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Should Religion Be Taught in Schools?

sassygirl3869 9 Apr 20
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46 comments

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3

It is compulsory in the UK. I used to think this was wrong but so much of our society and history is based on this that some rudimentary knowledge is essential

However, It is supposed to be on aspects of ALL religions. Unfortunately, some faith-based schools plug their own beliefs relentlessly and barely mention other religions.

@Petter Education is there to prepare us for life. If you are in a theist society then learning about your own norms are really useful. Okay this may by deemed as indoctrination but if everybody believes in fairy tales then you should know then too.

@273kelvin I'm not claiming they should not emphasise their own religion, but some schools allocate perhaps an hour per term to the beliefs of other religions, which are glossed over, merely to stay within the law. My granddaughter was in a school like that for a while. Fortunately we had already taught her to think critically when presented with dogma. Meanwhile, my grandson was given equal exposure to the beliefs of many religions and finds the subject fascinating. Both, however, have a healthy disregard for taking myth as fact.

1

Only the true one

Which might that be? Christianity? Statism/communism?

Throw a dart to find the true one

Lols.

3

Not at all. Completely violates separation of church/state

Nobody mentioned church.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
I don't see that teaching (not preaching) a variety of religions, plus humanism, in schools would violate this principle.

I agree, Except that "School" isn't what is meant by "state" in the traditional Constitutional sense.

2

Religion is an important part of human history and culture. Students should absolutely have a basic understanding of the history and beliefs of major world religions. I'm obviously not saying schools should advocate for any religion or teach any religion as truth, but a well-rounded education certainly cannot ignore religion.

Two questions then: 1. taught in what way? and 2. teach which religions? I think you probably mean teach all equally with a non-preachy approach. I think that opens the door to two possibilities: 1. teaching tolerance or 2. teaching religion from a religious perspective. In the wrong hands it' a slippery slope. In the right hands, enlightened way forward.

1

As fictional literature sort of like hans christian andersen

not that any hans christian andersen readers burnt any one at the stake !

5

As literature, maybe. As sociology, maybe. As history, sure, because religions have been the causes of many wars and slaughters and genocides.

100% with you.

4

As what it is, Mythology.

you should teach children how to think and not what to think. they should be taught about drugs and sex too at the right age.

4

ABSOLUTELY NOT !!!..... the brain of a child is fragile enough without filling it with mythical fraudulent bullshit,,,,,,,,,,..and attempting to pollute the childs brain into believing such nonsense.

I think your right as far as very young children go

1

I think religion is so imbeded in the culture that a class on Comparative Religions, World Religions, or Literacy of Religions needs to be taught. Look at all the religions of the world, compare and contrast. We need to be aware of all belief systems to respect all other peoples and so we can make informed critical decisions. Just like learning freaking Algebra. I sat through Algebra more than once and it never changed what I believed.

Said well.

0
1

No religions unless in is part of a history or art history course

2

Reminds me of the line.....We are both atheists, I just belive in one less god than you do.

3

No religions. Period in schools. I was forced to leave school every Wednesday, Walk to church for a couple of hours of bullshit and go back to school to learn somewhat useful shit. I hated it and tried to get out of it, but my parents wouldn't let me.

4

right along side of witchcraft and vodoo

3

Religious studies are important in history and have indeed shaped the cultures of the world. It is impossible to discuss history without mentioning religion. A great example is the crusades.

The problem we will run into as much as I do advocate the idea is that the curriculum will inevitably be abused to promote the local predominant religion. That is, if the local religion is Chirstianity it will have more time spent on it and it will be presented with much more ligimacy than others. Atheism may be excluded all together as it is not by defintion a religion. This may lead students to conclude that to be normal they have to choose a religion.

When ever a great idea comes and religion can take control of it there will be problems.

1

I think school should be curriculum choice orientated. Like college. Starting in first grade, but having the choices begin with very rudimentary choiced and broadening as the grades advance. In my high school we signed up for classes every quarter...in middle school, too, come to think of it, with requirements for graduation. Made for a great an interesting school experience. And in this way, you can easily make religions classes you can take.

5

Absolutely ALL religions should be taught in schools. I was fascinated with the Greek gods as a child and the amount of religions in the world it's what made me an atheist . Once someone realises how many there are they soon realise they are just stories some with a good message some with very bad ones .

4

it should be talked about in history and I mean all religions in an unbiased way as it is a huge part of history.

5

Absolutely not taught as fact or truth. If there is a Comparative Religions class that teaches about religion as a concept and the different ways it finds expression as an anthropological study, I'd be okay with that. Might even deconvert some folks.

4

No. I think religion is a family based activity. Whatever it is after you leave home and begin fending for yourself, yoiu tend to make up your own mind.
Why should teachers be burdened with more shit that f\amilies should be doing?

2

Has no place in public schools

2

Not as a truth or way of life/death ... as part of sociology as it relates to history and what religion has done for art, music and architecture while being certain not to leave out the death & suffering.

3

Sure. If you are talking about Middle or High school, then it can be taught with Social Studies and/or History. In college or university, it can be taught with Sociology, History, Art, Psychology, and on its own.

Whether we like it or not, religion is part of human history and culture all over the world. Why should we not allow people to learn about religions just because we are atheists, agnostics, etc?

1

I posted several times on this thread....but is never enough when the topic is school and religion:
The only teaching of religions in the school should be informing the students of the impact this had / has on mankind.

4

No, religion should be kept in a church.

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