In a sense that it will be taught as a separate subject... I say religion because it is a fact that a classroom can be composed of students with different beliefs... so teaching religion should have a universal approach...
I am a product of a Catholic school so i know the importance and advantages of learning about Catholic doctrines... and i don't think studying religion should be scrapped from the curriculum just because there is this what we call now religious freedom...
Children at a very early age should be aware about the different faiths in the world so as to instill in them respect and tolerance in dealing with people with different religious beliefs...
So how about you?... do you think religion should be taught in all schools as a separate subject?...
[question posted by aseretdd]
responses and comments:
I think religion is a very important part of our lives and we should give it to our children, most religions have a common ground that can be covered together and the specifics which is the way of worship can be taken separately. [dbhattji]
Yes, religion is a part of everyones culture and personal lives... so there is indeed a need to integrate this in the school system... although it will certainly take a lot of polishing before a certain curriculum about the subject can be perfected... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
In theory I do, but in practice my experience is that too many teachers have their own personal agendas and there is too much opportunity for them to attempt to influence children and indoctrinate them in their own beliefs. Therefore I think that religious teachings should be the responsibility of the parents, not of the schools. There is nothing wrong with having books on comparative religions available in the school library, though, except that some of the parents might object. It is a thorny subject. [drannhh]
Religion is a very controversial issue in every aspect... and i do agree that having it as a separated subject in schools might become a venue of abuse for certain fanatics... and some parents are not responsible when it comes to education their children about it... my parents never opened the topic of religion in our home... so everything i know about it... i got from experience and school... Yes, i do agree... it is quite a thorny subject... [aseretdd]
I think that's a good idea, now that you mentioned it. When I was in high school I learned different religions in the subject Asian History and Culture. So I got an insight on Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Taoism although my country is predominantly Catholic. It really made me more open to understanding other people and their beliefs. When we don't know about why they believe certain things, we tend to judge them. [katcarneo]
I taught Asian History in the past... and i remember that we always alloted some weeks to discuss the major religions of the world... but those weeks are not enough to cover everything important... just the basic so as to give insight to the students... but if religion is taught as a separate subject... even the minor ones can be tackles... but then we also need to take into consideration that this is open to a lot of abuse... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
Hi, I hope yes it might really give an overall knowledge of many religions and I too also suggest it might be better those specialist in this areas take classes in order to avoid any false information giving to students. Each religions should be taken those people who are specialist with a secular approach. [SHAMRACK]
I am glad you agree with me... knowledge of the many religions of the world will indeed help people understand each other better... and yes... those who will teach this subject must undergo intense training and must not use the subject in forcing student his own religion... but it should be used for enlightenment... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
Religion is purely a personal thing and there is no need to publicise much about it and any kind of propagandra amounts to forcing people to change their views and this leads to religious wars between the people belonging to one religion and the other. Secondly, there is no need to teach relgiion at school simply because there will be many students belonging to different religions. Therefore, schools should restrict to educate the children in various branches of knowledge than indulging in sensitive matters like religion. [ssh123]
What i meant here is teaching religion in a manner that student will understand the beliefs of other nations... not use the subject as a form of forching students to change their own views... we have our own religion... but that should not hinder us from getting knowledge and understanding others... Religion as a subject will not concentrate only on one religion... but the major and minor ones as well... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I'm not sure about religion being taught as a different subject at school...kids from all religious backgrounds attend the same school. I attended a Catholic school...and they would have Catechism classes in the morning. We, non-Catholics were not forced to attend but free to attend if we wished to. Except for the fact that we were having fun while the Catholics were learning something, I didn't think of it much. I think a Value education class would be great instead of focussing on any one religion. That can cater to everyone without hurting sentiments...or having schools segregating children by religion. Or a Religion class that talks about all the religions (that are common in the area). [SViswan]
That's how it goes...there are kids of all religions in the class...and they sometimes get to speak about their particular religion when there is a religious festival coming up. Besides that it is mostly educating them about being a good person (which is common in most religions). [SViswan]
I was raised Catholic as well, but I have to honestly say that I think that there are some things that should be left to the parents. I believe that each religion is great, and I hope that most of us have some sort of faith that we follow, but the fact is that forcing children to learn about something that is completly against the beliefs of their parents could be really bad. What if you were pagan, then your child being forced to learn christianity would be the complete opposite of the beliefs that you have instilled in you child. And the otherway as well, if you are a Christian, it is possible that a Christian parent would not want their children to learn about Pagan rituals. We can rely on schools for a lot, but when it comes to the religion of our kids it should be up to us. [bcote212]
Learning and understanding something is different from forcing someone to follow a certain belief... what i meant here is religion as a subject... studying the differences and similarities between the different religions of the world that would integrate respect and tolerance... I agree that parent might think bad about studying a different religion... but the case is different when it is studied in an academic way... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
No. Because religion it´s a belief and a truth that you have. You can´t put this through children that have parents trying to teach them other religion or other culture. The best would be, like in Brazil, have Catholic scholls or something like that. That way the parents can chose what scholl and what belief would like to pass to his children. [Saicows]
What i meant here is religion as a subject teaching about the similarities and differences of the minor and major religions of the world... it won't be taught to force children to follow a certain religion... but to have enough knowledge and understanding that will instill tolerance and respect... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I think there should be a class that covers all world religions. [jodazaca]
Thank you for the response... and welcome to mylot... but i hope you can elaborate more... but i do agree with you... there should be a certain subject that will teach about the different religions of the world... [aseretdd]
I believe that Religion should be taught in school. Of course, the school has to make sure that the curriculum is designed in such a way that the subject will not just focus on one religion. They have to be considerate of other beliefs as well. I finished my grade school in a Catholic school and I have learned Religion for 6 straight years. Unfortunately, they focused on Christianity specifically Catholicism. It would have been better if they also taught us about other beliefs/religions. [dolce_vita78]
Being a Catholic... i also think that i should have knowledge and understanding about the other religions in the world... and i agree with dolce_vita78... religion as a subject is not suppose to be a venue to force a certain religion on others but a way to instill respect and tolerance for the religion of others... Yes there are certain sunday schools... but these teach only one religion and disregard the others... so how can the kids understand why others follow a certain religion... [aseretdd]
I think religion could be taught at the high school level as a comparative religions class. It would probably have to be an electiv. At the grade school level, the kids don't have the critical thinking skills to look across the board so to speak and examine and evaluate different religions. Not all families have the knowledge or will teach their children about different faiths - hopefully this class would instill tolerance and understanding of cultures other than their own. whit [whittby]
I think grade school level kids should also be thought about the religions of the world... but in a simple manner that they can grasp easily... tolerance, respect, and understanding should be instilled in the earliest possible manner... and i do agree about using the term comparative religion class... i should have used this when i started the discussion... since some who responded misinterpreted my topic... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
Yes i think religion should be taught in schools.In our school there were two different subjects religion and morals.Our school was a catholic school,so people who were catholic and protestants used to attend religion while remaining all students were made to attend morals.I was a protestant.i liked to attend morals class.but the school teachers forced me to attend religion. [vicky30]
I don't think it is right to force someone to attend a religion subject that teaches only about one religion... Christianity or Catholicism is mainly about freewill or the freedom to choose between right and wrong... it would have been a lot better if the religion class teaches about the major religions of the world... concentrating on the similarities and differences... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I believe that religion should be taught in schools. I go to a private college and we are required to take a Theology course. I'm not a Christian and I was dreading this course. It ended up being one of my favorites in the end because it taught almost every single religion, belief, etc...not just one. I think it would be great for schools to let kids now there is more than one religion out there. They can learn about them all and make an educated choice as to what the best religion is for them, instead of having a certain religion shoved down their throat. That is what makes people stray from religion instead of embracing it. [skinnychick]
You are welcome... [aseretdd]
I wouldnt object to religion being taught as an elective course that the child and parents could choose to take or not to take. I dont believe religion should be mandatory in schools at all. [melissaruth1]
Well if the religion subject teaches only one religion... then students should have the option not to take it... but if the subject is treated as an academic subject which studies about the similarities and differences of the major and minor religions of the world... then there is not need for it to be an elective course... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I dont think religion should be taught in schools... Thats what church is for and should be the responsibility of the parents. There are many different religions in the world now and i dont feel that someone elses views should be pushed on children whose families believe in something totally different from what is being taught. I believe that the choice of teaching children about religion should be left to the parents and the church in which they attend. [SUMM3R]
I am referring to a religion subject that teaches the similarities and differences of the major and minor religions of the world... and this will then lead to a better understanding, tolerance, and foster respect... but i agree that one's personal religion should be strengthened by the parents and church they attend to... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
No I think that religion should be taught in the home or at church unless the parents send their children to a religious school. I feel religion is a private thing and I do not think someone should be teaching their beleifs on my children. [teapotmommommerced]
Yes, i also think that one's personal religion should be taught in the home and church... but what i meant here is a comparative religion subject where the differences and similarities between the major and manor religions are studied... i think this is very important since a lot of us lack certain knowledge about other religions... which makes us judge them in a not so fair manner... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
My personal belief is YES religion should be taught in public schools. Our sountry was founded upon God and students should be taught that there is ONE God, and there is no other. I am sorry if I offend any, BUT my Bible tells me there is ONE God, ONE faith, ONE baptism. We should be about Him not about people. We as parents should teach our children the truth about God, according to the Holy Bible, not according to mans traditions and beliefs. This is a very touchy subject, I realize this, but when it all comes down to the nitty gritty, we will be held responsible for the teaching we give our children, if it is contrary to the Word of God we will be judged for that by God Almighty. [kcook57]
Teaching only one religion would certainly offend a lot of people... and one's own religion should be reinforced by the parents and the church where they go to... so the school part is to educated students about the different religions of the world... concentrating on their similarites and differences... and that will integrate in them the value of respect and tolerance... I respect you for your beliefs... but this should not be forced on others... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I would not have seen anything wrong with my children having been taught some kind of comparative religions, similar as to what you can take in college. It just matters how it's approached. I do think respect and tolerance should be taught from a young age. You can see in the world around us the results of it not having been thus far. [GenevaC08]
Yes, a comparative religion subject is what i am referring to... something like in college but a lot simplier for younger students to understand and grasp... I really don't understand your last sentence... i hope you can elaborate or rephrase it... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I think teaching religion in schools would be a very difficult thing, if you were trying to make it all-inclusive and non-biased. First you have to get the teachers to set aside their own religious bias in order to not try to proselytize to students or emphasize their religion over others. That can be a very tough thing, especially if the teacher is part of a religious group that believes everyone of any other religion will be eternally punished or some such. Another issue is the question of which religions to teach. Do you just teach the "major" world religions? Do you consider which religions are most popular in your area, or even what the religions of the students in your class are? If it's tailored depending on area or students, that's a lot of effort for a specialized curriculum that could change quite often depending on population changes or students. If you leave out the religion of even a single one of the students, you're going to leave that student feeling ostracized and perhaps even maligned, not to mention possibly have to face the wrath of the parents of that student. I love comparative religions classes and other religious classes in college or even high school if they're elective and done well, but I can't say I would advocate a religion class for younger students or one that was compulsory. It would simply be too difficult to cover all the bases, and it would leave any minority whose beliefs aren't covered even more open to religious prejudice. [lecanis]
There are indeed a lot of issues to iron out before this sort of thing can be implemented... but then... experience is the best policy... and the only way to know if this will actually work is to experience it first hand... and then just add the necessary changes needed... I do agree that a comparative religion subject can be a venue for fanatics to force their own beliefs upon others... but this is were the school administration should step in... but hiring only those teachers that are qualified and not bias... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
Comparative religion would be a good subject to teach in schools, but I think most schools, particularly religion-based private schools, have too much of an agenda to teach it objectively. My school had a Christian group who came in once a year to give a seminar, and a lot of people really resented being forced to go to it. [Ishtara]
I also hate being forced to attend seminars that teach about a particular religion and trash the others... people should understand that the more it is forced upon us... the more we resist... so that sort of thing should be voluntary... But a comparative religion as a subject is a good thing... since it will be viewed upon as an academic subject... so there will be no forcing done... since different religions will be studied with no need to say that one is better than the other... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
Hello aseretdd Ji, I am very much of the view that 'RELIGION MAY BE TAUGHT, BUT NEVER FORCED' Let me once more remind every participant that like birth of any one in any form is not individual choice. We Hindus around globe belief that there are 84 lakh types of creatures/casts/sub-casts, taking birth as per nature in natural way. I do't think, any of us had choice to refuse birth, if person knew , it was not as per individual choice. If this aspect is established, then it would be easy for me to procedd into depth of your discussion. When birth is no choice, then religion follows after birth, and it is individual choice to change thier religion as it may not suit as per their whims and pleasure. To know more about any religion, one may get educated by attending schools. But if some one has been already following religion as per basic norms of their families it is not advisable to impose upon. I understand, discussion is thrown open only for human biengs, but as a Hindu, I wish to extend same thought to other kind of inhabitants in our world, like, animals, like birds, like raptiles, like living inside seas, like plants trees etc/etc (wherever life exisits). Can you teach religion of one individual to other, it is as per 'snake's' religion to bite. It is as per religion of plants/trees to inhale CO2, and give out O2. These are blunt examples, so I said in the begining. It may be in your religion to marry as many number of times as you wish to suit your desires and requirements, but not in my religuion, if it is so, why to teach. In fact, a religion is learnt right from first day of birth. It is in my religion that a child of any age is much safer in the lap of mother, it applies to all varieties of biengs. whereas this is not. And further I think, Unversly all religion are good to all human-biengs then why one should be taught in the schools, we learn from our parents. Unversally, I am sure, including both of us learnt to speak 'Truth', act truth, think truth, read truth, like many other things from our parents. I do't think, it was taught as a lesson at schools befor our parents taught. have a nice time. I am still of opinion, this may be left to individuals to learn one or more but everone's religion is established by birth. Have a nice time. [chintoo07]
I am really confuse with your response... but i agree with what you said that religion may be taught, but never forced... if the religion being taught is concentrated in only one religion... but if it is a comparative religion subject that is viewed as an academic subject... then everybody is required to take it... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
No....To me, religion is a very personal thing that may mean something different for everyone. To try and come up with a standardized curriculum that makes everyone happy would be a total nightmare. Religion, IMHO, is beast taught in places of worship and in the home [inked4life]
Well this is one of the reasons why religion/comparative religion should be taught as a seprate academic subject in schools... there are many of them and a lot of the world's troubles started because of the many different religions of the world... Religion as an academic subject can be the start of instilling respect and tolerance among the future generation... and yes, i also agree that religion is a personal thing... but that must not stop us from understanding and gaining knowledge of others... [aseretdd]
I think Religion is an important subject that should be taught in all schools. But I said "Religion" not Catholicism, or Presbyterianism or any other single denomination of Religion. Each denomination should be studied separately so the students can make up their own minds. There should be No Brainwashing such as the Catholic School system in Ontario Canada has been doing. [barehugs]
I guess you got my point... here... religion as a separate subject which will deal with the different religions of the world... whether they be major or minor ones... so that student can make their own choice or strengthen their belief for their own religion... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
Not only is religion a very fascinating topic but educational as well. I think that by teaching our children about the different regligions and beliefs of others, we will be teaching them understanding and tolerance. I think it is sad that they removed it from the schools. [sid556]
I am glad that you can see the positive side of teaching religion or comparative religion as an academic subject in schools... maybe the main reason why it was removed is because... schools tend to teach only one religion... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I think all religions should be taught or NO religions be taught. And that the children be optional, if a child chooses not ot take part then they have something different to go to. But the way it is set up now that religions are being looked at outside of Chritianity in schools, so its OK to accomodate a child for one faith but you can't allow God or Christianity in schools that leads to a double standard. I think it should be all or nothing Mooch [oneandonemakesix]
Well, i think that is already being implemented in the US now... since they have this policy about double standard stuff that might offend those with no religion at all... but in my country... the public schools still have this subject but is concentrated on teaching about christianity in particular... and the other major religions are being taught in history classes... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
yeh relision should be a part of school. Children should be taught the need of relision the different beliefs of the human race. First thing to be taught should be "the human race" and than the belief of humans in their religion. There shouldnt be dominance to one single religion at the school level. the kids should also be treated equally. It shouldnt form a separate subject it should be generalise and should form part of any other subject like general awareness or society awareness. [sang2k2]
Thank you for the response... and yes i agree that there shouldn't be any dominace of a single religion when a sort of comparative religion subject is being taught... each should be taugh equally even if a bulk of the students belong to only one religion... this will surely instill respect and tolerance... [aseretdd]
I don't think it's a good idea. All they'll touch on is the major religions. What about the less popular ones? The contraversial ones? It's not a good idea there's too many ways of it going wrong. Too many things that can be injected to make a student biase towards a religion or another. [jsmith12]
What you mentioned are indeed some of the flaws attached to teaching religion as a subject... we must also take into consideration the positive aspect of this... and i think that not only the major religions should be discussed but the minor and especially the controversial ones as well... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I am a primary school teacher. I spend my first year of teaching in a Catholic school. Discipline was good and the children loved it when Father visited. However much time was spent praying, at the start of the day, before and after eating and before going home. Events were often long and tiring for the children like at Easter Stations of the Cross. I have taught in Church of England schools and again the religion is pushed to the children through Bible stories, assembly and in RE lessons. I had a Jehovah Witness child in my class in the small village school. She had to leave the room if what we were going to do was not suitable for her religion. I think the best schools are multi faith and different festivals can be celebrated like for Judaism, Hinduism and so on. I think children should grow up knowing about and respecting other people's beliefs. I think religion should be a separate subject and I don't think assembly should have a totally Christian theme to it. [maximax8]
I studied and taught in a strictly Catholic school run by nuns... and they don't even accept students that are not Catholic... so almost everyone kinda embrace everything taught in religion classes... but i do agree with you that children should grow up knowing about the belief of other people... instilling respect and tolerance at a young age is always the best... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
i would take religion out of education all together, it has no place there. Surely, the only people compitent to advise on religion are the parents at home blessed be [ESKARENA1]
But not all parents instruct or even advice their children about religion... both my parents are Catholic... but they never did teach me anything about the religion... all i know about this... i learned from school... and the church... so if parents won't instruct their kids... who will?... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I think its depend on the school. If that school is a general or public school, i dont think its needed. But always for Christian, Catholic, or Muslim school, they have subjects for religion. [manya_pearl]
Well, i am referring to a comparative religion subject where the similarities and differences of major and minor religions will be discussed... and this is can be best implemented in public schools... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I feel that religion is a very personal matter. If religion is to be taught in PUBLIC school, then the course should be something entitled 'Religions of the World' and it should teach an overview of all the religions and teach tolerance. As for teaching a particular faith or religion, I feel that should be reserved for a particular parochial school that is supported by that faith/religion. That is just my opinion on a very touchy subject! [crazynurse]
This is exactly my point... i also think that religion is a personal matter... but that shouldn't stop schools from teaching an overview of all realigions of the world... whether it be a minor or major one... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
No, religion should not be taught in school or on the flip side, the essence of all religions should be taught and followed in school. We educate our children in the hope that they are the future citizens of this world and hence should have the knowledge and the wisdom to be able to differentiate between right and wrong and that their formative years should be spent in the inculcation of humane values and not blind dogma. Religion without its in-depth study creates a false sense of belonging to an idea which is impossible for a child to comprehend in its entirety. However, in-depth study of religion is not feasible without compromising on the other secular subjects. So I believe that we can let go of religion and instead concentrate on building better intelligent citizens who can then decide what they should follow and what they should shun. [sudiptacallingu]
The religion subject that i am referring to is one that is not concentrated on only one religion... but a subject that will discussion the major and minor religions of the world... which in effect will foster a better understanding of other beliefs and cultures thus... tolerance and respect will follow... it will not force the student to follow a certain religion... but just pure understanding and knowledge... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]