Why do atheists fear the religious education in schools so much?

Question

I just answered a question on Bible studies in high school in TX.

Why would anyone be against teaching anything? Kids in highschool dont ask to be taught Math, or Science for that matter. They usually dont get what all the fuss is about. But isnt knowledge sacred?

What difference does it make if they learn religion or not..the best thing would be to learn the facts of life and they have a right to know what Christians believe in. Even if theyre not Christian themselves.

Christianity is the MAIN religion in the US territory.

So it makes sense for them to ask for this.

If the community has different religions ofcourse they should cater for them as well.

Answer 1

Christians? ok...and Muslims and Buddhists and Jews and Hindus and Scientologists and...how long is the school year?

EDIT: Shouldn't we teach the ones people don't know about?

Answer 2

I don't think it's fear. I think it's practicality, for several reasons.

Firstly, it begs the question, 'should a government entity use taxpayer money to fund a specific theological belief?' The constitutional question is raised, and there is not an easy answer to that. "Freedom OF religion also means freedom FROM religion."

Secondly, if the answer is 'yes,' then which theology do you teach? Even if you attempt 'generic' biblical studies, the biases of the teacher cannot be discounted. I.E, how do you ask a Catholic teacher to leave out the so-called 'apocryphal books found in the Douay but not in the KJV? Or, how do you ask a Church of Christ teacher to ignore their personal feelings on the use of musical instruments in worship? It's a can of worms, even if the attempt is just to use the bible as a historical book, not a doctrinal one.

Thirdly, what about teachers or students who come from other theologies? What about Eastern Othodox, Jewish, Buddhist, even Muslim - not to mention the infinite varieties that exist WITHIN so-called "Christian" churches. It opens up arguments that simply can't be dealt with in a 55 minute class.

What's wrong with asking parents and clergy to do their job and teach the Bible at home and in church?

Athiests are not afraid of religion, even if they discount it. They just don't feel that the public school system is the place for that discussion.

Answer 3

I honestly don't mind an "overview of religion" class being taught. And no, Christianity SHOULDN'T be favored. It would be inclusive. Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Wiccan, Satanism, Paganism, etc etc.

It doesn't matter that Christianity is the major religion in this area. If the subject of religion is going to be taught secularly, it should start out with a "World Religions" course. Later on when the children can choose the specifics they want to delve into deeper, they can take a Christianity course or Buddhism course or Egyptian mythology course, etc.

Remember, the government is to remain religious neutral. Public schools are government owned and operated. By all means, schools should make sure that children have a basic understanding (since they do in fact have to live in the real world, and religion exists in the real world), but institutions of higher educations should handle the specifics.

Answer 4

Well because you people have churches to tech YOUR kids your religious hogwash. I don't think anybody would be against an elective comparative religion class. But the theistically infected seem like they want a mandatory religion class. Which is wrong, as it goes against the intent of the first amendment and wrong because teaching religion would be a waste of time. Schools are there to teach kids things that will help prepare then for the real world. Learning about all the different religions is ok if you got nothing better to do with your time, but it doesn't help anybody with the real world, like getting a job.

Answer 5

I'm not trying to sound disparaging but Christianity is not knowledge it is myth. If they want to teach it in a literature class under the topic of mythology, I would be OK with it.

It is not real or true, the bible is a collection of stories and that is all and I don't want my children being taught it. When I was a child a spent a lot of time worrying about going to hell and the end of the world which I now know is just plain childish and silly and I do not want my child to have to go through that. In addition, I want my child to learn to question, discern and think logically for themselves and I do not want them to be taught because the bible said so and your not supposed to question it. I do not want them to think that their is a mean, murderess, and spiteful god that the bible teaches, and I really could go on all day.

Answer 6

Well, this is exactly what happens in England. Up to the age of 14 children (including my daughter) learn about the major religions and their festivals. About a term is committed to each faith.

Despite not being a follower of any of the belief systems covered I think it's a good idea. After all, religions have shaped much of our world, for all the faults people may perceive in them. And an understanding of what is important to others can surely only be a good thing.

I just don't understand why (I presume in the US?) there appears to be so much of a problem with this. And the UK being a more secular society than America and all. Odd, no?

.

Answer 7

Religious education is the purview of churches not schools. The governments of this country will not promote or advocate for any religious group in this country. There is no fear of knowledge. There is a corruption when some group want to pretend religion is science.

The fact that you specify Christians indicates your ignorance of the fact that the United States is a plurality.

ADDENDUM:
"Christianity is the MAIN religion in the US territory."
This is exactly why the First Amendment applies.

Answer 8

Religion is totally different that science or math. I don't care if there is a world religion class, something fair and balanced, but just "teaching Christianity"? No way. I am perfectly capable of telling my children what Christians believe in.

Answer 9

I don't think Atheist fear it at all. I think that if we present it in a comparative religious context or a class on Christianity History as an elective - it would not be bad.

Most people think of Atheism as a faith in itself. But in reality, its that they do not accept the concept of God as presented by today Christians.

I tend to believe that Atheists are people who can not merge the aspect of the creator with rationalism. But at some point in everyone's mind, the question for the source arises.

The problem is that while there is one God per our beliefs, there are many doctrines to choose from. So if we present religious education in the context of comparative study, we will teach our young the differences in religion and tolerance of other faiths.

God by any other name is just God.

Answer 10

Christianity may be the main religion, but it is not the only religion. And if they have a right to know what Christians believe, then they have a right to know what us Pagans believe, and what the Muslims believe... and the Jews... and anyone else who has a religion.

Math and Science are needed in order to survive in our modern society..... Belonging to a religion will NOT get you a job anywhere except that religions church/temple/university. It is essential to our lives that we understand how math works (you want to balance your checkbook right?)... but it is not essential for all children to know any religion...

The idea that public schools, SECULAR schools should teach any religion is ridiculous. If you want your child to know about religion, then YOU teach them. If your child wants to find out about a religion that is not yours, then I suggest you find someone who can help you with that. But PUBLIC schools are not a religious institute and to equate Religious studies with Math and Science is rather silly. I can prove to you 1 + 1 = 2.... prove your God exists.

Answer 11

ARRGGGHHH... why is this so hard for you bloody religious people to understand this?

Not everyone in the world is Christian. Get that through your thick skulls. NOT EVERYONE IN THE WORLD (OR THE US) IS CHRISTIAN).

Have you ever been to a school? Seen the way students treat each other? So you want to give them more fodder by having bible studies while totally ignoring all other religions?

Thats not knowledge, its indoctrination into the Christian religion in a place where it has no business being.

For one in your lives... realize that the whole world DOES NOT REVOLVE AROUND CHRISTIANITY.

Atheists are against it because they realize this fact even if you Christians don't.

You are being forced to be treated like everyone else and you don't like it. The world is sick to death of Christian dominance and they're now making you get treated equally with everyone else.

You don't want to allow Islam, Judaism, Wicca, Hinduism, Shamanism, or any other religion in school so why should YOUR religion be allowed?

Learn to live with it. In this world, you're going to get treated like everyone else and no longer favored just because you're Christian.

Live with it. Everyone else has had to live with being treated as less than Christians for 2000 years.