Should comparative religions be a required course at every public high school?

Question

I can't think of a quicker way to cultivate peace in the world.

Answer 1

I don't think we need any more required courses.

I do think Comparative Religion should be an elective, however. The only downside is that 50% of America's teen Buddhists will be disappointed to find they are not really Buddhists.

Answer 2

I think it would be an excellent idea. We attempt to understand a world outside our culture but we have no information to base an opinion on. I think that if we are part of an international community, we should know more about our neighbors. I think it should be a must for all politicians.

**For those who think it cannot be done objectively, I am currently completing a course that included comparative religions. My professor did an outstanding job of being objective. We had three people from other religions come in and speak to us in order to get a valid impression of what their beliefs really are. It can be done, and currently it is being done; just not at a comprehensive high school level.

Answer 3

If I knew for a fact that multiple religions would be equally represented and taught in an unbiased manner, then I would say it would probably be a good idea. HOWEVER, this is the U.S. we're talking about, and there are an awful lot of people here with an agenda. This well-intentioned idea will be quickly grabbed up and abused to promote Christian teachings in school. You could try as hard as you could to regulate it, and it wouldn't make a difference. Everyone KNOWS that that is exactly what would happen. It's just best to leave religion out of the school systems altogether.

Answer 4

Absolutely. I've been arguing for this for years as the solution to the creationism vs. evolution in schools. Most colleges require it, so why not just do it earlier? But then again, most schools aren't really about practical education, now are they?

Someone asked, "Who would teach it?" It is possible to teach without pushing your beliefs on someone else. My comparative religions professor in college always presented the material objectively, and I think he was a preacher. I never felt like he pushed Christianity. Now, he knew the most about it, so he taught it for longer, but I was OK with that because he gave Islam and Christianity equal billing as the world's largest religions.

As a non-religious person, I really respected his approach. I just wish he would have discussed agnosticism and atheism in the class as well.

Answer 5

I think the study of religions should be included in history/social studies classes. For example, to understand the culture of China, I think it's important to understand the influence Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism has had on them. A comparative religions elective would be nice, too, though. As long as all religions get equal time, and it's not just a way to try to convert the kiddies, I'm all for religion in schools.

Well, except for science classes.

Answer 6

I can't think of a quicker way to start a religious war, any kind of religion has no place in the public school systems, It's religion that creates violence and hatred in the first place, keep it out you will live longer.

Answer 7

After thinking about this for a long time I have come to the opinion that I wouldn't want the school system teaching my children how to tie their shoes much less comparative religion.
I wish I could feel differently about it.

Answer 8

Required? No.

But the study of religions across the world is a great elective, I think.

Answer 9

Why does everything have to be required for all or rejected for any? Why can't some stuff just be elective?

Answer 10

No. It is too dangerous, a teacher may be hostile to a certain sect (or all of them). In the least it must be kept optional.