I've been hearing a lot about high schools (at least in Texas) offering classes on the bible as an elective!!! I'm sorry, but I don't want my tax dollars going to that kind of thing unless there is an elective for all religious manuscripts, the Qaran, the Torah, the Book of Mormon, Hindu and Buddist manuscripts (don't know what they're called). Thoughts? Arguments?
2007-05-10 14:02:49 · 31 answers · asked by Her 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If we do one religion we have to do them all.
2007-05-10 14:13:16 · answer #1 · answered by The Pope 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think it should depend on the numbers. If there is enough interest and the parents want it ...why not? This should be for any religion. The schools already teach Atheism. Nobody should be forced to take religious classes, and the teacher has to be approved by all. If the school refuses to teach, say the Qaran or the Torah if their were enough students, that would be wrong. They should treat all religions equally in a public school. Religion is usually a moral compass and right now it seems we need a few more morals and some kids sure need a compass.
2007-05-10 21:20:26 · answer #2 · answered by spring storm 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If equal time is given to each religion (or at least each major religion if there are too many to include) and it is offered as an elective than I'm not really sure what the problem is. To offer only one religion in a class, unless its a private religious school, is a violation of the Constitution where it talks about the government shall respect no establishment of religion. But if all religions were represented equally, than no one would be given more time than the others, thus complying with the Constitution.
2007-05-10 21:12:22 · answer #3 · answered by Calista 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's impossible to avoid. I put up a couple of posts on my blog that I explained in detail why.
Basically, we teach kids something in relationship to the world and religion no matter what. Religion is all-encompassing, and this makes it impossible to avoid. When you don't teach it, teach only natural solutions, focus only on the material and its ilk, all you do is teach materialism. It's the only thing that we should value and cherish. In essence, this is an approach to religion and philosophy that parents, rightly, find objectionable.
I would say that we should start moving toward a total voucher system where parents can choose who they want. That's the only way to avoid having the government getting in the business of religion, and even that isn't a complete package.
2007-05-10 21:20:02 · answer #4 · answered by Innokent 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Teaching ereligion at shool has a bad effect on religion itself
It also destroys the family role whether to create a believer or a pagan just like the parents
2007-05-10 21:08:47 · answer #5 · answered by ELBASHA 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The only way it should be taught is if all religions and spiritual paths are given equal time, so that the children being taught aren't being indoctrinated, so much as getting a broad spectrum of information in order to make a more informed decision.
2007-05-10 21:07:46 · answer #6 · answered by Taliesin Pen Beirdd 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In social studies classes at our middle school they teach about many different religions and give equal time to each. I think it's a healthy way to expose the kids, but not try to sway them in any particular direction. Other than that, I feel it is up to the parents to decide how they want to raise their children. As a teacher and a Christian, I feel it is best left out of the schools and kept in the home. Just my opinion. :)
2007-05-10 21:08:02 · answer #7 · answered by Lilah 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
NO! Public schools should provide a basic education to which the student's parents should add their personal religious spin to. If people want religion taught in school, then they should be sending their children to private schools.
2007-05-10 23:08:04 · answer #8 · answered by humanrayc 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our country was founded on Christianity.It always has been the religion of our forefathers.It has until the last few years been in our schools and on our money.It is the religion of our choice.There are other religions yes but in our schools?No.This country has already been undermined too much.If they were to make it possible for us to send our kids to a school of our choice.I would think that would more suit all of us.I myself would prefer a Christian school to public any day.Especially considering all the junk going on in public schools today.
2007-05-10 21:18:52 · answer #9 · answered by Christal 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I completely agree with you,
we as a country should not have to mutally accept the teaching of only one religion, we celebrate the right of free religion and should not be pushed one way or the other.
2007-05-10 21:10:36 · answer #10 · answered by humble_pie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A genuine comparitive religion class could be a positive, enriching experience.
I tend to think these efforts in Georgia and Texas are more about sneaking in the back door to indoctrinate and prostheletize, though.
2007-05-10 21:07:28 · answer #11 · answered by kent_shakespear 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋