Teaching religion

[jabo]

A friend of mine attended a PTA meeting for his son's school and one topic that they discussed is teaching religion in school. Something that I think I would be objecting to. I don't want my money (tax) and tuition be wasted for learning religion. Religion should just stay in churches not in places like schools. School is a place for learning, for facts, for building the foundation of one's future, with academics.

[John Scott]

I think the ought to be teaching religion. I think it's part of being culturally literate.

[thegamerslink]

I agree, depending on the grade they are teaching it. You have Sociology and Governent in school, why would you restrict it to only what you agree with?

[jabo]

I forgot to mention that it will be a subject. 1 hour daily. I mean it is ok to be taught or mentioned in subjects like history or yes politics and sociology but it as a subject?

[thegamerslink]

At what grade level? And as a required course or an elective?

[jabo]

Its a requirement you know. Its a public school, I would understand it if it was a private or a catholic school. I'm not sure which grade levels are affected but my friend's son is in the 5th grade. I think they will be discussing it with some one from the education department or something for their state this coming weekend. I will let you know about the updates about it.

[Rankenstein]

I got a great religious education at school, and as most of you will know, I'm an atheist. In fact, I found RE to be one of the most enjoyable lessons at all the schools I went to.

Apart from that, when you get down to it, the Bible is a pretty good introduction to human nature, with all its follies and foibles.

[thegamerslink]

I'd have to say this at this point....firstly don't forget the same tax dollars(tuition) you are paying is the same as I and others are paying so saying that the collective can't be used for something because you as an individual finds it offensive is every bit as much offensive to someone else. I don't think a dedicated required subject on one religion is something that should be found in a public school especially a pre-high school. I do however believe that religion should be allowed in school.

[krahmaan]

I think that if they will be teaching religion in schools then they should teach a variety of the main ones. Or even all of them. Then they can hold discussions on the pros and cons of each one. But to do this they will have to have the knowledge themselves. I feel it's wrong to glorify only one, and not teach the others. They are all religions -right? If they're going to teach one, then teach them all. Not from a confined perspective either, but from a detached standpoint. This I think will be fair, so the students can learn the differences and similarities between them all. Also, the students can come to respect the differences. I truly feel this will help create a better understanding among the youth. They are the future, and they also come from very diverse backgrounds.

[Rankenstein]

Originally Posted by krahmaan

I think that if they will be teaching religion in schools then they should teach a variety of the main ones.

That's what I got. Our RE teacher at Manchester Grammar also taught Philosophy. He was a great teacher, he was the one who got me "in to" philosophy in the first place.

[John Scott]

They should be teaching Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and a few of the other ones like Shinto, just to educate people and make them culturally literate.

Ought to touch on the cargo cults, too, just to make it entertaining.

[StrongInTheArm]

Originally Posted by John Scott

They should be teaching Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and a few of the other ones like Shinto, just to educate people and make them culturally literate. ...

WTF! Me agreeing with John Scott, I think I need to go and lie down in a dark room. Please excuse me!

[&Ingonyama]

I don't think it should be compulsory..