It seems to me that one of the things lacking in our society is understanding of various faiths. I believe it would be to our kids advantage to explore the appropriate use of a curriculum that celebrates diversity by exploring the major religions from around the world. Christian faiths, Muslim faiths, Jewish faiths, Buddhist, Taoism, Pagan faiths, Shintoism, etc.
I am not proposing that they are converted, just given the basics of the customes and rudimentaries of the faith and some history.
I teach kids, and they have no clue. By exposing them all to different cultures and beliefs, it may give them the tools to better relate to each other and better express their own faith. This would give them more Spiritual confidence.
I believe that we do a great disservice to our kids by stripping them of their belief system by not allowing them to honour their religions, and then sending them into their world of school for the majority of their day. In a way it is religious oppression.
2007-05-23 00:57:11 · 12 answers · asked by willodrgn 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think a comparative religions course would be great. My only concern would be that they get it right. When I have heard non-Christians talking about the Christian faith, on more than one occasian, they have gotten it really wrong. I would suspect that the same is true for many other religions. It would be great if it were a team taught course, and an expert on the various religions came in to teach the sections on their particular faith.
2007-05-23 01:06:08 · answer #1 · answered by wendy08010 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it does not harm. I went to Catholic school had spent a full quarter learning world religions. Very interesting class. Learned alot and opened my eyes to the other side of the world.
Religion is a HUGe part of mankind. Even atheism should be included. New age things, yoga, etc. We teach children about cultures and all cultures are tied into religions. Honestly, you can't learn about a culture without learning their religion. Learning what one believes doesn't mean you are forcing the student to believe. Just spend a few weeks on religions, atheism, Wicca, ancient paganism, Greek gods, Egyptian gods, New Age ideas, meditation. It's all interesting and maybe it will make the students go home and talk about it with their parents and open up the door to communication within the family. Education really starts at home, doesn't it? The students take a test and the next quarter they learn something new. No biggie. The teachers should all have the same books and info to use and not focus on religion more than another. They can answer questions as to what they know or have the student research the answers themselves for extra credit. Just teach the basics.
2007-05-23 01:09:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
It'd have to get watched like a hawk - but I think it'd be a *very* good thing. Coming from a small-town public school, I knew next to nothing about a number of religions until I hit college. With luck, a class on the basics of the various religions would help dispel a number of misconceptions.
2007-05-23 07:16:16 · answer #3 · answered by ArcadianStormcrow 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I feel that it would be a waste of resources, however, to argue that point, if they aren't learning it at home, where and when WILL they learn it? We have sex education, teaching kids about STD's, contraception, and abstinence (which they should also be learning about at HOME), so why not? I think, much like the sex ed., it should be mandatory. Why? Because children are generally ill-mannered little heathens because they're allowed to be that way. We can establish etiquette classes, or begin to allow teachers to use corporal punishment, again.
2016-04-01 03:55:51 · answer #4 · answered by Cindy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think they should because of how diverse the school system is. It would cause a lot of fights about which religion is better. I wouldn't mind if my children learn it from me, but in schools they should learn the essentials like math, reading, and literature. Religion is for the parents to teach.
2007-05-23 10:31:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Good question. Really agree with you. This is one of the best suggestion since I join Q&A. By teaching the basics of the customes and rudimentaries, it will expose them to other faiths and help them to understand more and be more considerate. World will be more prospher in the future.
2007-05-23 03:52:26 · answer #6 · answered by z_jepoh 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No. Religion does not belong in any school. Religion is a belief , there are plenty of churches around for those who want to learn different religions, but it does not belong in public school.
2007-05-23 01:23:56 · answer #7 · answered by Urchin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
And I think just the opposite. I think we do our children a disservice by indoctrinating them very young. I think they should not be taught religion at all until they are old enough to make an informed decision. After high school me thinks.
2007-05-23 01:03:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
What you say sounds good but I've be very skeptical.
Who decides what is taught? What if someone from that religion disagrees?
As a parent I would not be for this without careful consideration.
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2007-05-23 01:04:28 · answer #9 · answered by Jeanmarie 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
at my country, we decided to keep religion out of the school..
they are allow to understand by visiting the temples, mosques and chruches in the country. yes my country have mutli religions living side by side.
2007-05-23 01:01:33 · answer #10 · answered by shadower 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋