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

RickJ

...not really sure what you're asking...does this address it?:

I think the "religious education" in public schools up through High School is so nominal that it is neither harmful nor helpful.

At the College level, though, I think "comparative religion" is handled very nicely.

Krs

Colbtech I just totally agree with your second to last phrase because thats how i interpret religion and god as peace not to kill, murder in the name of what people believe in.

I was brought up catholic but im more agnostic. I like to believe there is a good force of nature above all of us.

I had religious studies everyday at school and one lesson was a double lesson!
99.9% of the population of malta are catholics thou!

colbtech

Rick: Never had the option of "Comparative Religions" when I was at school (when I was there). From what I remember there was no right or wrong religion, just "It is wrong not to believe, you'll go to hell"

Krs: I too believe that there is good in all of us regardless of religion. I also had Double Divinity Monday mornings first and second lesson.

Now I know why I don't like Mondays! Thanks for the reminder.....

Krs

I never had a choice of religion when at school.

Infact my husband is no religion and when we talk about the future and our kids, he does ask me if he expects me to baptise them catholics.
Although all schools are catholic school and even private schools you are thought religion i would rather teach my kids and let them learn at school about religion then they can make their own choice. Im a firm believer of that!

If i had to pick a religion i think buddhism would suit me

NeedKarma

It's funny when I look back at it - I went to Catholic school all my life, private boys Jesuit college, even graduated from Bishop's University (LOL) and it never had an effect on me. The education was wonderful mind you, I always tested higher than my public school friends.

My first child is about to enter the public school system here in Canada and I haven't even looked into what they do for religion courses. As long as it's fair and balanced (like FOX News!) she can make up her own mind and ask us questions. What I don't want to someone instilling fear, guilt and hate in her sweet little mind.

Jesushelper76

True, Needkarma. There are many religions out there that instill fear into people. Predictions of the end of the world. If you do not follow a certain religion you will go to ----. All that stuff, but not all of it is bad. Not all people believe in those teachings anymore. People I think are a lot more opened minded today. I personally do think it would be beneficial if they taught religion class, regardless of belief. There are many people who are interested in many different beliefs and it is up to each individual what they believe and do not believe. I was brought up roman catholic but there are things that I do disagree with. It was intimidating going to confession all the time trying to come up with things you did wrong to tell the priest. Anyway, I personally have read the bible on my own, I go by what is written in my heart and soul. That is what we all need to follow. To wait until a child is older to let them explore what belief is good for them would be beneficial but could also be bad, there are many people who get caught up in cults because they do not know any difference. I guess that is a whole other ball game. I am going to stop rambling. Choice is good. Religion teachings in school, good. I agree with teaching variety of religions. Instead of just one.

Joe

J_9

Unfortunatley here in the States we are supposed to keep religion out of school. However, the school my daughter, she is 12 and in 7th grade, attends has found an interesting way to teach what Rickj calles "comparative religion." They have turned it over to the Social Studies department and she is being taught Buddhism, Daoism, Islam, Confuscinism, and the like. She feels it is very interesting and opened her eyes to different kinds of people.

colbtech

I think that I would have found this far more interesting than the standard C of E education that I was subjected to.

J_9

At 12 years old, she has found it extremely interesting. As a matter of fact, in college last semester I chose a course for an elective called Survey of World Religions, and was even able to get into a rather adult conversation about the beliefs of other faiths with my 12 year old.

She said that this has taught her to be more considerate of other ways of life.