Religous Education

colbtech · Jun 28, 2006, 06:31 AM

Just a thought....

What do members think of Religous Education in their respective countries.

My apologies for any offence this may create. I am a total atheist, I cannot bring myself to believe in an omnipotent being, but that's who I am.

I am all for religous tolerance and feel that if "we" were all taught the basics about the various "main" religions of the world....maybe, just maybe the whole place would be a darn site nicer place!

Throughout history, more people have been killed, murdered, etc for the sake of one God or another than any other reason, and yet as far as I know all Gods teaching preach peace! (Those who wish to differ feel free)

The question is about religous education, not the merits of one God over another.

Thanks

Morganite · Jul 3, 2006, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeedKarma

Leave it the parents to teach about religion not an educator.

You must see the distinction between indoctrination and education. Indoctrination has as its legitimate aim, the inculcation of faith. The aim of education is to impart information, not to convert. The best parents in the world cannot teach that of which they are ignorant.

If I remember correctly, the question was whether religious education (not religious indoctrination) should be taught to spread understanding and tolerance. If it does that, and it should, then who can possibly be against it?

[SIZE="5"]MRGANITE[/SIZE]

Morganite · Jul 3, 2006, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by valinors_sorrow

Hmmm, what an interesting concept you have there... almost like maybe require any educational facility that teaches religion to give a comparative course first? The only trouble I see with that is some countries would do it and some would not and some would dance on a slippery slope. What to do about all the noncompliance? Makes me shudder a little, hmm?

I have never been a big fan of legislated morality. I think its more potent as lessons learned on an individual basis. And while I agree with Morganite that ignorance can be deadly, I am also aware that while you can force a book in front of someone, you cannot necessarily make them learn. I see an easier softer path in that the world (meaning the majority of people) can put pressure on their respective religious leaders to adapt a respectful and tolerant tone that filters from the top down. I still believe we are the power even though we don't exercise it often enough.

This is the dawn of the "information age" and as the world learns, it changes and I think there may be some dawning awareness by churches that their flocks are far more sophisticated in their thinking than they once were, at least in places where information access is uninhibited. That is definately going to make a difference in the long run, I think!

Who we are in the world collectively is largely determined by how we were raised. And I really like what Ghandi said about "we must be the change we seek in the world." .....ergo, I am religiously tolerant, I like to think? If I had been blessed with kids, I would have hoped to pass that on to them.

I believe that you have wandered off course here. There are some enlightened countries in the world where religious education is a normal part of the school curriculum. As there are math teachers, English teachers, etc., so there are religious education teachers who follow a prescribed curriculum that deals with the major principles of the world's six major faiths.

Education is not a matter of forcing someone to read a book, but of enticing them to open their minds to the world of ideas, and teaching them how best to use their minds to think straight and reach conclusions based on evidence, rather than be fetterd throughout their lives by the chains of ignorance, bigotry, and intolerance.

Parents who are not educated in mind expanding experiences and who do not think on life's m,ajor aims, etc., are unable to pass anything on to their children other than baseless prejudices. Education lifts the lid on their world of darkness, lets in the light of discovery, and frees the children from walking through the same dark minded world as their parents did.

When the world was smaller and all we knew of faith was that which predominated in our nations, religious education was either a curiosity like the six-toed sloth, or else it was given to satisfying the catechical demands of an established denomination. The world has changed, and the major faiths and several minor ones are probably well represented in our communities. The reduction of suspicion, hostility, and misunderstanding is the aim or religious education. And, I aver, it is a noble aim, one worthy of our best attention.

MRGANITE

Morganite · Jul 3, 2006, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by valinors_sorrow

Nods in agreement.. nod nod nod lol
Actually parents teach it, actively or subconsciously, whether they realise it or not.....as they do many many things.

Some do, and some don't.

M

Morganite · Jul 3, 2006, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by talaniman

by colbtech

Thank you!

Agree ++++++++++

[SIZE="4"]M[/SIZE]

valinors_sorrow · Jul 3, 2006, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morganite

There are some enlightened countries in the world where religious education is a normal part of the school curriculum.....curriculum that deals with the major principles of the world's six major faiths.

Yes actually I knew that Morganite mostly because I attended such a course as offered in my enlightened school system but thank you for the reminder here. For the record, the course was an elective, as I think it has to be given that this took place in the US.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morganite

Education is not a matter of forcing someone to read a book, but of enticing them to open their minds to the world of ideas, and teaching them how best to use their minds to think straight and reach conclusions based on evidence, rather than be fetterd throughout their lives by the chains of ignorance, bigotry, and intolerance.

That is precisely how I experienced the majority of my educational life and I feel very fortunate for it. I am mindful however that too many educational facilites, especially some around the world like very ones you mentioned, do not work like that. They should, but they don't... which is why I raised the compliance issue. And even if they do, the damage done by parental prejudice is a tall order for even the best of required education to overcome. You only need look at black history education in the US to see evidence of that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morganite

Parents who are not educated in mind expanding experiences and who do not think on life's major aims, etc., are unable to pass anything on to their children other than baseless prejudices.

And trust me, they will claim that as "education" dispite any semantics lessons you might offer. And there are many ways to "educate" or become "educated"....one of the most potent for me is the power of example. I believe it may be for many others too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morganite

The reduction of suspicion, hostility, and misunderstanding is the aim of religious education. It is a noble aim, one worthy of our best attention.

I agree! And my point was there is simply no stopping the individual from seeking enlightenment (despite his/her poor parenting or educational system) if they are in a free-access information environment. I am actually more on your side than you may realise Morganite since I believe religious education has merit. Its just when I look beyond the idea, I see practical application problems and I was discussing those and offering a viable alternative.

PS - Do you need to proofread your signature line, Morganite, "do you feel to sing along" doesn't seem complete?

Morganite · Jul 5, 2006, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by valinors_sorrow

Yes actually I knew that Morganite mostly because I attended such a course as offered in my enlightened school system but thank you for the reminder here. For the record, the course was an elective, as I think it has to be given that this took place in the US.

That is precisely how I experienced the majority of my educational life and I feel very fortunate for it. I am mindful however that too many educational facilites, especially some around the world like very ones you mentioned, do not work like that. They should, but they don't... which is why I raised the compliance issue. And even if they do, the damage done by parental prejudice is a tall order for even the best of required education to overcome. You only need look at black history education in the US to see evidence of that.

And trust me, they will claim that as "education" dispite any semantics lessons you might offer. And there are many ways to "educate" or become "educated"....one of the most potent for me is the power of example. I believe it may be for many others too.

I agree! And my point was there is simply no stopping the individual from seeking enlightenment (despite his/her poor parenting or educational system) if they are in a free-access information environment. I am actually more on your side than you may realise Morganite since I believe religious education has merit. Its just when I look beyond the idea, I see practical application problems and I was discussing those and offering a viable alternative.

PS - Do you need to proofread your signature line, Morganite, "do you feel to sing along" doesn't seem complete?

Val,

My signature line is good spoken English of a particular type. However, I recently changed it for another line (vide sub) so it ought not to irk further.

Thank you for your clarifications.

M



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