Do you think a class about religions should be a part of the U.S. school curriculum? To lessen the ignorance?

Question

Not preaching, just teaching the facts about other religions to straighten out misconceptions.

Answer 1

Yes. But it won't ever happen in public schools due to the amount of ignorant parents out there

Answer 2

I don't agree. Religious teaching should be in the home and through the church.

Religion and faith are something deeply personal. It's not a subject you teach at school like history so kids can learn "facts" that they can sort through.

Parents and guardians should pass on their faith and teach children basic facts about other religions. That's all.

The public schools are doing a terrible job with sex ed - I sure as hell don't want to hand religion over to them as well.

Answer 3

No, I still do not think that any kind of religion should be taught in secular schools. Why? Because you can't possibly cover them all with any kind of accuracy.
Who would decide which religions to teach? Would it be restricted to the so-called major three, Judaism, Christianity, Islam? Or would Buddhism, the various traditions of Paganism, the Native American traditions, Shintoism, Hinduism...be included.
There are too many variables to consider.

Answer 4

I think so. I think if a teacher could present factual and objective information about religions, then maybe we wouldn't have as many misunderstandings. In college, I took a few religious studies classes and it really opened my eyes. I meet and talk to so many people of different backgrounds that by understanding for myself where they're coming from, has given me deeper relationships. Also, through these classes, it has helped me understand deeper more of what I believe in.

So instead of pushing religions out of school, I think we should educate people on all religions so that we won't only know about other religions through other people, but we can have the full picture of that religion itself and make our decisions based on facts and not others opinion.

Answer 5

As an atheist I have no problem with the teaching of religion in school, it is a major part of the world. But, I do not want the preaching of a religion in school.

Answer 6

No I don't. Because the teacher may see it as a chance to convince the kids her/his religion is the right one. They can be subtle in the way the show the disapproval of certain religions.

I don't think it would work.

Answer 7

No.
You can't lesson ignorance by grouping individuals into generic categories (which is exactly what a religious education class would have to do). Teach it in schools, and you will have all Christians believing this, or all atheists claiming that.

Answer 8

Sometimes it INCREASES the ignorance....look at all the problems Hindus are having with the California textbook situation....all other religions are presented in a positive manner, but Hinduism is portrayed inaccurately and in a demeaning manner.

Answer 9

A class about the history of religion and the basic tenents of each would be fine. But I don't want any preachers or imams in my kids school.

Answer 10

Love to but no. The reason is that, unless the teacher is Atheist, the teacher will favor their own religion, give it the most time, and interject their own feelings on any of the subjects. Especially if the teacher is Christian.

Answer 11

it will quickly become an uncontrolable classroom. as teenage angst prevailes against the order that a teacher may offer.

it will become a shouting match. with everyone just well and great to listen about their own religion. but will feel compelled to voice their opinions about other religions.