do you think that public schools should teach religion why or why not?

Question

its for my debate proj. need some idea

anything other than the amendments..please..

Answer 1

It has its place in a History class, but other than that...
NO NO NO!

Why? Because I respect the Constitution and consider religion to be a personal matter (not worthy of my tax dollars).

Answer 2

No. In a perfect world there would be a way to do it as a General Religion course teaching general moral guidelines and comparative religion(general course on all 'major' religions). The problem is that it is not a perfect world and there is always someone with an axe to grind. Whether it is the fundy helicopter parents(this includes atheists) that don't want their children exposed to other religious views or maybe a teacher that attempts to teach their own agenda outside of the required curricula. The problem with religion, whether you have it or not, is that ones views are so personal that it is almost impossible to teach without putting a personal slant on things. I feel that is one of the main motivations for making it one of the amendments such that a parent or community was responsible and not the government or government institutions. Historically, governments have traditionally supported a specific religion. That was one of the main reason for people coming to the New World in the first place and has remained a 'hot button' issue throughout our development as a country.

Answer 3

I think it is a good idea to learn ABOUT the major religions of the world (christianity, judaism, islaam, hinduism, and buhdism), because you will likely run across people of those different faiths during your lifetime, so it's important to understand that culture's religion and it's beliefs better. Knowing different peoples beliefs helps you understand them and their actions better, and understanding people and why they do the things they do helps you be more tolerant of them. Tolerance is something many people lack, and something this world needs more. Understanding religion also helps prevent ignorance about the religion (for example, half of the US citizens are under the impression that all Muslims are terrorists, which is far from true)

That being said, I don't think schools should advocate certain religions; just educate students about some of the history and beliefs behind the religion.

Answer 4

Public schools can and should teach about religion, but not suggest which is better than another. That is a personal choice. It is important for people to understand the different beliefs of people, and that there are so many different ways of looking at the world. It creates necessary awareness and patience for others.

Answer 5

I have no problem with schools teaching ABOUT religion, but I do have a problem with them advocating certain ones.

We're trying to keep religion in our country private (although I wonder about that nowadays). If a school wants to teach about Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam, great - educated children are what we we need. If they just insist on teaching one of them (probably Christianity) and not the others, then that's not really teaching, that's indoctrinating.

Answer 6

Sure. Personally, I don't have a religion, but I enjoy learning about others cultures and way of life. Someone may have a positive change from religion. They could quit bad habits and become a much better person. They'll take on a new way of life and thought. Teachings will also prevent ignorance about religions.

Answer 7

No-remember "Separation of church and state." Whose religion would be taught?Hindu, Catholic, Protestant, Jehovah's Witness, etc.
School is for education, religious beliefs need to be taught at home and church, period! Educate children to be able to reason and think for themselves. When they are no longer minors, they will have the necessary tools to reason out what is right for them.

Answer 8

my primary school used to teach scripture on wednesdays for anyone with christian on the childs enrollment details

i decided when i was 9 to start going to non scripture, religion bored the hell out of me.

Answer 9

they should to understand each other religion. like for example. the christian when did they come to this country?before thanksgiving day.the catholic when did they enter this country?what about the mormans and whats the differents between them this part of history.