My viewpoint on religion in schools (Read Thread Disclaimer)

[HurryKane]

Laughing we took turns reading from whatever religious book we each chose to bring. In this way we also learned about other religions and respect for those religions.

That would not work today. If a child were to read from the Quran there would be a Christian parent meltdown in the principal's office, with people demanding to know why their children were exposed to it.

[wxcrazytwo]

If we allow the Bible to be taught, then we mus allow other books to be taught as well.

[gtalum]

If we allow the Bible to be taught, then we mus allow other books to be taught as well.

I would tend to agree with this. As I noted in the other thread, I would like to see all children of religious fmailies of non-Christian beliefs to petition to have an elective class taught about their own holy books. That would be an interesting court proceeding.

[Skywatch_NC]

Just build the national budget up and have schools for all faiths...there...problem solved!

[Derek Ortt]

students should learn about the different religions of the world in school since religion is a major part of the world. A class that describes the major religions should be mandatory in HS as a social studies requirement. However, classes imposing religious beliefs should not be part of the mandatory cirriculum, but should be available as electives

[Derek Ortt]

wxcrazy

where in the constitution does it say that an ELECTIVE class is not permitted. It is NOT MANDATORY; thus, nobody is being exposed to something offensive to them

[P.K.]

Since current scientific evidence shows the Big Bang occurred as well as evolution, my thoughts are that God caused the Big Bang to create the universe and evolution was his design in creating life.

Given the evidence I believe the Big Bang theory, not the religious part of it though.

If religion is taught in schools then several should be covered. When I had to study Religious Studies a few years ago we learnt about several different religions. If you want to learn about one religion it should be kept to elsewhere.

Not sure how many people are relgious over here now but they always say the number of people going to church etc is falling.

[CajunMama]

If you can have classes on different religions in state supported colleges why can't they be allowed in public schools?

[wxcrazytwo]

wxcrazy

where in the constitution does it say that an ELECTIVE class is not permitted. It is NOT MANDATORY; thus, nobody is being exposed to something offensive to them

Derek, come one dude. You know as well as I do that schools that offer electives are usually classes that no one wants to take, but is the only thing being offered. Would you take offense, if they offered ISLAMIC or MUSLIM courses?

[x-y-no]

students should learn about the different religions of the world in school since religion is a major part of the world. A class that describes the major religions should be mandatory in HS as a social studies requirement. However, classes imposing religious beliefs should not be part of the mandatory cirriculum, but should be available as electives

I certainly agree about having a survey course which teaches about major religions of the world.

As for having elective courses teaching particular religious beliefs - it really seems to me to be opening a huge can of worms for public schools to be involved in this.

Lets say you have a course on Islam. Should it be Shi'a or Sunni? Suppose the teacher is a Wahabbi - would we really want our public schools teaching that?

There's at least as much difficulty with teaching Christianity. Should the curriculum follow Catholic belief? Christian Science? Seventh Day Adventism? Jehova's Witness? Lutheran? This could go on and on. And there are enough important differences between these sects that I don't see how a reasonable compromise could be reached - nor do I think anyone would be particularly happy with the government making the decisions as to exactly what compromise would become the official curriculum.

[Derek Ortt]

that is so inaccurate, wxcrazy that I do not know where to begin

An elective class is in no way the only one to take. For instance, I did not take an elective called Holocaust in HS but did take Military History because MH was not a denouncement of Germany. In fact, I feel that I learned more about the alleged atrocities during the war (ON BOTH SIDES) in MH due to a debate project that my friend and I did for a final project than I woudl have in the other class.

I would put the question of the type of religion in the same class. If one does not agree with the class direction, one has the option not to register for the class

[x-y-no]

Oh, my ... I'm afraid to ask ...

Maybe it's time for me to step slowly and carefully away from this thread now.

[wxcrazytwo]

that is so inaccurate, wxcrazy that I do not know where to begin

An elective class is in no way the only one to take. For instance, I did not take an elective called Holocaust in HS but did take Military History because MH was not a denouncement of Germany. In fact, I feel that I learned more about the alleged atrocities during the war (ON BOTH SIDES) in MH due to a debate project that my friend and I did for a final project than I woudl have in the other class.

I would put the question of the type of religion in the same class. If one does not agree with the class direction, one has the option not to register for the class

but you never answered the question, because you know once you allow this elective to pass there will be others who want there beliefs taught as well. And I have taken elective classes that I did not want to take, but had to just to keep stuff going, if you know what I mean.

[Skywatch_NC]

that is so inaccurate, wxcrazy that I do not know where to begin

An elective class is in no way the only one to take. For instance, I did not take an elective called Holocaust in HS but did take Military History because MH was not a denouncement of Germany. In fact, I feel that I learned more about the alleged atrocities during the war (ON BOTH SIDES) in MH due to a debate project that my friend and I did for a final project than I woudl have in the other class.

I would put the question of the type of religion in the same class. If one does not agree with the class direction, one has the option not to register for the class

but you never answered the question, because you know once you allow this elective to pass there will be others who want there beliefs taught as well. And I have taken elective classes that I did not want to take, but had to just to keep stuff going, if you know what I mean.

Elective should be by choice and not mandatory...wasnt there an alternative course(s) to take, Alex?

[Derek Ortt]

other religions should be offered as electives. I have no problem with that

[wxcrazytwo]

that is so inaccurate, wxcrazy that I do not know where to begin

An elective class is in no way the only one to take. For instance, I did not take an elective called Holocaust in HS but did take Military History because MH was not a denouncement of Germany. In fact, I feel that I learned more about the alleged atrocities during the war (ON BOTH SIDES) in MH due to a debate project that my friend and I did for a final project than I woudl have in the other class.

I would put the question of the type of religion in the same class. If one does not agree with the class direction, one has the option not to register for the class

but you never answered the question, because you know once you allow this elective to pass there will be others who want there beliefs taught as well. And I have taken elective classes that I did not want to take, but had to just to keep stuff going, if you know what I mean.

Elective should be by choice and not mandatory...wasnt there an alternative course(s) to take, Alex?

Actually, no there wasn't.

[wxcrazytwo]

other religions should be offered as electives. I have no problem with that

Hmm, very interesting.

[DoctorHurricane2003]

I am a liberal and I think it is painfully obvious that I am way out there to the left. With that said, I agree with allowing the following courses to be taught in public schools:

Survey of World Religions
Philosophy of Religion X

Where both are elective courses. An elective is an optional course that one takes out of interest to fulfill the elective requirement for high school diplomas. There are always enough elective courses where one is not required to take a certain elective.

Now let's bear in mind that if, say, the Philosophy of Christianity was taught in public schools, indeed there will be others of different religions that will want a Philosophy course on their religion also taught. But remember, for a course to exist, there has to be (1) a qualified instructor and (2) enough students interested in the course. The specific requirements should be laid out before the courses are made so the students know how many students/parents need to sign up.

It is very rare for a certain school to make students take a certain elective course because there are simply not enough electives. In that case, that specific school board needs to review its curriculum and should not allow specific religious courses until more courses are offered. Plus, usually these school boards can not afford to hire the extra instructor, buy the books, and use the classroom space for the extra class(es)

[wxcrazytwo]

I am a liberal and I think it is painfully obvious that I am way out there to the left. With that said, I agree with allowing the following courses to be taught in public schools:

Survey of World Religions
Philosophy of Religion X

Where both are elective courses. An elective is an optional course that one takes out of interest to fulfill the elective requirement for high school diplomas. There are always enough elective courses where one is not required to take a certain elective.

Now let's bear in mind that if, say, the Philosophy of Christianity was taught in public schools, indeed there will be others of different religions that will want a Philosophy course on their religion also taught. But remember, for a course to exist, there has to be (1) a qualified instructor and (2) enough students interested in the course. The specific requirements should be laid out before the courses are made so the students know how many students/parents need to sign up.

It is very rare for a certain school to make students take a certain elective course because there are simply not enough electives. In that case, that specific school board needs to review its curriculum and should not allow specific religious courses until more courses are offered. Plus, usually these school boards can not afford to hire the extra instructor, buy the books, and use the classroom space for the extra class(es)

I understand, but when you are in Grad School (Business School), there are only so many classes that are required and those that are electives. I know for a fact that the required classes I have left are 4, but when one of those classes are only offered once a year, it is tough to find a class that makes you part-time status (Financial Aid reasons), so you are left with whatever is there.

[DoctorHurricane2003]

You are equating Grad School to High School?