Should Religions Be Taught in Schools?

[Andaristiva]

I went to a Church of England primary school which, despite being as religious as the local church (and taking students to the aforementioned church at the end of every term to attend a service the church organised specifically for the school), managed to provide such an impressive education that many Muslim parents sent their children there. So my opinion on religious education in schools is mostly "If parents and students of all religions accept the education, it's probably alright."

[Katganistan]

Offering neutrally-taught classes to learn about religion and religious history or philosophy or whatever is fine by me, but prioritizing one or evangelizing in public schools is totally unacceptable

The classes might only be about one religion, which is what I experienced. I don't know if that can really be neutral.

Except ram it down other people's throats.

As long as it's just kids, I think it's still okay.

As long as they are in a club for it and interested, sure. But some kid telling others who want nothing to do with it that they are going to hell is a bully.

If schools are allowed to teach about religion, should they be able to be critical and point out the flimsy evidence behind some of the beliefs? The virgin birth, miracles, Muhammad flying to Jerusalem, mistranslations, things inserted into texts, later inventions etc.

I am sure that that would be considered problematic by all the dogmatists drooling to have their special dispensation to indoctrinate kids on the public's dime.

That's impossible - there are too many.
Hence why I suggested a minimum number like 5; where the 5 should be truly different religions, not merely different flavours of the same religion.

And it's probably should be covered as part of world history, tbh. Socio-economic conditions before its rise, development, relation with the state/empire that the respective religion is in, schisms, etc. But not too crazy on the detail, as school is not a history major; just like normal world history course.

Which is where it is already covered, at least in NY state.

How did they prevent complaints from parents btw ? Here a fieldtrip to a mosque caused parents to flip. For one, because the boys and girls were seperated. And shit really hit the fan when they heard a few had also been kneeling during a demonstration of an Islamic prayer; saying their kid had been tricked into paying tribute to a false god...

A christian calling Allah a false God is like one homeless man calling another one a broke ass motherfucker.

Pretty much.

It reminds me of how when my mom was in school, nordicism was still a bit of a thing and the teacher talked about how much more advanced Northern Europe was compared to Southern Europe. If we teach about religion, it must be in an unbiased manner and it must focus on the bad and good parts. That means:

•Focusing on Moses's alleged leadership in the Midianite genocide

•Talking about how Mohammed was said to have married a 9 year old

•Revealing the truth of king Solomon's harem.

•Telling the story of the time Mohammed kicked a bunch of Jews out of a city

Some will result in noticable impacts such as rioting, some not so much. King Solomon's harem? Succeeding caliphs party in wild harems on their vast palaces, yet this haven't stop those caliphate-supporters from stabbing my country's security minister. Also, we are already taught that the h*rny prophet Daud (or David) have 99 wives and wanted to marry another one before Allah had stepped in to prevent that.

But it can work. Open-minded, highly educated Indonesians generally has the 'disapprove, but let live' attitude towards LGBT. If nothing is done, then the throw-the-gays-off-buildings mosque imam near my dad's office and his insane sermons will rein unchallenged.

Not if they themselves are thrown off buildings. What's sauce for the goose....

Some will result in noticable impacts such as rioting, some not so much. King Solomon's harem? Succeeding caliphs party in wild harems on their vast palaces, yet this haven't stop those caliphate-supporters from stabbing my country's security minister. Also, we are already taught that the h*rny prophet Daud (or David) have 99 wives and wanted to marry another one before Allah had stepped in to prevent that.

But it can work. Open-minded, highly educated Indonesians generally has the 'disapprove, but let live' attitude towards LGBT. If nothing is done, then the throw-the-gays-off-buildings mosque imam near my dad's office and his insane sermons will rein unchallenged.

Nothing should be off the table. We gotta discuss everything, like the time Jesus accidentally swallowed a puzzle piece and the man in the yellow hat had to take him to the doctor.

Curious, that.

[The Black Forrest]

I went to a Church of England primary school which, despite being as religious as the local church (and taking students to the aforementioned church at the end of every term to attend a service the church organised specifically for the school), managed to provide such an impressive education that many Muslim parents sent their children there. So my opinion on religious education in schools is mostly "If parents and students of all religions accept the education, it's probably alright."

Refresh my memory. Are the CoE schools public or private? In the US, we don’t have a Church of the US so the religious schools are private. I went to prison Catholic school for years. Good education and all the religious aspects.

The fight in the US is over Religious people wanted to teach their religion in the public schools and or getting federal/state funds in the religious schools.

We have had more then a few instances of the “faithful” getting punished for trying to indoctrinate.

The dogmatist salivates at the thought of impressionable children who already view the teacher as an authority figure being taught the true faith in a room they have to remain.

One thing to remember. In my catholic school days; the teachers were almost always Priests and Nuns. There were a couple instances of non-catholic institution people. Thinking about them? Two could remain neutral.

There is little or no neutrality to the dogmatics/non-religious institution people. You will mainly hear about the teachers religion and hear the faults of the others. I am sure there are people who can be neutral. Hardly enough of them exist at the primary level. In a college course of comparative religions; it isn’t as much as a requirement as people are old enough to hold differing views and argue. Children? Not so much.

Religion should be left to the family unit. Not public institutions.

[Ifreann]

The time I spent being taught about how to be a Christian was time almost entirely wasted. It didn't overly harm my education, obviously, as I am big braine very smort boi, but it was time that could have been better put towards any other educational goal. Especially all the bullshit we had to do for confession, communion, and confirmation.

[Rojava Free State]

The time I spent being taught about how to be a Christian was time almost entirely wasted. It didn't overly harm my education, obviously, as I am big braine very smort boi, but it was time that could have been better put towards any other educational goal. Especially all the bullshit we had to do for confession, communion, and confirmation.

Oh no, you went to a catholic school?

[Rojava Free State]

If we teach religion in schools, can we teach Satanism or Wicca too?

[Eudea]

If we teach religion in schools, can we teach Satanism or Wicca too?

But which brand of Satanism? I don’t disagree with the idea, but this whole denomination thing gets really wacky.

[Neanderthaland]

If we teach religion in schools, can we teach Satanism or Wicca too?

"Alright children, after you've finished dissecting the frogs, please pass them off to Ms. Leibovitz, who will be using their entrails to draw pentagrams."

[Rojava Free State]

If we teach religion in schools, can we teach Satanism or Wicca too?

"Alright children, after you've finished dissecting the frogs, please pass them off to Ms. Leibovitz, who will be using their entrails to draw pentagrams."

We're pour oil on the floor in a pentagram formation, and light it on fire.

[Rojava Free State]

If we teach religion in schools, can we teach Satanism or Wicca too?

But which brand of Satanism? I don’t disagree with the idea, but this whole denomination thing gets really wacky.

The Church of Slayer denomination of Satanism. So loud aggressive thrash metal mixed with horrifying artwork and burning pentagrams.

[Qabea]

Some schools, particularly in the United States in my experience, have groups dedicated to certain religions, in which teachers or other adults teach children about their religion. In my experience, that religion is Christianity, although there are probably other religions that do the same thing. In these groups, children are taught that a certain religion is true by an authority figure, although they are usually optional.

Other schools teach religion as an official subject. In Germany, it is a required subject in public schools and is usually provided by churches. In these situations, religion, which usually Christianity, although there are sometimes secular or Muslim alternatives, is taught in a classroom, but it is sometimes less biased and students can choose not to be in the class.

In both of these examples, churches use schools to evangelize to students. What do you think, NSG? Should both situations be allowed, or only one of them, or none? Is there another method that you would consider more appropriate?

In my opinion, both of these should be allowed because they do not necessarily favor one religion over another, so students can make a decision. Allowing students the opportunity to learn about a religion they already believe in is better than using things like this to evangelize to more, but doing so should be allowed to protect freedom of religion.

Yes, schools should be able to teach classes like IB World Religion which are supposed to teach students about most religions in a secular tone. However, there probably is line somewhere those classes can cross where it's no longer secular and informational that ought not to be crossed.

As for religious groups in school like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Muslim Student Association, they're kinda cringe and I see no reason for them.

[Neanderthaland]

"Alright children, after you've finished dissecting the frogs, please pass them off to Ms. Leibovitz, who will be using their entrails to draw pentagrams."

We're pour oil on the floor in a pentagram formation, and light it on fire.

"Frankly, at this point the dark arts are our only hope of remaining accredited."

[The Alma Mater]

If we teach religion in schools, can we teach Satanism or Wicca too?

But which brand of Satanism? I don’t disagree with the idea, but this whole denomination thing gets really wacky.

Well, that's the same problem with every religion, isn't it ? So many flavours, so little time.

[The Alma Mater]

We're pour oil on the floor in a pentagram formation, and light it on fire.

"Frankly, at this point the dark arts are our only hope of remaining accredited."

Historically, the teachers position in the defence against the dark arts class has seldomn been filled by a qualified competent teacher.

[Nobel Hobos 2]

But which brand of Satanism? I don’t disagree with the idea, but this whole denomination thing gets really wacky.

Well, that's the same problem with every religion, isn't it ? So many flavours, so little time.

There should be an online "compass" for this. Answer 50 questions and every time it recommends you become an Atheist.

[Ifreann]

The time I spent being taught about how to be a Christian was time almost entirely wasted. It didn't overly harm my education, obviously, as I am big braine very smort boi, but it was time that could have been better put towards any other educational goal. Especially all the bullshit we had to do for confession, communion, and confirmation.

Oh no, you went to a catholic school?

Almost every school in Ireland is a Catholic school.

---

"Frankly, at this point the dark arts are our only hope of remaining accredited."

Historically, the teachers position in the defence against the dark arts class has seldomn been filled by a qualified competent teacher.

Only in British public schools.

[Eudea]

Historically, the teachers position in the defence against the dark arts class has seldomn been filled by a qualified competent teacher.

Only in British public schools.

Can confirm, mine was shite.

[Geneviev]

The classes might only be about one religion, which is what I experienced. I don't know if that can really be neutral.


As long as it's just kids, I think it's still okay.

As long as they are in a club for it and interested, sure. But some kid telling others who want nothing to do with it that they are going to hell is a bully.

No one will listen if they're not interested, though. That kid is more likely to be bullied.

Some schools, particularly in the United States in my experience, have groups dedicated to certain religions, in which teachers or other adults teach children about their religion. In my experience, that religion is Christianity, although there are probably other religions that do the same thing. In these groups, children are taught that a certain religion is true by an authority figure, although they are usually optional.

Other schools teach religion as an official subject. In Germany, it is a required subject in public schools and is usually provided by churches. In these situations, religion, which usually Christianity, although there are sometimes secular or Muslim alternatives, is taught in a classroom, but it is sometimes less biased and students can choose not to be in the class.

In both of these examples, churches use schools to evangelize to students. What do you think, NSG? Should both situations be allowed, or only one of them, or none? Is there another method that you would consider more appropriate?

In my opinion, both of these should be allowed because they do not necessarily favor one religion over another, so students can make a decision. Allowing students the opportunity to learn about a religion they already believe in is better than using things like this to evangelize to more, but doing so should be allowed to protect freedom of religion.

Yes, schools should be able to teach classes like IB World Religion which are supposed to teach students about most religions in a secular tone. However, there probably is line somewhere those classes can cross where it's no longer secular and informational that ought not to be crossed.

As for religious groups in school like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Muslim Student Association, they're kinda cringe and I see no reason for them.

IB, hm? Sadly, my school doesn't have that class because it's SL only, so I don't know what it's like.

So do you think those groups shouldn't be allowed?

[Nobel Hobos 2]

Oh no, you went to a catholic school?

Almost every school in Ireland is a Catholic school.

There's actually not too bad here. Unlike other private schools they'll take most students (eg poor behavior, disabilities, not Catholic) and still get results comparable or better than public schools. The posh private schools get better results because (a) they have more money, and (b) they screen out any students who will be difficult to educate.

It's a bit controversial that they (like other private schools) get government funding. But I'd still tolerate them if we could just extinguish the blight which is for-profit private schooling.

[Swindenland]

Religion should not be taught in any kind of school nor be promoted in any educational institution. A truly secular country cannot tolerate religious interference in education. Religion is like a hobby with false information. Children, if they consent, can learn about their religion after school and in their private lives, I have no problem with that. We don't have schools run by the flat-earth cult for a reason.

[The Black Forrest]

Religion should not be taught in any kind of school nor be promoted in any educational institution. A truly secular country cannot tolerate religious interference in education. Religion is like a hobby with false information. Children, if they consent, can learn about their religion after school and in their private lives, I have no problem with that. We don't have schools run by the flat-earth cult for a reason.

Hmmm? “Religion is like a hobby with false information.”

What is different between you and those who want you to follow the religion?

Children for the most part can’t give informed consent. This is why there are age limits on contracts.

[Nobel Hobos 2]

Religion should not be taught in any kind of school nor be promoted in any educational institution. A truly secular country cannot tolerate religious interference in education. Religion is like a hobby with false information. Children, if they consent, can learn about their religion after school and in their private lives, I have no problem with that. We don't have schools run by the flat-earth cult for a reason.

Hmmm? “Religion is like a hobby with false information.”

What is different between you and those who want you to follow the religion?

Children for the most part can’t give informed consent. This is why there are age limits on contracts.

Most religions try to answer the question "what happens to me after I die". And children do often wonder that.

I'm 56 fucking years old, and I still haven't learned not to answer that question. When there's no way of knowing, the question should be laughed off. Giving a child an answer (which you believe only by "faith") is not education.

I could probably make a list of such "big" questions that religions have bad answers to. But it's not necessary, that one alone is enough to establish that religion should not be taught as fact, in school.

[Purple Rats]

I think I learned about religions (mostly christian tho, unfortunately) in school, before age of 15. It was basic stuff, what they believe. Not in "this is right", but what other people do believe. Being nonreligious is waaaay higher % than any religion in our country, that includes me, but I think it's still interesting and important to teach about religion.

I would also think it would be important to teach about different political system, no matter what system your country has.

[Qabea]

As long as they are in a club for it and interested, sure. But some kid telling others who want nothing to do with it that they are going to hell is a bully.

No one will listen if they're not interested, though. That kid is more likely to be bullied.

Yes, schools should be able to teach classes like IB World Religion which are supposed to teach students about most religions in a secular tone. However, there probably is line somewhere those classes can cross where it's no longer secular and informational that ought not to be crossed.

As for religious groups in school like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Muslim Student Association, they're kinda cringe and I see no reason for them.

IB, hm? Sadly, my school doesn't have that class because it's SL only, so I don't know what it's like.

So do you think those groups shouldn't be allowed?

It's not that I don't think they should be allowed, it's just that I'm tired of some evangelicals trying to preach to me despite my not asking.

[Kernen]

No one will listen if they're not interested, though. That kid is more likely to be bullied.


IB, hm? Sadly, my school doesn't have that class because it's SL only, so I don't know what it's like.

So do you think those groups shouldn't be allowed?

It's not that I don't think they should be allowed, it's just that I'm tired of some evangelicals trying to preach to me despite my not asking.

Every time that occurred as a lad, it made me less and less receptive to the message.