubt my religion at all, but rather show more respect for other faiths. It also brings more culture to one's education by understanding a major aspect of other nations.
2006-12-30 15:29:26 · answer #8 · answered by SAT 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I'm not a Christian, (and I don't know why you would want to single out that group only to answer your question,) but I like the idea of teaching the history of world religions. Religion has been a major contributing factor for shaping the modern world - some good some bad - but nonetheless it has left its mark and that's worth taking a good look at.
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2006-12-30 16:09:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ABSOLUTELY!!!
I took such a class in college. It was taught objectively and we were not allowed to bring our own beliefs into discussion. Taking such a class only made me stronger in my own faith.
2006-12-30 15:37:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is that really true? That taking such a class would make them doubt their own brand of myth? I'm an Atheist, but I wish they would implement that class if it had that effect! It makes sense that it would make them doubt. They'd see that their religion was nothing special and that all of them are pretty dumb.
2006-12-30 15:36:26 · answer #11 · answered by Darwin d00d 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋