Religion Class

[Jupiter]

I believe in school, to understand religions, and beliefs, there should be a required religion class. I do not mean just Christianity. But other things, like Taoism, Greek Mythology, Hinduism, Monism, and even Atheism. What do you guys think?

[embers]

Well yeah, it's good if a religious education class provided knowledge on a diverse range of religions. It's just that most religious education classes focus on a certain religion - in Pakistan it was Islamiat, studying Islam, here in England our class focuses on Christianity.

[trooneh]

I had a similar unit to this in 6th grade, world religions. The only issue was my social studies teacher is a hardcore Catholic. We spent three days on Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, etc. Then we spent two weeks on Christianity and Catholicism...

[Jupiter]

Well yeah, it's good if a religious education class provided knowledge on a diverse range of religions. It's just that most religious education classes focus on a certain religion - in Pakistan it was Islamiat, studying Islam, here in England our class focuses on Christianity.

Well, what if it was against the rules to focus on one religion.

[trooneh]

Well, what if it was against the rules to focus on one religion.

It'd be an interesting idea, but I think subconsciously the teacher is still most likely to focus on the religion that means the most to him/herself.

[Jupiter]

It'd be an interesting idea, but I think subconsciously the teacher is still most likely to focus on the religion that means the most to him/herself.

Not if they were an atheist :)

[embers]

Well, what if it was against the rules to focus on one religion.

People would cry "discrimination! Discrimination!"

I don't know. I see religious education in the way that it is being taught now (by our curriculum anyway) as completely pointless if it's not promoting acceptance of cultural diversity and rather is focusing on 'what do Christians think of marriage, abortion, war?'.

[Jupiter]

People would cry "discrimination! Discrimination!"

I don't know. I see religious education in the way that it is being taught now (by our curriculum anyway) as completely pointless if it's not promoting acceptance of cultural diversity and rather is focusing on 'what do Christians think of marriage, abortion, war?'.

Well when I say classes to learn on this subject I do mean, learn about their God, or even if there is one, or 2 or 10. Learn about the founder... etc.

[trooneh]

Not if they were an atheist :)

Then they would rush through the unit without paying much attention to any of the religions, thus doing none of them justice.

[Jupiter]

Then they would rush through the unit without paying much attention to any of the religions, thus doing none of them justice.

Yes, rush through all the religions in a religion class. No, they wouldn't hire someone who didn't want to work as a religion teacher....

[embers]

Then they would rush through the unit without paying much attention to any of the religions, thus doing none of them justice.

Quite a broad generalisation. Same to the generalisation that religious people would focus more on their own religion.

[trooneh]

Quite a broad generalisation. Same to the generalisation that religious people would focus more on their own religion.

True, I suppose I am generalizing based on my own personal experience. A set curriculum perhaps? I'm not sure.

[Jupiter]

True, I suppose I am generalizing based on my own personal experience. A set curriculum perhaps? I'm not sure.

Yeah, you see, superintendents don't hire people who aren't qualified. Like, my social studies teacher was teaching us about all the religions and he barely touched on Christianity. Guess what, he was Christian.

[trooneh]

Yeah, you see, superintendents don't hire people who aren't qualified. Like, my social studies teacher was teaching us about all the religions and he barely touched on Christianity. Guess what, he was Christian.
That's also a generalization. Incompetent teachers do exist in many school districts. Many might have been considered qualified when they were hired, but times change. They wouldn't be considered qualified to teach the job they have.

[Jupiter]

That's also a generalization. Incompetent teachers do exist in many school districts. Many might have been considered qualified when they were hired, but times change. They wouldn't be considered qualified to teach the job they have.

Then they can do the Donald Trump and say "YOU"RE FIRED!"

[trooneh]

Then they can do the Donald Trump and say "YOU"RE FIRED!"

Not if they were previously given tenure...

[Jupiter]

Not if they were previously given tenure...

Good point. But still, I think the person likes having a job more than standing up for his/her "beliefs."

[Angel Androgynous]

Hmm... well, for one thing, atheism is not a religion. :P It's not believing in a God... it's the absence of a religion. Second: a bit of the religious values of a few major religions were taught in history class. (At least for me) I don't think that it should be a required class, but an elective. (Depending on what the class would teach.) Think about this: if they would teach some of the MORALS (and encourage them) of some of the religions, like being gay is wrong, then some of the students will be discriminated against. If the class taught the HISTORY of those religions and didn't imply that either of the religions was a correct path, or stay on one religion too long... well, we kinda have history class for that. :P I think it would make a nice elective. (An elective that will go into depth about those religions)

[Jupiter]

Think about this: if they would teach some of the MORALS (and encourage them) of some of the religions, like being gay is wrong, then some of the students will be discriminated against.

So wait, if we learn about religion at all, and let's say we learn Islam. Everyone that is not Islam goes to Islam Hell. Therefore, everyone who is not Islam is being discrimination.

[Bath]

AP World History covers all the religions and their history.

Take that.

[Jupiter]

AP World History covers all the religions and their history.

Take that.

But does everyone take AP History?

Take that.

[Angel Androgynous]

So wait, if we learn about religion at all, and let's say we learn Islam. Everyone that is not Islam goes to Islam Hell. Therefore, everyone who is not Islam is being discrimination.
I said if we learn about the morals, and if they encourage them. (For example, encouraging students to convert to Islam, or encouraging them to convert to Judaism, or Christianity or anything!)

But does everyone take AP History?

Take that.

Then they can take religion class as an elective if they wish. Why do you want this to be a required class?

[Jupiter]

Why do you want this to be a required class?

Because honestly, I think if an Islam has believed in Islam forever, and then learned about Judaism, idk. It just seems like if people learn about the religions, they would accept more. And, what if someone was searching for religions, like my friend is.

[Angel Androgynous]

Because honestly, I think if an Islam has believed in Islam forever, and then learned about Judaism, idk. It just seems like if people learn about the religions, they would accept more. And, what if someone was searching for religions, like my friend is.

Once again, if someone is searching for religions, then that class should be an elective. What about the people who really don't want an extra class to worry about? What about the people who are content with their religion? :P

[Jupiter]

Once again, if someone is searching for religions, then that class should be an elective. What about the people who really don't want an extra class to worry about? What about the people who are content with their religion? :P

People should learn anyways, so they know what they are talking about, and alternatives.

[huginnmuninn]

why dont they just have seperate classes for seperate religions. a christianity class a islamic class a jewish class a hindu class... etc.

[Jupiter]

too many classes....

[Angel Androgynous]

I still believe that it should be an elective. Don't you think students have enough to worry about? Math, Language Arts, second language, History, (not in the ninth grade for here, but they have an elective... which a LOT of people took) Science, PE. THOSE are all required classes! Should we really put more pressure on students for a class that could and should be an elective? I personally wouldn't want it to be a required class that I had to take... AND you'd have people picketing it, and it would be so much trouble to implement. (Especially with this recession and the school budget cuts)

[Jupiter]

k...

[Azunite]

We already have a religion class in Turkey. Just one hour a week, but it is more than enough. More than a quarter of it is Islam. The rest is about the development of religions throughout history, a brief history of all religions in the world, including their tenets, rules, morals, prophets etc etc etc.. It does change your perspective to life a bit, and All these are told from a neutral perspective.
I remember, our teacher taught us Buddhism so good, we were like "Is he a Buddhist?"

However, since the base of the class is Islam, Christians or students who belong to other religions have the right not to take the Religion class. THey simply sit in the library until the next lesson.

[aperson444]

Philosophy of Religion sounds like a good idea. In philosophy there is no right or wrong, and since it's probably a high school course, most of the class would be focused on history and the basic tenets of each religion rather than specific scriptures and such. The teacher would be supervised heavily of course, but I highly doubt there would be any way to fit bias into something like that without blatantly calling a religion false or wrong (which would get the teacher fired).

[Bath]

But does everyone take AP History?

Take that.

I meant take that class :3

[Genghis Khan]

I personally just think that would be unnecessary. Like, there's just no point in having this class at all.

Because honestly, I think if an Islam has believed in Islam forever

Islam = religion.
Muslim = person who follows Islam.

[Neptune]

It is a good idea but it would be hard to pull off. People would not want their children to get education on Muslim, Jewish, etc beliefs. I like the idea about knowing about all the religions, but, if you wanna know about it - that's what they internet can be used for. But other then that: I think it's a unrealistic idea. People would just complain and complain and it would be a waste of time to try. Hell, my 7th grade class had enough drama learning HOW religions were found and when. Can you imagine learning about what they teach and the responses from groups?

[AmusedDJ]

that should be an elective, but not a required class, because im pretty sure some people would get offended

[Jupiter]

^^ that is a good point. I would def take the elective.

[Maxxie]

So, let's require everybody to take a class that could be used wrongly by the teacher in charge to sway people's beliefs or give undue focus to one religion or another.

Let's require everybody to take a class that cannot be understood in a practical sense (or even in analytical sense) without context, and that context is perfectly given in other social studies (such as history).

Sorry. Religion has no applicable context in a required curriculum - all it would lead to is bullshit, bigotry, and apathy. So... no.

As an elective? Go ahead. But I doubt many students of a high school maturity level would be able to keep a respectful nature in that class for very long. I know I wouldn't.

[Amaryllis]

Why should anyone be required to take religion class? How far is it going to get you in life? Of course, it's nice to have some general knowledge and know of the different religions but should everyone be -required- to take it? No. And why would atheism be taught in religious studies?

Religion
The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, esp. a personal God or gods.

Does atheism fit under religion? No. And you say you could get an atheist as a teacher to discourage favouritism and bias but, atheists are people and everyone will be bias to some extent.

I agree that religious studies could be made as an elective, though, that can be learned in university, should you choose to take it. Being made to take religious studies, however, is a waste of time for people who do not plan to listen or utilise it(of course, that applies to all subjects). But unlike english or maths, it isn't particularly required.

Reading up on religion can be done in your own time and having a religion class would just lead to conflict, ill feelings, protests and discrimination.

[HaydenM]

I will start with my gripe, If i hear one more person call atheism a religion i will flip. Atheism is the belief of no religion.

As for a class i would say it should be elective as i know i would not have space for an essentially worthless subject and I know more about religion than many christians at my school.

The thing is, if they teach religion as what it actually is and show both sides, the happy side of the bible (which i am not saying is bad) and the bloody parts. The unfortunant part is if you teach actual religion you will have some christian or muslim or jewish mum who doesnt want her little timmy to hear such things.

[Jupiter]

^ That will happen, but it's not like they won't ever hear of other religions...

[abdheuuuchjc]

I believe in school, to understand religions, and beliefs, there should be a required religion class. I do not mean just Christianity. But other things, like Taoism, Greek Mythology, Hinduism, Monism, and even Atheism. What do you guys think?

I disagree. Somepeople don't kno what their religion is or what they want to be. Also I know some person will find fault and make a lawsuit. This country was founded on belief of separation of church and state

[huginnmuninn]

This country was founded on belief of separation of church and state

and here i thought that the country was founded because people were tired of england and their taxes. maybe the land was founded on the idea of freedom of religion but not the country... idk i'm probably wrong

[Maxxie]

and here i thought that the country was founded because people were tired of england and their taxes. maybe the land was founded on the idea of freedom of religion but not the country... idk i'm probably wrong

This country was founded on the separation of church and state. The people were tired of being oppressed by the incumbent King and his Church of England - it was religious as much as political.

Senatorial treaty with Tripoli:

As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.

[Sadworld]

I think we all should take up religion once in our life. Not because of belief but to have an understanding on what we don't believed on. It lessen the discremination I believe. My father is Muslim (White), my mother is chatolic, my sister and brother aethist. Me, a protestant. My family gets along pretty well considering that we all believe in different things or not believing in anything. As long we don't try to shove our belief down each others troath which never happens because we respect each others beliefs.

So yeah, I believe Religion should be an elective but the school should promote students to take it up. Plus it would be best that a priest of a certain religion teach the students (like a Rabbi teach Judaism, Priest teach Christianity, Imam teaches Islam) because they have a better undestanding about the religion then scholars albeit bias, which I believe gives us an understanding why they believe in that religion, more an insight thing. Also teachers shouldn't force their religion down a students throat.


P.S.: Sorry for my grammer or spelling if any.

[Aragorn]

Personally, I think it would be a good idea. It would be a great way to get people to understand all the minor religions too. By the way, you forgot Judaism in that list.

[Sadworld]

Personally, I think it would be a good idea. It would be a great way to get people to understand all the minor religions too. By the way, you forgot Judaism in that list.

Not used to forum talk :P So I'm not sure if you are talking about my post.

Haven't forgotten about them but I just didn't know what a Jewish priest is *shrugs*

[UnknownError]

We do loads inmy school. Christianity, Judaism, Hindu, Native American, Yoruba, Bushmen, Greek, Pan'ku etc.
And they get an equal amount of time.

Also teachers aren't allowed to express their personal religious (or political) views.

[Aragorn]

Not used to forum talk :P So I'm not sure if you are talking about my post.

Haven't forgotten about them but I just didn't know what a Jewish priest is *shrugs*
FYI they are called rabbis.

[Spook]

I think that schooling should be kept different from religion. Thats why we have churches, after all!

[Sadworld]

FYI they are called rabbis.

Thanks :) Will edit my post.

[Aragorn]

Okies. :)

[Sadworld]

I think that schooling should be kept different from religion. Thats why we have churches, after all!

Unless the school was made by that religion. :P

That's why making Religion an elective is a good idea but no religion lessons at all? Well that is another thing. People tend to only see the bad side of religion or anything else as a matter of fact. But by studying it a month or two can give one a general idea of religion and why people believe what they believe.

[supadupahitz]

A study of different religions from a perfectly neutral standpoint would be fine, but good luck getting a class that's truly neutral. Also, teaching morals is fine, as long as you express those morals are that religion's beliefs, and nothing more. Morals are a family and personal issues, not to be dictated by a class. If you want that, go to a private (cult) school.

[Amnesiac]

I believe in school, to understand religions, and beliefs, there should be a required religion class. I do not mean just Christianity. But other things, like Taoism, Greek Mythology, Hinduism, Monism, and even Atheism. What do you guys think?

I don't really care about having a religion class. However, it, like every other class, should be an option. Students should have complete control over what they want to learn.

[Sporadica]

I think when it comes to belief systems regardless of what kind of system should not be mandatory, also what if some students just do not give a flying **** about it? I think mandatory no but as an elective then it should be allowed. My school has a world religions class.

[Kuervo]

I already take Religion class- Theology, but Christianity mostly :P not fun >.>

[thatfatguy]

I don't think religion should be in schools at all.

[Kuervo]

Depends what school you go to. For example I attend a private Catholic high school.and religion classes are required all fours years

[kenoloor]

Depends what school you go to. For example I attend a private Catholic high school.and religion classes are required all fours years

That's because it's a Catholic school and they can get away with murder if they want to. Public school, in America anyway, not so much.

[Abyssinian]

I agree with OP. I remember from the age of seven I refused to take Religious Education at my school. I don't remember why, but I'm glad I made that choice, my school focused on the bible only. I think Religious Ed should teach children/teens about all aspects of religion, allowing the child to make an informed decision on their beliefs as they get older.

[Amnesiac]

I don't think religion should be in schools at all.

From an academic standpoint, it should be. Religion has had an immeasurable impact on human history and will continue to be a ridiculously powerful social force for centuries to come. It's important that religion and its impact on culture and history are taught and discussed in school social studies classes.

Still, a religion class in itself should be an elective.

[Kahn]

The impact religion has had on humanity is huge. Many of our values, morals, and traditions are around simply because of faith. I believe if we were to have a "religion class", that it should be taught from the perception of a neutral party. Like if the class was learning about the Crusades. Not from the view of an Islam, or from the view of a Christian. The students should learn it from fact.

[landone]

Hmm, I'm not sure... Like someone stated earlier, in AP European History and AP World History they kind of cover the basics. I don't think most high school students would be mature enough to take a religious class without bigotry, rudeness, and with an academic standpoint rather than a religious one. Maybe as an elective, just maybe.

[Amnesiac]

Hmm, I'm not sure... Like someone stated earlier, in AP European History and AP World History they kind of cover the basics.

However, most people aren't dedicated enough nor have the type of intellect required to take an AP class. I'm in WHAP because I like history, and I don't find it difficult. I'm willing to do the work. However, that definitely doesn't apply to the waves of people who dropped out with every consecutive test.

I don't think most high school students would be mature enough to take a religious class without bigotry, rudeness, and with an academic standpoint rather than a religious one. Maybe as an elective, just maybe.

Why wouldn't they? I'd assume most people are tolerant enough to handle learning about a religion. Of course, a class like this would either be an elective or merged with social studies (which, in most cases, it already is). The point is that religion is an important aspect of society and history, and that the opportunity to learn about it should be extended to every student. Unless you're talking about fundamentalist idiots, maturity won't be a problem.

[Rawwwrr]

In the UK Religious Studies is a legal requirement. Schools are required to teach it. We study the major world religions; Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism.

[thatfatguy]

I guess it is ok to teach about religion, but only if it is done without bias. The teachers can't say that the religion better than anything else.

[tundravortex]

it would be nice because im fullblood native american and i was the taught the bad part of our history when we did more good than bad

[Mirage]

Do not bump old threads.

:locked: