Should we teach about theology in school?

Question

I'm talking about educating children on the key points and differences of the worlds religions, not teaching any of them as fact. I mean, it's such a major part that defines people, so aren't we just breeding ignorance by denying it's existence to our children? Where else would a child from a hard core religious family get accurate information on other religions, free of bigotry?

I would just be happy if people could tell the difference between agnostic and atheist...

Answer 1

I go to an all girls catholic high school and i have theology classes.

though i'm not very religious i know a lot of things that many people are very ignorant towards. For example understanding passages in bible that other people take seriously or don't understand but read them and follow them without understanding them

for example:

38"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'[a] 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.

my grandma (very religious and takes bible literally) told me that when my grandfather use to beat her she would let him because of this passage.

you have to know background and history to understand the bible.

turning the other cheek does not mean let him hit you but sort of shame him. back in that time when a man -backhanded slapped someone- it was kind of being like a p***y. so what its trying to say is make him seem like an idiot.

or the tunic and cloak part. the romans had a lot of rules towards the people and if a soldier asked you for your tunic you HAD to give it to him BUT if you also gave him your cloak it was illegal.

i think theology will make people not be as ignorant like my grandmother for example.  

Answer 2

It would be nice if we could, but fundies would get they're agenda into it in a heartbeat and children would be persecuted for they're beliefs in the class (more so).