Who thinks religion should be taught in public schools?

Question

I think it is an excellent idea to teach American high school students the basics of major world religions. Kids are graduating with no clue to the rest of the world's religious views.

I think this could be a valuable part of World History. One grading period would cover Islam, Christianity, Catholocism, Buddhism, and the different Native American religions.

I'm getting some good answers. Thanks. And just so y'all know I didn't leave out any particular religion, I just named a few to illustrate a point.

Answer 1

Definitely sounds good, except you left out the world's oldest religion, Hinduism. And this is actually how we did it in my high school. But half the crap they taught us was wrong, especially about Hinduism. And we really only spent a few weeks learning everything. We focused mostly on Christianity because, let's face it, that's the force that shaped the West.

But yeah, children need to learn about other religions, especially ones that are not Christianity. Few people even know that Islam and Christianity both come from Judaism. It's sad.

EDIT: I just read all the other posts. It seems that no one understands the difference btwn teaching religion and preaching religion. We MUST learn about other cultures in order to understand the world. Not just for politics and history. I'm an English major and nearly everything we read has religious undertones. If, like most people, I didn't understand religions that weren't my own, there's no way I'd understand half of the stuff we read. And we need to learn to RESPECT other cultures. Parents often do a lousy job of teaching this.

Answer 2

Well I would agree with u on this I personally think it is a good idea ,just as long as they had some teaching the subject that is not biased . It has been my experience in life that religion is a very touchy subject for most and when most get into the subject of religion tend to push thier own beliefs off upon others whether or not they realize it .

Answer 3

Sure, there's nothing wrong with a basic course in world religions. It would have to have a non-biased textbook.... some people might like that, though!

This wasn't in high school, but, back when I was in college we were required to take 18 hours of philosophy and religion.

This was a private (Jesuit) University and the professors (2 were preists) did a great job of being unbiased in the religion classes I took.

Answer 4

I think it would be good to learn about religions. That why we have a "world religions" class in my community college. As an english major, I also think there should be a "Bible as Literature" class, so people like me who have no religion or basis in the bible can actually understand all the religious references made in books that were written back when everyone mentioned one kind of religious thing or another. And yes, I'm an atheist, but I still think everyone should learn about everyone else's beliefs.

Answer 5

I guess it would be good (not just for the U.S.) to inform our children of the different beliefs around the world. But I think it should not be done in the fashion of, "Christianity if the real religion, but here are some other fake ones people believe in."
I think it should be done from a neutral, unbiased perspective.
And, although science is not a religion, scientific explanations for the creation of the universe should also be taught to every child (but that's for the science classroom I guess...)

Answer 6

Is there a specific reason you left out Judaism? It's not a bad idea....awareness of other cultures and beliefs is probably a good thing. I do however think that a period should also be given to Atheists...perhaps how atheists in different cultures have reacted to those other religions.

Answer 7

I think that would be a great idea. Some kids have never gone to Church and don't have any idea of religion. It would be a great way to open their eyes to new thoughts and beliefs. I know I'd enjoy learning about other peoples beliefs but still hold strong to mine. Plus, it would give undecided people a chance to figure out which direction they would like their life to go in. Good idea!!!

Answer 8

To do so is a good idea, but no religion should be excluded. Teachers of the individual religions should be accredited by the religious organization being represented. Narrow-minded parents should have opt-out privileges so that they can keep their children from becoming exposed to what they fear.

Answer 9

Practically, it would be a nightmare to teach world religions in public schools. Everyone would claim there faith was given poor representation, or that other faiths were glamorized.

If there was any way to avoid that, however, then it would be a wonderful idea. I'd vote for it.

Answer 10

Not as a required course. Now we must understand that all religions must be taught.The government cannot support one religion over another. But too many failing schools., I think we all know what needs to be taught.