religion in school?

Question

In my children's school , the children do not pray
they do however learn about all religions and are taught to respect each other
they have things like tasting days , where on specific holidays they would get to taste food from the culture or religion in question
the children all play together
and colour and religion is not an issue ... infact they are all very curious about each other
my oldest is at high school and her religious education teacher wishes her to give a talk on Wicca as he isnt knowledgeable enough to do so... but respects her wishes to have it included in the subject
rather than taking all religion out of school ...
wouldnt it be better that ALL religions are taught in school and of course speak about reasons why some do not have a belief ?

p.s I am in Scotland

Answer 1

I quite agree Pangel. I think knowing what is important to others and developing a tolerance to differing views is essential if we want to have a caring society.

Here in England, my daughter's school is currently covering a 'mainstream' religion each term. Last time Islam, this term, Christianity. I'd like a bit more variety personally, but it's all down to curricula.

However I'm pleased to note that there does seem to be opportunity to talk about beliefs and ethics within both RE (Religious Education) and other subjects.

As an aside, my daughter (12) says she's an atheist, though I'm not aware anyone has asked her to do a talk on this! But at least she has a considered viewpoint. Much better that than just following the crowd I think!

.

Answer 2

It really would be great if Wicca/Paganism etc was taught in schools. We have already mentioned this to the head at our childrens school, and she is all for it, but it also depends on what the education department think of it. We would gladly go into school and tell them all about it, the history, the hows and whys, the Gods & Goddessess and how it is not harmful or evil in any way. Yes, it would be better that all religions are taught in schools, otherwise it is giving our children the wrong perception of certain religions being better and greater than others. Lets hope this all religions will be taught in the near future.
Blessings

Answer 3

I teach RE in England. The syllabus states that the six major religions should be taught (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Hidusim) however it also states that what is taught should reflect the religious poupulation of the area. This implies that you can infact teach any religion that is present in the school. Myself, I am Pagan. when a pupils what i believe in i tell them, which is usually followed by a short talk on what paganms believe. I would actively encourage any pupil of any other reliugion not already studied to speak up and inform everyone else. This is the way forward on promoting tolerance and understanding of what other people believe.

Answer 4

I dont think so. Some people aren't religious and they would complain about any attempt to teach about different religions. Another problem is that the teacher is going to have a bias toward his own religion. So that religion will get more attention than the others. I had black history teachers, and the amount of black history and anti-white history that we covered in an american history class was very excessive.

I also went to a private school, and they taught religion. In that environment I have no problem with it. You chose to be exposed to the religion, and the bias is the same as your own. It is dangerous for a public school to practice teaching religion, and they would be better off teaching the basics.

Answer 5

I think that's a sensible approach that many UK schools already take. If my children's school won't teach them the importance of the Bible to Western culture (I'm an atheist) I'll teach them myself. The crucial thing is not to present any of these teachings as the truth - if religion is to have any value it is that we respect each others' right to believe as we wish. So exposure to other faiths and cultures is as a spectator. Like all spectator activities, there should be no barriers to deeper involvement for those who wish to. But no school should present the teachings of Christianity* as if they were the right way, against which others' beliefs may be measured.

* Or anything else.

Answer 6

I think it sounds like a nice idea to include learning about all religions in school. It would never fly in the United States though. First of all, our dear president put in the No Child Left Behind Act which has caused our school system to pretty much ignore every other subject with exception to Language, Math, and Science, so there's not much time left for children to learn things like history, music, and much less religion. I also think some of our southern states are so filled with bible beaters that they would refuse to let anything besides Christianity inside of the schools. It sounds like your children go to a wonderful school though!

Answer 7

I think it's excellent what the school is doing. Ignorance creates a brick wall that most cannot get over. If children learn about different religions from an early age they will grow to be so knowledgeable and they can then decide what is right for them. Children only learn hate for other religions from parents or adults that surround them as they grow and they have their views pressed upon them. If parents wanted their children be be taught one religion then they should place them in a school that only teaches and enforces one religion.

Answer 8

I totally agree with this. I think all religious paths should be taught in schools, not just the mainstream ones. They should be taught as objectively as possible, and should never be forced on people to believe a particular one. I also disagree with parents bringing their children up in their own religion, as everyone should choose for themselves when they are old enough to understand what they are getting into.

I am Wiccan, and I wont raise my children as such, it will be up to them when they become old enough to make an informed choice of their own.

BB
)O(

Answer 9

Oh, Scotland! I'd move there, but I have a problem with cold winters. I get all arthritic in the cold.

But, I do agree. I think we should teach religious tolerance at an early age. Multicultural days in school, religious ed classes (covering as many or all religions as they can fit in), participation on all holidays to explain the whys and hows. If not in the home, then definitely at school.

Answer 10

That would be great, it's not happening enough. If children grow up without a sense of familiarity with all religions, then their decisions are compromised. The misunderstandings found on this site are a clear testiment to that.