World Religion in Public Schools?

Question

Should a World Religion Class be offered in Public Schools?

With Social Studies taught in Public Schools maybe it would help Students get a better grasp on how Relgion palys a role in world affairs if they udnerstood the religions better.

Answer 1

Yes, I think it would be a good idea. In America there are so many stereo-types. People tend to believe what they hear, and unfourtunately in America usually what you hear is an opinion, not a fact.

Answer 2

My school offers a World Religion class. It used to be a semester long class, but it became so popular it was split into a semester of Eastern religions and a semester of Western religions. I love the class. Our teacher knows an insane amount of stuff. I mean she knows it. She doesn't have to look in the book she can tell you about the religions off the top of her head. I think it's a great class especially for my age group ( high school) because a lot of us are questioning our religion and want to know what else is out there. I've found I agree much more with Buddhist beliefs than anything else. More schools should have it available. Not mandatory but as an elective like at my school.

Answer 3

As long as it is taught what other religions believe and teach. There are some high schools that do. I believe that it would clear up a lot of misconceptions that others have about other religions. For example, most American christians think that their brand is the fastest growing in the world, but it is not. Islam (both Sunni and Shi'it) is the fastest growing religion. Also, it would have to be taught that there are other sub-divisions of evry religion (i.e. Christianity has Catholic, Protestant, LDS, etc). It would probably better to have a general view (Budhist, Hindu, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, etc.). Then have other courses on all the Christian and its subdividions.

Answer 4

Yes, yes, yes, and yes. I beleive if public schools teach the basics of religion without going too in depth into the religion students will understand more about what is going on in places for example the Middle East. Right now I beleive todays student only sees it as a race known as Jews vs a race known as Muslims. If they understood the history of those two religions, they would understand the fight is more than just teriitory, it is about land that both faiths beleive God promised to them. That is just my opinion. Oh yeah, just a quick addition, I don't think bringing in the specifics books such as Koran, Bible, etc, just mentioning them would be against the separation of church and state bs.

Answer 5

Many school systems do offer such a course, usually as an elective in high school. It can be a touchy subject, depending upon the community's ethnic and religious makeup, and it takes a strong personality to teach such information without including their own beliefs in the lessons.

I happen to think your idea is an excellent one. Have you approached anyone in your school system about this?

Answer 6

Absolutely!

People forget that knowledge is not harmful, especially when it comes to touchy subjects like religion and sex.

Knowledge is empowering. And in the case of religions, knowledge may also bring a greater understanding and therefore compassion towards those with religious views differing from one's own.

We only fear that which we do not know.

Answer 7

in most states the religious and cultural aspects of all groups throughout history are covered in Global/World history or Western Civ....you can not offer an actual religion class in public school because of the seperation of church and state...

Answer 8

I think it would be a great idea. I took a class called that in college and it was very enlightening abotu other cultures from a religious standpoint.

Answer 9

It should be in the social study curriculum. I believe it's already been covered somewhat.

Answer 10

Yes. More exposure to other cultures and how their religions have evolved would be much more helpful.