Atheists, Agnostics, Theists, have you ever attended a formal religious class or school?

Question

First, I'm not trying to convert anyone, or change anyone's mind, but I'm curious as to how many people on Yahoo! Answers actually know what they're talking about. (No, Bible Classes on Sundays do not count.)

I'm an Atheist but I attend a Catholic school for the education, and part of my required education is a year of Religious / Christian studies. I have nothing wrong about learning it, it's just when people in my class start to have fits about Jesus does it get a little weird, and annoying.

I suppose my point is this; So many people ask questions like, 'How do you know God is male?', 'Adam and Eve were white?' etc, etc, and I have to wonder, how many Atheists / Agnostics / Theists have actually picked up a bible, religious work, or a biography of Darwin to learn what their counterparts are talking about? Or are the majority of the people here trying to argue against another persons' ideas in which they've never researched or try to understand?

Answer 1

I agree, the majority of questions posted here are trite.

But yes, I've had a long time hobby of researching different religions. On my bookshelf you'll find a Holy Bible, Bhagava Gita, Tao Te Ching, Book of Mormon, Koran, Wicca books, The Satanic Bible, and other texts from around the world. I also went to Catholic high school where I had to take religion classes every year. I actually liked those classes (Hebrew Scriptures, Church History, Ethics, World Religions, etc.) , because it wasn't so much about what you believed but how well you could answer for yourself.

Trust me, my non-theism was an informed decision. I can even speak from personal experience, having gone through different religions in the past. And I'm quick to point out fallacies even if they're made by people on "my" side.

Answer 2

Most people have never picked up another book from another religion to even try. Funny enough, a girl in my class had no way to understand our assignment today. She could, however, relate a story about Pontius Pilot.

I read the Bible twice, when I was young. No, I never bothered to memorize anything. I have also read passages from the Quran and attended "services" in other sects/religions. After a while, they're all the same.

Answer 3

Well, I've attended lots of courses on religious ideology and the history of religious thought. I've taken part in seminars and conferences on the same history, and by golly a lot of reading! I've probably read more arguments against evolution, mostly by 19th century clergymen, than most Christians would have the patience for (they are rarely interesting, but that's academic research for you) and I've read several biographies of Darwin (Browne, Desmond & Moore, his own autobiography, some less obvious stuff). Oh, and I've written a book on the history of evolutionary thought before Darwin. I think I've done my portion.

The sorts of questions you mention are rarely asked in earnest but with the intention of provoking those who DO believe in Creationism, Adam & Eve and whatnot, to think about the logical position they seek to defend. The fact is that human racial diversity is NOT explained by the Bible but it is easily explained by evolution. So asking if Adam and Eve were white or not demands of believers that they account for the diversity of humanity. It is through such uncomfortable confrontations that most atheists moved from being believers to atheism.

Answer 4

I did 9 years of formal Christian education, and I've taught at a Catholic college for 20 years.

- Atheist

Answer 5

It really depends. First, Anthropology Architecture Archeology Music are sciences and arts, not religion, and would not typically be taught in a religion course. Anthropology is typically taught in an intro to social sciences course; architecture is taught (to an extent) in drafting/tech courses; archeology is taught, again, to an extent, in history courses. Now, what should be taught depends on the type of course. If you're talking a mandatory course (in public schools), I don't believe any religion should be taught as a mandatory course. If you're talking about a world religions type course, I believe the following are important: Origins of Religions History of Religion Demographics of Religions Theories of Religions If you're talking about university/college level courses, then you can include any of them, really. And, if it's at a religious school, then theologies, origins, etc. can be taught, however, I have mixed feelings about religious schools.

Answer 6

Ok, first off "Objection, your honor, asked and answered".

Now that that is out of my system, I studied Catholocism from birth almost. In addition to 2 hours of religious instruction every Sunday morning, I did 2 years of religious classes before every "milestone" except baptism. I also read the King James Bible, cover to cover, twice, and then picked up a different version and read that one.

And after all of that, I visited Salem, Mass. And I discovered my true faith.

Answer 7

Yep, I spent 3 hours a day at a LDS ward every weekend for nearly a year. Now I am investigating Scientology to figure out what they are all about. I might investigate the Jehovah's Witness next.

Answer 8

I have personally attended a Christian University (biblical classes mandatory). I have also read numerous books about different religions, theories, ancient civilizations, etc....

In my opinion I have a very broad view and can see how all religions do converge and diverge. I've read the bible twice. Yada, yada, yada.

Answer 9

I'm an atheist, but yes, I've attended and taught bible study and apologetics courses. I also wrote a study guide to Mark's gospel, and various other shorter passages.

Answer 10

My father is a college professor of biblical interpretation and ancient greek. I've attended his classes many times since he started teaching 10 years ago. In fact, I was actually graded by him my senior year of high school.