I'm not talking about teaching it as a fact. I'm talking about teaching it to inform people about religions and beliefs other than their own. Few people actually research other beliefs and religions, consequently, they often don't know very much about it, if anything. In fact, they often believe things that have nothing to do with those beliefs and religions. For example, my brother is an atheist (so am I), and one day he told a friend of his this, his friend replied, "You worship the devil?!" And then there's all this ant-Islamic propaganda. And I'm pretty sure there aren't many people who actually know anything about beliefs such as Wicca and Laveyan Satanism. With more knowledge often comes less prejudice. Again, I'm not talking about teaching these beliefs and religions as fact, I'm just talking about teaching them. Yes, I know there's the separation of church and state, but I don't see how people's rights are violated if every belief and religion is taught.
2007-04-25 15:03:39 · 18 answers · asked by ? 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, I know there's a lot to learn when it comes to religion and beliefs, but then there's a lot to learn when it comes to other subjects, as well. (biology, mathematics, literature, etc) Do you agree?
2007-04-25 15:05:12 · update #1
Absolutely.
I don't know that it should be mandatory, and the subject matter is probably only appropriate enough for highschool.
It would be very difficult to teach the subject in an objective way when in the US most of the teachers and students would be Christian.
2007-04-25 15:19:46 · answer #1 · answered by Tao 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In some colleges religion and bible studies are taught. It may have something to do with being a history major, but my daughter has taken some classes that studied various religions. Not sure if those were extra credit or part of her curriculum for history though. As far as teaching any religion in the lower grades there are way too many to study because all should be given equal time and our kids are in school to learn math, sciences language arts etc. While children are impressionable religion or lack thereof should be taught at home or the family's place of worship.
2007-04-25 22:16:47 · answer #2 · answered by FallenAngel© 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You raise a good point. I think everyone should learn about what's out there in the world so they can make wise decisions. Problem is atheists are usually the ones who cry "foul play" if someone tries to teach religion in school. How can we get past the religious hatred and be more accepting and respectful of others when there are those who refuse to let that happen.
2007-04-25 22:08:50 · answer #3 · answered by Blessed 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Is it a bad idea...probably not. But allot of parents wouldn't want their very impressionable children learning someone else's religion. Personally if it was taught and not preached I wouldn't have a problem with it. Just as I don't have a problem with evolution being taught. As long as the teacher isn't trying to state it as fact
2007-04-25 22:08:50 · answer #4 · answered by † H20andspirit 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Teaching about religions is great when the teachers don't use one as a standard of judging the others. This is when it becomes a violation of church and state.
2007-04-25 22:15:39 · answer #5 · answered by rebekkah hot as the sun 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry but I must disagree. The problem is that which beliefs are you suggesting be taught. Different denominations have very different views on some of the simplest doctrines. Without a standard of doctrine, how could this be possible. If we were to decide on a standard of doctrines, who would be in charge of picking what is or is not true doctrine.
2007-04-25 22:11:56 · answer #6 · answered by Mr. E 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It would be better to teach children that religions are a lie and why they are a lie than to teach them about the beliefs themselves. We don't need people to believe that religion is reality. We need people to believe that reality is made up of Facts and Evidence not something to believed on 'faith'.
2007-04-25 22:25:24 · answer #7 · answered by Atheistic 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some people have been saying since theres so many religions you can't teach them all, but that dosen't mean you can't teach any. Like you can't teach ALL the worlds history but you can focus on a certain area, the same would go for religons
2007-04-25 22:14:30 · answer #8 · answered by who wants to know? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A comparative religion course as an elective I would possibly be ok with.
Not required though.
The only problem here is that there is no way on earth you can teach Every religion and/or belief.
Peace
2007-04-25 22:09:59 · answer #9 · answered by DontPanic 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I attended a Catholic University and I was required to take "History of World Religions".. in which we were required to attend the services of several religions and make notes to compare them to each other...
But then my University also requires people to do original research papers to get a Bachelor's degree in Math, Computer Science, Chemistry, or Biology...
Some of us also presented our papers to the Math Association of America.. *GriN* got free admission and a free T-shirt for it.. hahaahahahahaa!
2007-04-26 00:11:40 · answer #10 · answered by ♥Tom♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋