Do you agree that America has a problem with religious illiteracy or maybe you think that's a good thing?

Question

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/20070430/cm_usatoday/howlittleweknowaboutreligion;_ylt=ArVtx_ELSSF2sCuKXPfiayP9wxIF

Answer 1

I don't think "ignorance" and "good thing" go together.
It does bother me that the article talks about schools making courses on the Bible specifically, it should be a balanced comparative study of all religions, if they are going to offer one. To offer only a course in Bible studies, makes the school to appear to endorse Christianity at the expense of the other religions, and I don't think that does anything to further religious literacy, most students in any given school are at least somewhat familiar with the idea of Christianity, and some basic knowledge of the Bible.

Answer 2

Not only do I think Americans are religiously illiterate but I strongly suspect that the movers and the shakers prefer it that way. The less people understand about what they believe, the more easily they can be told what they believe.

American television is full of scripted "reality" shows and meaningless "voting" for the spectacle of the week. Americans know all about the love lives of their celebrities but can't name their own members of Congress. They're too busy working overtime (to protect their jobs and to pay off their credit card debt) to have any time to question the "values" that Hollywood, Madison Avenue and "K" Street have imposed on American culture and politics. And far too many religious leaders are more interested in attendance numbers and revenue projections than in challenging the American way of consumerism, individualism, and xenophobia.

It is no wonder the majority of American "Christians" don't understand their faith, let alone anyone else's. One of the fastest growing church styles is the non-denominational "mega-church", with high-tech buildings designed and run like theaters, doctrine-less, feel-good "sermons", and absolutely no ties to the surrounding community. It's entertainment, not prayer, and the only call to "service" can be easily redeemed at the in-house cash machine.

Faith is no longer a matter of spiritually separating oneself from the common crowd but of partisan membership. Love of one's enemies transforms into thwarting one's enemies "for their own good". And everyone who is not a member is clearly an "enemy". So much for compassion.

Most religions spring up as a reforming answer to a systemic injustice or other problem. But too often, the powerful objects of that reform find a way to turn it around, tricking their victims into examine themselves for personal shortcomings of virtue, rather than responding to the prophetic call for social justice. The shepherds are preoccupied with keeping their charges asleep and dreaming, or they turn out to be wolves outright.

A passing understanding of the primary tenets of most faiths would be invaluable in fostering communication, understanding and peace. Beyond that, the myths and legends of the major faiths can demonstrate how those faiths understand the world and humanity's place in it. The stories of Nathan's confrontation of King David, Jesus's encounter with the Samaritan woman, Hagar's ordeal with her son Ishmael, or Krishna's heroism in the Mahabarata, each have a message that deserves a hearing. Yet most of us can't bear to know even our own stories because we don't know how to respond. We don't even know what we are supposed to believe.

Understanding the basics of several faiths and their greater stories is socially useful. But the proposed public school Bible courses make me nervous because the curiculum of a work associated with divine inspiration would be easy to manipulate. Would it really be a literary or cultural course or would it end up being taught as history and morality? A single course could not cover the entire Jewish-Christian canon. How would the selections be made? There are many disturbing but important stories that are usually ignored because they are too hard to explain, and many pleasing stories that are completely misunderstood. If sects and denominations can't agree in the interpretations, how does this get communicated in the course? It can be done, but I'm not too sure it will. And I have not heard of any Quranic or Vedic courses.

The problem requires attention. The answer does not quite seem adequate.

Answer 3

I think its disgusting how many people know so little about religions,

I mean I've discussed religion with alot of people, and its bizzare and amusing, but also depressing in a way, when trying to discuss it with someone who in essence, knows less about their own beliefs than you(a non beliver) do.

as far as islam... well, personally I have no issue accepting the idea of a good portion of islamic belief as being very peaceful and such. I can accept that. ... but theres a very high amount of "extremism" and support for that "extremism" through action and inaction.

I think its definitely a problem. but I don;t think theres much of a solution that is not signifigantly negative in one or more ways.

Answer 4

there is not any man or woman issue of us of a. This us of a isn't only a melting pot of human beings's, yet to boot a melting pot of each little thing those human beings convey with them, inclusive of their personal respective issues. everyone will develop into an "emo", or emotional man or woman one time or yet another for the time of their lifetime, i comprehend I really have. merely because someone is pessimistic in direction of existence usually does not recommend that the guy next to them feels the same way.

Answer 5

America has a problem with thinking Christianity is the only religion that matters.

Answer 6

Yes. It seems like an unbelievable irony that in country with so much religious freedom that so many could be ignorant of others religions.

Answer 7

I agree that they generally have problem with accepting other religions...and I think it's a bad thing

Answer 8

I think people need to know more about the different religions. I would advocate that; I would not advocate preaching religion in the classrooms.

Answer 9

especially when it comes to the religion of Islam

Answer 10

I can't believe fireball is still around.