Question for Christians & Athiests?

Question

We have separation of church and state, yes? Obviously this means that the teachings of any higher being (i.e. "God") or religion can not be taught as a required course in public schools. My question is, how do you feel about world religions being taught in your public schools as an elective?

Answer 1

That is not what it means

It means the state cant impose a state sponsored religion on others and that it cant interfere, too much, with the affairs of religion.

You could easily make the teaching of diff religions part of the curriculum.  In fact, it is in Ca.

I think its imperative that kids do understand the basics of diff religions and how they affect the nations and cultures around the world since we now live in a global society.

Answer 2

That is not what separation of church and state is.

it means a religion can not be made the official state government.

yes religion as a course can be taught in public schools.

http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/bib...

here is a quote from the ACLU

"It's important to remember that the Bible could be taught constitutionally in schools," says Gunn. "Bible education per se is not unconstitutional if the course is designed to be objective."

Answer 3

Religion is something that cannot be taught in classes. It is something that one learns in an environment. Problem with Americans is that they don't have multi-religious society. So for them religion is an academic subject. But I guess that's the best they can do: Teach about them in schools and colleges.

Answer 4

I'm an Atheist and it sounds great to me.  All the different religions have always interested me.  As long as the information was factual and taught to me; not preached to me like in a church.

Answer 5

personally i think we should teach about ALL religions, as theories if nothing else, we need to promote tolerance and understanding.

Tho, i don't believe in public schooling.  

Answer 6

That is actually not a bad idea. Let people learn about all the different religions; however, many religions are about Satan, so you can't disciminate. So if you want to open that can of worms, then push the agenda. Good Luck!

Answer 7

As long as it is taught as philosophy or history, I'm fine with it.

I just took a World Religions class at college, it was fascinating.  Once you really study them you see how much they are all alike.

Answer 8

i love it.  religions classes are often required in colleges, why not high school?

Answer 9

World religions should be taught as an elective in college.

High school should focus on algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, english, history (american and world), s*x ed, physical education, biology, chemistry, geology, physics, art, and music.

Answer 10

I support it. I find mythologies to be utterly fascinating, especially since it teaches you history and culture at the same time.

Answer 11

I think that would be fantastic as long as it was accurate and unbiased! In fact, I think it should be REQUIRED.

School is about creating well rounded individuals. Well, religion is a large part of the world. Why should info on it be neglected by an institution whose purpose is to expose one to a bit of everything in this world? Not only that, but understanding would go a long way to stifling religious bigotry.

I think many relgious people would fight it though. Some seem to think that if kids are exposed to something that "something" will own them, possess them and forever change them. Maybe they should have more faith in their kids.

Answer 12

That would suck! they should choose whether learn about those themselves.

Answer 13

my high school did have a world religion class. I thought it was great and see no problem with this as long as it's not saying what you "have to" believe.

Answer 14

If it's a comparative study at the right grade then it's OK.  Maybe you'd have to be at least a HS junior.

Answer 15

I don't think any of them should be taught.  It's a shame how dumb America has become in recent years, I equate it to the rise of Christianity.

Answer 16

I think it's great. I wish my school had a class like that.

Answer 17

As long as it optional.

Answer 18

My public high school does teach different beliefs very lightly because it is a very big part of history. I found it incredibly interesting and I would have taken a religion class as an elective if it was offered. Although, I think that teachers would need to be very cautious assuming the class would hit many conflicts between students who believe and do not believe. I can imagine many debates in that class turning into something worse.

Answer 19

It sucks, they do that in my country. I don't think it's necessary

Answer 20

If it's an elective and it's from a philosophical/history standpoint, I see no issue.

Learn *about*...fine. Learn to *become* or encourage people to become it...not fine, that's the job of the  church.

Answer 21

I believe that the HISTORY of religions can be taught but not the religion itself. ie the story of that particular religion

The history of the religion as in how it came to be and its use in history

Answer 22

Schools are for education not indoctrination!!

If the Christians want children to be indoctrinated they should do it themselves and pay for it themselves.

Personally I feel that it amounts to child abuse to indoctrinate a child with one religion!

How would you feel if Islam was the elected religion in school than and punishments were governed by sharia law?!!!

Answer 23

Not a problem, as long as the material is appropriately identified.

Answer 24

Should be required, actually.

Many people are completely ignorant of any religion but their own, which as you can imagine, leads to intolerance and fear.

And most people become atheist after really studying religion, anyway.

Answer 25

i wouldn't mind but it has to be an OBJECTIVE course