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

It would certainly broaden the knowledge of those that are so indoctrinated in their one world doctrine that they may, just may, accept others as their equals.

The problem for these dogmatic religious zealots is that they fail to see how they mirror what they claim to hate. Those of us with a broader mind scope can not see any difference in bigotry from whichever side it rears it's ugly head.

EDIT: btw Chris055 has it nailed on.... Period. You want Religion, practice it in your own time.

Answer 2

It's a good idea if you make absolutely sure that whoever is teaching it is not trying to make one particular religion look better than the rest. We had it in our senior year of high school (1969) - in a private school - and it was pass/fail. By the time spring semester comes around, most high school seniors are just wasting time anyway. This would be a great way for them to learn something about religions (yes Buddhism should be considered a major religion of the world) and people.
Another good class to run would be "ethics as it is found in great works of science fiction." That would be awesome.

Answer 3

No because your violating separation of church and state. Plus schools don't need church since it's on the weekends, since Students can't get to learn about acedemics on the weekends.
so students are already well rounded. By having religions it sucks up more time from getting an actual education plus people have different opinions about religion, enough that there would be a lot of prejudice and fighting. My school personally offers world religions but isn't required. Schools should offer religions but not mandate it.

Answer 4

Honestly, I'd rather see a solid ethics class first. Comparing moral absolutes in religion is like studying all teams in a professional sport when everyone in the class is a fan of just one team. You might get some appreciation of the sport, but the fanaticism will never leave.

Answer 5

We could all use more understanding of religions and cultures...but some things are best taught in the home. It would be a sad day (is that day coming sooner than we realize?) when we leave the moral future of our nation solely in the hands of the school system.

What of parental role and responsibility???

Answer 6

No because if you bring in one religion, you have to bring in all of them...and that means even teaching about the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

There would eventually be so many religions to cover that it would confuse more than enlighten. But in a perfect world, it would be great. And so would world peace.

I also think if they ever did teach it, that it should be an elective. (separation of church and state...you know)

Answer 7

No, it is a way to indoctrinate and should be left to the home, churches. Reading, writing, math, science and economic should be all that is taught. In reading, history, and the arts, in writing the communication and poetry, should be all, and in the science that which is relevant to the world, and economics so that the govern and governments understand what needs to be accomplished to move society ahead.

Answer 8

It would be fine if it were offered, so long as it wasn't mandatory AND the teach was completely impartial and not trying to teach one religion or belief over another. That could be the hard part.

Answer 9

well the biggest mistake we did in this country to take religion classes out of schools.
Now their are people who will argue, that it is their right not to have religious classes in their school.
well i am sure the administers can make an alternative classes for those who does not want to learn.
In most Middle Eastern countries they have classes for Armenians and Muslims so each group goes to their own religious class and the rest
continue their classes with other subjects.

Answer 10

Perhaps it ideally ought to be taught. But can you picture the legions of parents swarming down upon a teacher who dared to question their own beliefs or compared them without prejudice to all those falsities out there? I should not like to be that teacher.