What would you think if your child's public school...?

Question

...started offering a class on the Koran? it's a literature class, and they're not promoting the Islamic religion, but they're also not offering classes teaching any other religion's holy book either.

What would you think? Is this right? Why?

Now how is this any different from a public school doing the exact same thing with the Bible? Think very hard.

Ichthyic, do you object to the teaching the Bible as literature for the same reason?

Answer 1

If my children's public school started offering classes in either the Koran or the Bible, I would homeschool my kids. I've done it before, I can do it again. Mine is the only atheist/agnostic family in town ~our population is under 600~so I doubt I'd get very far by protesting.

***I don't object to children reading and learning from the Bible or Koran. My objection lies with either of them being taught in public schools. That's what private school is for.

Answer 2

The problem with teaching any literature class that involves a particular book associated with a religious faith is one of balance. I don't oppose teaching literature out of the Koran or the Christian Bible, but what about other religious literature. The primary problem with teaching religious literature in a public environment is that the majority always likes their way at the expense of the minorities. Funny that the Pilgrims left such a society to form one where all religious expressions where to be embraced and tolerated.

Answer 3

I would be ok with the Koran be taught as one of the world's most influential works of literature. I think it would educate our children about the difference between believers of the Islamic faith and the people who pervert it. I think a school doing this with the Bible would be too close to the appearance of establishing religion simply because of Christianity's dominance within our culture. At least, that's what a court would rule once an Atheist or non-Christian filed suit claiming 1st and 14th Amendment violations. This question is excellent for debate.

Answer 4

Using the Koran in a literature class would be a mistake. The same is true for the Bible and all other "holy books." They make poor examples for teaching literature.

The proper place to teach the Koran would be in a class on comparative world religions, where the Bible and other books would also be used. The students should be taught about the development, teachings, and history of religions around the world. This would include many things we now refer to as "pagan," such as Egyptian, Greek, Norse, Inca, and Mayan religions.

I believe such a course should be required in all high schools in America. It would be very useful for fostering critical thinking skills and an understanding of other religions in our society.

Answer 5

That's a very good question. How old is the child? Perhaps the Koran is being introduced just to give a sense of another culture. There isn't anything wrong with understanding world religions. The only objection I would have is if Islam was being taught as a religion in the classroom.

Answer 6

I don't need to think all that hard.
You see, in the days of Tyndale, and later of King James, the English language as we know it today was in the process of taking shape. Grammar was still fairly varied, as was vocabulary and spelling. the production of a universal English Bible, which began to be read in all homes, because of the catholic-protestant-puritan-anabaptist controversies, had such an effect on the English language, that there began to be a uniform spelling, grammar, and choice of vocabulary. That is why the English Bible is the most important piece of English literature ever written. That is true even if one does not like its content.
So to study English literature without studying the English Bible is like studying 20th century history without looking at the two world wars.
The Koran, on the other hand, while it would be interesting to study in the context of comparative religions, has made no contribution to the English language as literature. So I would see no oint, necessarily, in studying it in a literature class - or some passages of it could be used as illlustration of certian types of literature, but certianly not in the same way as the Bible.
This answer has absolutely nothing to do with religion, by the way. I think those who oppose the use of the Bible in literature are the ones who are overly concerned about religion.
By the way, would it be all right to study the poems of John Milton?

Answer 7

If they started offering classes using one religious book then the people from all the other religions would object because they weren't using their religious book as literature. Surely to goodness there is enough literature in the world without having to start another controversy!

Answer 8

It wouldn't be fair to offer only that class. If you are going to address one, you should address all. That's the problem with many people that promote religion in school. They are predominantly Christian, and while they wish to include religion at least minimally in schools, they want THEIR religion, Christianity. I'm sure most would not appreciate including Islam, Judaism, etc. in the curriculum. You made a good point with this question.

However, I don't think religion should be included at all in school. School is a place of learning. Its about hard, tangible evidence and facts. Not about "faith" studies.

Answer 9

Teaching the bible is NO different then teaching the Koran in a public school. We should keep both out of HS or earlier. In college it can be an elective.

Answer 10

i see nothing wrong with it.
I learn about the bible and the catholic faith everyday
and i am Muslim. But then again i go to a private school. I honestly i don't see anything wrong with. Maybe they are just trying to give a better understanding on Islam.
As to why they haven't offered it for any other holy book.. maybe its because that class hasn't been started yet..
If i went to your child's school i would take the bible class also because i personally love to learn about other cultures, religions, and traditions.
If i where you i would encourage my child to do it, only if they had an open mind.
I hope this helped.