Do you think Religous Studies should be taught at school?

[JayKeeley]

I'm not talking about 'Religion', I'm talking specifically about "Religous Studies" covering the history of different religions, how they were founded, which geography they relate to, blah blah. You know, perhaps take this from a Sociology angle, as opposed to 'You should pray and go to church/synagogue/mosque' etc.

I only ask because I have someone in my work place -- mid 50's American, Republican, very pro-Bush supporter, pro-war etc -- and he had no clue about the monotheistic religions, he didn't understand how Islam ties into Christianity or Judaism, etc.

I'm just wondering whether the separation of church and state prevents the teaching of world traditions/cultures?

Should this be added to a World History curriculum?

 

[J.]

I most certainly believe it should be taught. It would probably prevent many children from growing and being anti-everything-that-isn't-Christianity and would teach them to be more tolerant of all religions.

But (and this may surprise some of you) I don't think a certain religion should be taught in school, no. Stuff like "How to be a good Christian" or "How to be a Successful Suicide Bomber" should not be taught in schools.

But yes, a class teaching the origins and specific beliefs of each religion would a good idea.

 

[NAD]

Too touchy outside of college. Evolution always freaked people out when I was in high school, we had to get parent permission slips just to attend those particular days in biology. You introduce religion and one side will scream violation of church and state and the other will say their particular group is too underrepresented.

 

[JayKeeley]

You introduce religion and one side will scream violation of church and state and the other will say their particular group is too underrepresented.

What about the history of the Religions though? You know, regardless of its actual teachings.

 

[Russell]

It's a legal obligation over here

 

[NAD]

What about the history of the Religions though? You know, regardless of its actual teachings.

People just get weird when the topic in general is introduced. The only way I could see it not being a problem is integrated into history courses, and even then just being primarily concerned with where and when, not why and how.

Not that I'm saying it isn't important, because it very much is, particularly for the reasons J. illustrated.

 

[Caelum Adustum]

I think it should be, but then the über-liberals would never shut up about religion being "enforced" upon their children.

 

[HarmonyDies....]

In Canada, we do have a World Religions course in high school, it was pretty interesting, in Catholic Schools I believe it's mandatory, and in public it is an elective.

 

[JayKeeley]

I think it would be quite interesting (in theory) to learn about Asatru, ancient Hinduism, Bhuddism, Northvegr, Sufi'ism, etc. Stuff which leans towards more cultural or philosophical discussion.

 

[NAD]

Pfft, that shit's pagan and therefore evil. GET IT OUT OF OUR CHILDREN'S HEADS!!!

 

[Under a Stone]

I think religion should be taught at school, though it depends on what aspects of religion. Should they be taught the philosophical vaules or the sentimental morals?

 

[neal]

Pfft, that shit's pagan and therefore evil. GET IT OUT OF OUR CHILDREN'S HEADS!!!

you should join these guys in the fight against pagans

 

[jimbobhickville]

we learned a bit about various religions in World History, which was a mandatory class for graduation in Oklahoma. We didn't go in-depth on any of them, just covered when and where they came from, some major beliefs, and moved on. I thought it was useful and wished we had spent more time with it.

 

[Demonspell]

I also got my religious education as part of my global studies curriculum...I think it should be taught in order for students to understand how religious philosophy differs, as long as it isn't slanted towards any one denomination or attempts to preach...it should also touch upon non-mainstream religions.

 

[Ayeka]

I can't even really remember what exactly we were taught in our R.E. lessons...we got a fairly objective view of major world religions, though our teacher had a habit of saying "you do realise that this is all a load of rubbish and you don't have to believe it", just in case we decided to become Buddhists so we could get freebies in bowls

I can't say it's a definite way to provide tolerance for other religions though. Me and one of my mates found ourselves more and more disgusted with Judaism with every passing week as we learnt more about it. It just kinda highlighted what a bunch of freaks they are.

 

[Hell Mike]

Mine and Erik's religion teacher was great.