Should Religion be Taught in Schools

[frg001]

I very well will tell them what I believe. Don't know what I said that made you think I wouldn't. As for church... not so much.

No, I didn't mean to suggest you wouldn't.

What I was getting at is that I could see a lot of people not wanting the school to be an influence of the "worldly" kind in their children's spiritual education. And would probably be quite unhappy when their child came home stating that they think this, that, or the other religion has got it right over what mom and dad have been teaching.

Imagine the horror! A child beginning to think for itself!

But where do you stop? They are ALL theories in this sense. Scientology, devil-worship, flying spaghetti monster... all of it. Do you think any of the groups you, personally, don't want to be part of the curriculum are going to keep quiet while everyone else gets their fifteen minutes broadcast to all the youth of the world?

It would obviously be difficult to include all. But obviously we start with the big 3 , christianity, islam and hinduism (big 4 if you include non-belief), and then the other important Asian religions and world religions. I imagine quite a few could be taught over a term.
As for scientology...That really deserves nothing but ridicule. FSM...that's purely a parody anyway, although it could make a cool 'last week of term' 'breathe of fresh air'

 

[Masourga]

Imagine the horror! A child beginning to think for itself!

Hey, don't think I'm not with you on that one. It is only that I have a feeling how the masses would react to what we're discussing here, and, as unfortunate as it may be in some situations, it is their right to believe they are right in this area. And on something that would require as much of a hand from legislature as this would, I think you're going to be hard-pressed to find a majority to push it through. I could be as strong a proponent as any for something that would open people's eyes a bit more in this area and make them question and realize that sometimes it is okay (more than okay) to come to your own conclusions about these things. But I would also uphold others' rights to keep something like this excluded from the curriculum, given that any discussions failed to produce the required majority response.

 

[Trey of Diamonds]

As for scientology...That really deserves nothing but ridicule. FSM...that's purely a parody anyway, although it could make a cool 'last week of term' 'breathe of fresh air'

Boy, you just have no respect for anyone who believes in something you don't do you? Can't you just say "Oh, they believe in Scientology, good for them, I hope it works out for them?" If you can't show any respect for other peoples beliefs, how are we to believe you could design a religious education system that was respectful to all religions?

Oh, and I noticed that you are quick to jump on a thread about religion and education but the poll where everyones views are clearly spelled out you are silent? Why is that?

 

[frg001]

Boy, you just have no respect for anyone who believes in something you don't do you? Can't you just say "Oh, they believe in Scientology, good for them, I hope it works out for them?" If you can't show any respect for other peoples beliefs, how are we to believe you could design a religious education system that was respectful to all religions?

Oh, and I noticed that you are quick to jump on a thread about religion and education but the poll where everyones views are clearly spelled out you are silent? Why is that?

Sciemtology was created as a bet by a science fiction writer and pretty much reads like a science fiction story. FSM is a parody.
And I voted in the poll, AND commented. SO check your facts.

 

[Trey of Diamonds]

"Boy you have no respect for anyone who believes.." ... OF COURSE I DO.

As long as they aren't Scientologist? Is there any other belief system that you find too foolish to warrent your respect? What about Santeria? Zoroastrianism? Rastafarian? Are they allowed respect or are they just foolish paradies as well? If you restrict your respect to just the largest most mainstream of religions then you aren't truely showing respect to the religion but merely their numbers.

 

[frg001]

As long as they aren't Scientologist? Is there any other belief system that you find too foolish to warrent your respect? What about Santeria? Zoroastrianism? Rastafarian? Are they allowed respect or are they just foolish paradies as well? If you restrict your respect to just the largest most mainstream of religions then you aren't truely showing respect to the religion but merely their numbers.

Please go away and do some research on Scientology. L Ron Hubbard is accredited to have claimed that the best way to make a million is to start your own religion. He then did. And the theme is very much science fiction. They protect themselves with a bunch of doormen who have no problem with knocking down cameras, and using threatening behaviour. They are a complete joke, or rather, convuluted money-making scheme.

Would you have me show respect to the Moonies?

 

[frg001]

"Scientologists who have advanced to a state of "Clear" may continue onto the higher OT (or "Operating Thetan") Levels. In the previously confidential OT levels, Hubbard explains how to reverse the effects of past-life trauma patterns that supposedly extend millions of years into the past.[107] Among these advanced teachings is the story of Xenu (sometimes Xemu), introduced as an alien ruler of the "Galactic Confederacy." According to this story, 75 million years ago Xenu brought billions of people to Earth in spacecraft resembling Douglas DC-8 airliners, stacked them around volcanoes and detonated hydrogen bombs in the volcanoes. The thetans then clustered together, stuck to the bodies of the living, and continue to do this today. Scientologists at advanced levels place considerable emphasis on isolating thetans and neutralizing their ill effects"

 

[Trey of Diamonds]

Please go away and do some research on Scientology. L Ron Hubbard is accredited to have claimed that the best way to make a million is to start your own religion. He then did. And the theme is very much science fiction. They protect themselves with a bunch of doormen who have no problem with knocking down cameras, and using threatening behaviour. They are a complete joke, or rather, convuluted money-making scheme.

Would you have me show respect to the Moonies?

I would have you show respect for everyone. I suspect that your feelings for Scientology are the same as your feelings for religion but you feel as though you should pretend to treat them with respect because they are large and powerful. You feel comfortable spitting on scientology because so many others do so.

I'm very familiar with scientology so don't go trying to sound like the expert on the subject. I'd be surprised if you've done more than the standard Wiki research on the subject.

 

[Luminous]

Love! Love is my religion.

 

[Trey of Diamonds]

Love! Love is my religion.

Love and Pasta!

 

[frg001]

I would have you show respect for everyone. I suspect that your feelings for Scientology are the same as your feelings for religion but you feel as though you should pretend to treat them with respect because they are large and powerful. You feel comfortable spitting on scientology because so many others do so.

I'm very familiar with scientology so don't go trying to sound like the expert on the subject. I'd be surprised if you've done more than the standard Wiki research on the subject.

Again, you have no idea. I have tremendous respect for many religious people. Two people I would very much like to have been able to speak with, Martin Luther King Jr, and Tenzin Gyatzo, are two of the most inspirational people in history. The fact I disagree with their religious views is irrelevant. I have the utmost respect for most peoples religion. However there are many dangerous cults that are deserving of none, and I regard scientology as one of those.

 

[frg001]

I'd be surprised if you've done more than the standard Wiki research on the subject.

I watched a documentary where the cameramen and people trying to speak about it were roughed up by the scientology bodyguards...

Other than that, the standard wikisearch is far more time than they deserve.

 

[Trey of Diamonds]

Again, you have no idea. I have tremendous respect for many religious people. Two people I would very much like to have been able to speak with, Martin Luther King Jr, and Tenzin Gyatzo, are two of the most inspirational people in history. The fact I disagree with their religious views is irrelevant. I have the utmost respect for most peoples religion. However there are many dangerous cults that are deserving of none, and I regard scientology as one of those.

Why exactly is Scientology dangerous? Because Tom Cruise jumps on couches and is overly controlling of his wife? I understand what a danderous cult is and while I think most of scientology is silly, I don't see the danger. And I certainly see no reason to disrespect those who choose to believe.

 

[frg001]

Why exactly is Scientology dangerous? Because Tom Cruise jumps on couches and is overly controlling of his wife? I understand what a danderous cult is and while I think most of scientology is silly, I don't see the danger. And I certainly see no reason to disrespect those who choose to believe.

What's Wrong with Scientology? | Scientology Lies

I especially like this one
Scientology disconnect policy destroying families

 

[Trey of Diamonds]

Yeah, I can find anti-anything pages everywhere.

Mormon Dangers - Latter Day Saints
The Christian Cult: Brainwash And Mind Control In The Name Of The Lord? - ExChristian.Net - Articles

I will admit that there are aspects to scientology that I find disturbing but I still have respect for the person who believes in it.

 

[frg001]

Yeah, I can find anti-anything pages everywhere.

Mormon Dangers - Latter Day Saints
The Christian Cult: Brainwash And Mind Control In The Name Of The Lord? - ExChristian.Net - Articles

I will admit that there are aspects to scientology that I find disturbing but I still have respect for the person who believes in it.

...and so can I. I said I have no respect for scientology...not the suckers who get drawn in. Respect is earned on an individual basis.
I detest islam and christianity too, because of the horrors they have both brought upon the world, but I have huge respect for individuals in each of those religions...You see the difference?

 

[Trey of Diamonds]

You see the difference?

Yes, but this is the first time you have voiced the difference. Thank you for the clarification.

 

[boristhescot]

A proposed curriculum:
Judaism
Islam
Christianity
Hinduism
Bhuddism
Zoroastrianism
Sheikism
Confusionists
Taoists
Shinto

Explore the origins, historical figures, developments, and general beliefs of each.
Christianity would explore the general origins of Ancient Christianity to Chatholosism to Protestantism. Protestantism would not cover individual protestant religions so nobody feels left out. Discussion of beliefs would focus on the common held beliefs. Where there are differences, it would be presented as "Some believe..." without discussion of which hold what particular beliefs. Anything missing? What do you think?

 

[Lindsey-Loo]

A proposed curriculum:
Judaism
Islam
Christianity
Hinduism
Bhuddism
Zoroastrianism
Sheikism
Confusionists
Taoists
Shinto

Explore the origins, historical figures, developments, and general beliefs of each.
Christianity would explore the general origins of Ancient Christianity to Chatholosism to Protestantism. Protestantism would not cover individual protestant religions so nobody feels left out. Discussion of beliefs would focus on the common held beliefs. Where there are differences, it would be presented as "Some believe..." without discussion of which hold what particular beliefs. Anything missing? What do you think?

We actually did study all of these in 7th and 9th grade. For the seventh grade curriculum, our teacher divided us into small groups and we each researched a religion and made a presentation to the class. In ninth grade, there was a broader scope of religions to choose from and we each researched one individually and presented it to the class.

Some kids had a problem with it, but I thought it was really interesting. I think all schools should have some kind of mandatory (unless a parent has a problem with it) world religion course within the history or social studies class. It would probably help kids understand other people better and provide a sturdier ground for religious tolerance.

 

[Sententia]

We actually did study all of these in 7th and 9th grade. For the seventh grade curriculum, our teacher divided us into small groups and we each researched a religion and made a presentation to the class. In ninth grade, there was a broader scope of religions to choose from and we each researched one individually and presented it to the class.

Some kids had a problem with it, but I thought it was really interesting. I think all schools should have some kind of mandatory (unless a parent has a problem with it) world religion course within the history or social studies class. It would probably help kids understand other people better and provide a sturdier ground for religious tolerance.

Comparitive religion has a lot of merit. Compare holidays, the origin of each and various gods the masses pay homage too. A big homer sized pie slice of tolerance might end up being enjoyed.