about teaching the Bible in schools...?

Question

Like most people I am against teaching the Bible in a religious context in public schools, but what about public Universitys?

Should we teach theology in our public higher education system?

And if so how?

um.. ok Phyllis. We clearly know your opinion...

Answer 1

By all means have a theology department in state universities. Diversity among adults is a wonderful thing and if there is money enough to support a theology department great.

See, going to university is a choice. Taking theology / bible classes is a choice. So is not doing those things.

There's a big difference between a young adult (but still an adult) making a choice and a child being forced.

Answer 2

I attend a very affordable Christian university. It is not the same denomination as what I believe but the Bible is the Bible. I don't see public universities being allowed to teach religious classes for the same reason as lower grades. They receive public funding. I think we would have more adults who understood the world better if they at least had a comparitive religion class, but I am sure there would be fallout if Bible courses were the norm in public colleges.

**Deke
Japan has the highest suicide rate in the world. I am not suggesting having religion or lack of religion is a factor; but as a parent I would not choose to model after them if it may mean my child will be so driven that if they do not succeed they kill themselves.

Answer 3

Absolutely we should. In a public university, it has to be non-biased and non-sectarian, but it needs to be taught. It is very important for people of higher education to study theology and religious studies in an objective and scholarly manner. Otherwise, the only people who would study theology would be those who agreed with it. Then there could be no objective study of it.

In an objective study of theology, you say, "This is what such-and-such a theology says." You don't say whether it is true or whether you agree or not. You just state the facts. "This is what they teach." Then you can critique it by bringing up possible problems and possible solutions, that have been brought up by other scholars in the field. The students are not persuaded to accept or reject any theological postion, but they are encouraged to think critically about it.

Answer 4

I believe as an elective it would be great. I graduated from a public high school in 1952 and they had Bible as an elective. Actually I think we should learn something about all religions . The world is getting smaller and we should be able to understand other people's belief systems whether we agree with them or not.

Answer 5

In a seminary you can teach it any way you want.

In a public university you must teach it in an academic, not a devotional way. Meaning you present what each side believes, etc.

Consider a political science class. The teacher tells what the agenda of conservatives and liberals are generally, but the teacher CANNOT say, or make you say, that one particular view is more correct.

Answer 6

I think kids should learn about religion at least at the high school level. Not to teach any particular religion as the truth. But to give kids a chance to know what they are really about before they become so biased.
I truly believe that hate-mongers like Freddy Phelps, for instance, would not find so many gullible fools to buy into his hype if kids knew what Jesus actually taught.
Just my opinion.

Answer 7

You're stating most people, but our founding father said that the worst thing our country could do was take the Bible out of the schools. Since it was removed our school systems have went down hill morally.

Answer 8

would it not be better to ask God for the answer to the question that you ask others.it is not a matter of should we teach truth to the children than it is that you ask if we should.for God saith teach the truth.seek and ye shall find.shall ye be a shepherd that teaches of truth or shall ye be a shepherd that teaches nothing while you watch the sheep devowered by wolves.the love you must show the sheep is the truth.for you must teach them to love the lord thy God.and love thy neighbor like thy self.so what greater way to teach them than the truth.why are ye afraid of teaching them the truth for it has more meaning than all the things they could ever learn in school.set ye a Good example for the children that they grow up with love why should you wait until they are older to speak the truth unto them.do you think they will be prepared for what comes if they wait.do not procrastinate or make excuses why you think others should do what you want when God saith teach ye the sheep that they will not be devowerd by wolves and should they come across a wolf in sheep's clothing they will know.through the eyes of babes will you see and know the LORD THY GOD.for God so loved the world that he sent his son.to teach you must learn,and then you can teach.so I say unto you ask God and then write me back.and I will write you what he wants.and you will know for I ask God and he gives me the answers I need.that ye shall then know how powerfull God is.ask ye with a sincere heart and God will answer ye if you are ready to learn.love ,peace and joy :)

Answer 9

Sure, mainly because it's not required. At the college level, you can pick and choose your courses to suit your future needs or the requirements of your degree.

Now if you are asking should they require theology as part of every degree course, the answer is no. Forcing it on people will not lead them to God.

Answer 10

I think teaching religion would be fascinating, as long as it was taught unbiasedly. I find different religions very interesting to study. The class would have to cover at least all the major religions and possibly take a section on the minor ones.